Sierra, Judy, 2000. The Gift of the Crocodile. Ill. by Reynold Ruffins. New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. ISBN 0689821883
In the setting of Indonesia, a young girl named Damura suffers the death of her mother and convinces her father to marry again to a women--who promises her a doll in return. She does this and seals her fate of gaining a cruel stepmother and stepsister. After being treated as a servant, Damura is eventually befriended by an enchanted crocodile, "Grandmother Crocodile". Damura plays the role of Cinderella but with a twist in the end...the stepmother and stepsister are primarily exiled with the threat of death upon their return.
This story has a excellent grasp on the elements of the Indonesian culture. The illustrations further illuminate the multicolored fabrics and apparel differences in comparison to European courtly attire. The text breaths frankness and truth within the characters' dialogue--about death, "There came a time when Damura's mother grew weak and she knew she would not live much longer". Which brings a certain confrontation of reality to the young reader...which could aid in coping with the death of a loved one.
This book was recognized by the Children's Literature Choice List
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