"When the Crocodiles Came to Town" by Magda Brol (Orchard Books)

This book definitely has us pondering the picture book as an art form. Take a look at Magda Brol's superb "When the Crocodiles Came to Town."

As C gets older and wiser (and fussier about picture books) it takes a certain blend of picture book ingredients to win her over.

Well, both of us really. After you've been reviewing children's books for ten years, you're always on the look-out for something that brings a new method of conveying a particular message to the table.

It's becoming more and more prevalent in children's picture books that messages of acceptance, and celebrating differences - as "different is good" are needed more than ever.

Kids must look at news stories and reports and just shake their heads sometimes, and I know in particular kids of C's age group are definitely affected by what's going on around the whole Brexit debacle here in the UK.

In Magda's book, two chaotic crocodiles are the subject of much consternation for the townsfolk. They're outsiders, they do things differently - and though they don't actually cause any trouble, the townsfolk can't be doing with them at all.

Eventually it becomes too much for them - and they're forced to leave. But this leaves the town at the mercy of two nefarious robbers, who are looking to steal as much as they can.

Will the crocodiles return and perhaps see those nasty robbers off? And what will the townsfolk think of their "outsiders" then?

We loved this from the moment we clapped eyes on the colourful cover, and read through several times to soak up the hugely positive message here. Kids learn from their parents that differences can be celebrated and embraced and it's also great to see so many picture books taking up this cause too. Perhaps if the kids can get the message, we grown ups (who should really know better) can too.

Sum this book up in a sentence: A fabulous book with a strong moral message about celebrating 'differences' with a subtle but beautifully delivered punchline or two.

"When the Crocodiles Came to Town" by Magda Brol is out now, published by Orchard Books (kindly supplied for review).