I stumbled across this book in our school library. It was lying face up, and I couldn’t resist such a terrifying title juxtaposed with an adorable little crocodile.
Little Achilles, the crocodile, has grown tired of eating his morning bananas. And despite his mother’s protestations, he turns up his long nose and says, “…I’d really like to eat a child.”
I’ve got my eye on you!
But his mom and dad aren’t buying it. They’re tempting Achilles with other treats like tasty sausages.
Little Achilles isn’t swayed.
His parents concoct another goody that appeals to his sweet tooth. Chocolate cake!
Tempting little Achilles only for a moment. He insists, “Today, I’d really like to eat a child.”
So, feeling a little weak from lack of food, little Achilles strikes out for the river because a swim will take his mind off not getting what he wants. Lo and behold! He finds a child!
But let me remind you that Achilles is, well—little. What could possibly go wrong?
Think back to how you yearned to be old enough, strong enough, tall enough, fast enough, etc….to do the things you wanted to do. Kids will find it easy to empathize with little Achilles and still laugh at his interaction with the child by the river. And the ending?
Well, little Achilles has a plan to get bigger, and then child—you’d better watch out!
If you don’t recognize the author and illustrator, it’s most likely because they’re both French. First published in France in 2004, under the original title: Je mangerais bien un enfant by l’école des loisirs, it holds its own against today’s quirky picture books with a humorous (and perhaps a little dark) twist.
TITLE: I’d Really Like to Eat a Child
AUTHOR: Sylviane Donnio
ILLUSTRATOR: Dorothée de Monfried
TRANSLATOR: Leslie Martin
PUBLISHER: Random House (American printing), 2007
AGE RANGE: preschool-1st grade
THEMES: wanting to do something you’re not quite ready to do, eating to get big and strong
For more perfect picture books, check out Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday listing.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
Oh yes, I remember this in French from my Monaco library. I love this humor and their expressions.
Yes, I thought the illustrations were especially expressive. Reminded me of “I Don’t Want to Be a Frog.”
Definitely a catchy title! Makes even the adults take notice. 😄
It adds a little thrill of excitement to the reading, like movies that take you for a ride and leave you sitting safely in your theater seat at the end.
You left us with a cliff hangar. Will have to check it out to see what happens. Sounds hilarious!
Hooked you! Yay! I can’t see how anyone could leave this one unopened after reading the title.
I can’t imagine anyone reading the title of this book and passing it by. Wow! It got my attention and I hope my library has a copy because I sure want to find out what happens next.
I think you’ll enjoy finding out!
Oh my goodness, what a precious story. Title is great. How can you not want to read it to find out more!
Yes, too good to resist!
I love the title, it would certainly make me pick the book up and no doubt will soon!
It gives one a bit of a frisson at first glance, doesn’t it? I think that’s one reason kids would gravitate toward it. Cheers!
Like everyone else I love the title. I’ve never heard of this one. I’ll have to look for it. Thanks for sharing this cute book!
Hope you can find it! It would be a fun read aloud!