Shadow Dance — Donna Perrone

Singing and dancing with her shadow, Salome hears the cries of a crocodile trapped in a gully. It takes only a moment for the kind and resourceful girl to free him. But instead of being grateful, the crocodile traps Salome. Can she come up with a good reason why he shouldn't eat her for lunch? Even if she can, he won't let her go! With the help of a friendly pigeon, Salome makes her escape, and the duplicitous Crocodile winds up right where he deserves to be. Based on a traditional theme in European, Asian, and African folklore, this story of ingratitude and its comeuppance is illustrated with vividly colored pastel drawings that enhance the suspense and humor of the text. The tune of Salome's song is included so that readers can sing along. Author's note, glossary.