Young Gabby the Gator is feeling sad and self-conscious as friend after friend criticizes her appearance. Hattie the Hippo finds fault with the look and texture of Gabby’s scales, calling them ugly, hard, and tough. Zennie the Zebra disparages the sharpness of Gabby’s teeth, recommending that Gabby alter or hide them. Fannie the Flamingo compares Gabby to herself and finds her friend sorely lacking. Fannie disapproves of the color of Gabby’s skin, finding it drab. She suggests that Gabby should be a grand color like pink instead. Understandably disheartened, Gabby shares her friends’ hurtful criticisms with her father as he tucks her into bed that night. Daddy Gator tells Gabby to be proud of who she is and to ignore the painful words of her friends. He then explains to Gabby the beauty and advantages of each of the characteristics that her friends so carelessly maligned.

Alabama native Edwards’ love of writing and sharing stories with children is on full display in this tale. She uses personification and a cute rhyme scheme to deliver important lessons while creating a story that young readers will love. The book portrays the impact of hurtful words, thoughtless criticisms, and harsh comparisons, particularly when delivered by friends. When Gabby’s playmates criticize the very characteristics that identify her as a gator, they unknowingly make her ashamed of who she is. The author delivers the poignant message that physical appearance and skin color should not be criticized as these characteristics are beyond one’s control. Rather, people should be assessed solely on the basis of their character and what’s in their hearts. Edwards ends the book with Gabby’s powerful realization that what makes her unique is also what makes her great. This is a wonderful children’s story that has valuable lessons for readers of all ages.

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