Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Humorous, Witty, Adventurous, Light-hearted
- Read it if
- You enjoy mischievous villains, clever animal heroes, and a satisfyingly silly comeuppance, all wrapped in a short, humorous package.
- Skip it if
- You prefer gentle stories without any peril or a clear antagonist, or if you dislike the idea of a character being 'thrown into the sun'.
The Enormous Crocodile Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Enormous Crocodile's Secret Plan
The story starts with the Enormous Crocodile telling the Notsobig One, another crocodile, about his hunger. He says he will leave the river to hunt for a child, claiming they are 'much juicier' than fish. The Notsobig One warns him not to do this, reminding him that crocodiles should eat fish. However, the Enormous Crocodile, full of 'secret plans and clever tricks,' ignores the warning. He sets off, convinced he is the 'cleverest crocodile in the whole wide world,' determined to find a child despite his fellow reptile's disapproval.
Humpy-Rumpy's Warning
As the Enormous Crocodile leaves the river, he meets Humpy-Rumpy the Hippopotamus. He announces his plan to eat a child, expecting praise. Humpy-Rumpy is disgusted, calling the crocodile 'a greedy brute' and hoping he will fail. He warns the Enormous Crocodile that he will try to stop him from harming any children. The Enormous Crocodile laughs, confident in his ability to outsmart any animal or human, and continues towards the children's playground, dismissing Humpy-Rumpy's threat.
Trunky's Disapproval
Further along, the Enormous Crocodile meets Trunky the Elephant, who is eating leaves from a tree. The crocodile again talks about his 'secret plans and clever tricks' to catch a child for lunch. Trunky is shocked by the crocodile's cruelty. He says he will do everything he can to stop the crocodile from eating children, calling such an act 'disgusting' and 'horrible.' The Enormous Crocodile, not bothered, mocks Trunky and continues, believing his cleverness will ensure success.
Gippy's Skepticism
The Enormous Crocodile next meets Gippy the Giraffe, who is eating leaves from a tall tree. The crocodile, still proud, shares his plan to eat a child. Gippy, rather than being shocked, expresses doubt. He tells the crocodile he is 'too ugly and too smelly' to catch a child. He also warns that humans are clever and will likely outwit him. The Enormous Crocodile, however, ignores Gippy's advice, believing his 'secret plans and clever tricks' are foolproof. He continues his journey towards the town, certain of his meal.
Roly-Poly Bird's Plea
Finally, the Enormous Crocodile meets the Roly-Poly Bird, who is singing. The crocodile, for the fifth time, announces his intention to eat a child. The Roly-Poly Bird, horrified, asks him why he wants to eat children when there are many other things to eat. She warns him that it is a 'wicked thing to do.' The Enormous Crocodile is unmoved by her plea. He sees her as a possible snack if he cannot find a child. He continues towards the town, ignoring the bird's moral objections.
First Trick: Coconut Tree
The Enormous Crocodile reaches the edge of town and sees children playing. He plans his first 'secret plan and clever trick': he finds a small coconut tree, pulls it up, and sticks it into his mouth. He stands perfectly still, pretending to be a coconut tree, hoping a child will come underneath to pick a coconut. He waits, jaws ready to snap shut. A little boy named Toto approaches, suspicious of the 'tree's' wobbly appearance. Toto is about to investigate when Humpy-Rumpy the Hippopotamus charges in and knocks the crocodile away, saving Toto.
Second Trick: Park Bench
Not giving up, the Enormous Crocodile tries another 'clever trick.' He finds a park bench and, using his strength, bends himself into the shape of a bench, hoping children will sit on him. Two little girls, Mary and Jane, approach, thinking it is a new bench. They almost sit down, but Trunky the Elephant rushes forward. He recognizes the crocodile and, using his trunk, lifts the crocodile high into the air, spinning him before throwing him far away. This foils the crocodile's plan and saves the children.
Third Trick: See-Saw
Still determined, the Enormous Crocodile tries a third trick. He finds a playground with a see-saw and stretches his long body to look exactly like one. He lies perfectly still, waiting for children to play on him. Two boys, Peter and John, run towards him, excited to play. They begin to jump onto the 'see-saw,' but Gippy the Giraffe arrives. Gippy, with his long neck, scoops up the boys and pulls them to safety, warning them that the 'see-saw' is actually the hungry crocodile. This ruins the crocodile's third attempt.
Fourth Trick: Merry-Go-Round
The Enormous Crocodile, getting frustrated but not giving up, tries his most elaborate trick. He goes to a fairground where a merry-go-round is. He stretches his body, wraps it around the central pole, and holds onto the wooden horses with his teeth, pretending to be a merry-go-round. Several children, including a girl named Lucy, excitedly climb aboard. Just as he is about to spin and eat them, the Roly-Poly Bird flies in and pecks him on the nose. The sudden pain makes him flinch, and the children realize the danger, quickly jumping off.
The Final Spin
After the Roly-Poly Bird's intervention, Trunky the Elephant arrives. He is angry with the Enormous Crocodile for his constant attempts to eat children. Trunky grabs the crocodile by his tail with his powerful trunk. He swings the Enormous Crocodile around with great force, creating a dizzying blur. With a mighty heave, Trunky flings the spinning crocodile high into the sky. The Enormous Crocodile flies through the air, past the sun and the moon, and lands with a splash on a distant star, where he is instantly 'sizzled up like a sausage.' The children cheer, and the jungle animals celebrate his defeat.
The Enormous Crocodile Characters
The Enormous Crocodile
Antagonist
A greedy, boastful crocodile determined to eat a child.
The Enormous Crocodile is the central antagonist of the story. He is characterized by his immense size, insatiable hunger, and cunning, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, 'secret plans and clever tricks.' He is arrogant and dismissive of the warnings from other jungle animals, believing himself to be the 'cleverest crocodile in the whole wide world.' His sole motivation is to eat a 'plump, juicy child,' which drives the entire plot. He shows no remorse or understanding of the wrongness of his actions, only frustration when his plans are foiled. His demise is a direct result of his persistent wickedness.
Relationships: Notsobig One (fellow crocodile, disapproves of his plan); Humpy-Rumpy (hippopotamus, opposes his plan); Trunky (elephant, vehemently opposes and ultimately defeats him); Gippy (giraffe, warns him but is ignored); Roly-Poly Bird (bird, tries to reason with him and eventually foils a trick)
Trunky the Elephant
Supporting
The powerful elephant who ultimately defeats the Enormous Crocodile.
Trunky the Elephant is a kind and powerful jungle animal who takes a strong stance against the Enormous Crocodile's wicked intentions. He is characterized by his immense strength and his unwavering moral compass. He expresses disgust at the crocodile's plan to eat children and actively intervenes multiple times to protect them. His role culminates in the dramatic defeat of the Enormous Crocodile, grabbing him by the tail and flinging him into outer space. Trunky represents justice and the collective power of good over evil.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (nemesis, ultimately defeats him); Children (protector)
Humpy-Rumpy the Hippopotamus
Supporting
A protective hippopotamus who warns and thwarts the crocodile.
Humpy-Rumpy is one of the first animals to confront the Enormous Crocodile about his plan. He is characterized by his protective nature and his strong disapproval of the crocodile's greed. He calls the crocodile a 'greedy brute' and actively intervenes in the crocodile's first attempt to catch a child, charging in and knocking him away from the unsuspecting Toto. Humpy-Rumpy represents the immediate, physical defense against the crocodile's threats, showing that the community of animals stands united against him.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (opponent, foils his first trick); Children (protector)
Gippy the Giraffe
Supporting
A perceptive giraffe who warns of the crocodile's unsuitability for hunting children.
Gippy the Giraffe is a tall and observant animal who, like the others, disapproves of the Enormous Crocodile's plan. He is characterized by his calm demeanor and practical warnings, telling the crocodile he is 'too ugly and too smelly' to catch a child and that humans are clever. He later uses his long neck to rescue Peter and John from the crocodile's see-saw trick, demonstrating his protective role. Gippy's interventions highlight the crocodile's own flaws and the community's vigilance.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (opponent, foils his third trick); Children (protector)
The Roly-Poly Bird
Supporting
A musical bird who tries to reason with and later foils the crocodile.
The Roly-Poly Bird is a cheerful and compassionate creature, initially singing joyfully. She is characterized by her gentle nature and her attempt to reason with the Enormous Crocodile, asking him why he wants to eat children. When reasoning fails, she becomes an active participant in foiling his plans, pecking him on the nose when he poses as a merry-go-round. Her actions show that even the smallest creatures can play a vital role in resisting evil. She represents the voice of moral conscience and active intervention.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (opponent, foils his fourth trick); Children (protector)
The Notsobig One
Supporting
A fellow crocodile who disapproves of the Enormous Crocodile's cannibalistic plans.
The Notsobig One is another crocodile, smaller than the protagonist. He serves as an initial moral voice, warning the Enormous Crocodile against eating children and reminding him that crocodiles should eat fish. His role is brief but significant, establishing early on that the Enormous Crocodile's intentions are not only wicked but also against the natural order of their species. He represents the voice of reason and tradition among the crocodiles, highlighting the Enormous Crocodile's deviance.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (fellow crocodile, disapproves of his plan)
Toto
Mentioned
A little boy nearly caught by the crocodile's coconut tree trick.
Toto is the first child to be targeted by the Enormous Crocodile. He is a curious little boy who approaches the disguised coconut tree, showing initial suspicion about its wobbly appearance. His near-capture highlights the immediate danger posed by the crocodile and prompts Humpy-Rumpy's intervention. Toto represents the innocent children that the jungle animals are trying to protect, making the crocodile's threat tangible.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (potential victim); Humpy-Rumpy (rescued by)
Mary and Jane
Mentioned
Two little girls nearly caught by the crocodile's park bench trick.
Mary and Jane are two little girls who almost fall victim to the Enormous Crocodile's park bench disguise. They are portrayed as innocent and unsuspecting, excited by the prospect of a new bench. Their close call further emphasizes the danger and the cleverness of the crocodile's disguises, as well as the necessity of the animals' interventions. Trunky the Elephant saves them just in time, reinforcing the animals' protective roles.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (potential victims); Trunky (rescued by)
Peter and John
Mentioned
Two boys nearly caught by the crocodile's see-saw trick.
Peter and John are two boys who eagerly approach the Enormous Crocodile disguised as a see-saw. They are depicted as playful and unsuspecting, typical children enjoying their time in the playground. Their near-miss with the crocodile underscores the pervasive threat he poses to the children. Gippy the Giraffe's quick action in pulling them to safety highlights the ongoing vigilance of the jungle animals against the crocodile's 'clever tricks.'
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (potential victims); Gippy (rescued by)
Lucy
Mentioned
A girl nearly caught by the crocodile's merry-go-round trick.
Lucy is one of the children who eagerly climbs onto the Enormous Crocodile when he is disguised as a merry-go-round. She represents the final group of children targeted by the crocodile, illustrating his escalating and more elaborate schemes. Her near-capture is crucial for the Roly-Poly Bird's last-minute intervention, which then sets the stage for Trunky's ultimate defeat of the crocodile. Lucy's role emphasizes the culmination of the crocodile's threat before his permanent removal.
Relationships: The Enormous Crocodile (potential victim); Roly-Poly Bird (rescued by)
The Enormous Crocodile Themes
Good vs. Evil
This is the main theme, shown through the Enormous Crocodile's desire to eat children and the other jungle animals' efforts to protect them. The crocodile is pure evil and greed, driven by his hunger for human children. In contrast, Humpy-Rumpy, Trunky, Gippy, and the Roly-Poly Bird show goodness, selflessness, and protection. Their unity against the threat shows good winning over evil, ending with the crocodile's deserved defeat, which means wickedness does not pay off.
“You are a greedy brute! I hope you get squashed and squished and properly mashed!”
Justice and Consequences
The story shows that bad actions have serious results. The Enormous Crocodile repeatedly tries to harm innocent children, ignoring all warnings. Each of his 'clever tricks' fails because the other animals are watchful. The story leads to an act of justice, where Trunky the Elephant not only stops the crocodile but punishes him permanently by throwing him into space. This is a clear lesson: those who do evil will face consequences, and safety and order are restored.
“And with a mighty swing, he flung the Enormous Crocodile high, high up into the sky.”
Community and Cooperation
Community and cooperation are important to the plot. While the Enormous Crocodile acts alone in his wickedness, the other jungle animals, though different species, work together to protect the children. Humpy-Rumpy, Trunky, Gippy, and the Roly-Poly Bird each help stop the crocodile's plans. This shows that working together is more powerful than individual malice. Their combined efforts keep the children safe and lead to the crocodile's downfall, showing strength in unity.
“We must all stop him!”
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The Enormous Crocodile uses deception, using 'secret plans and clever tricks' to disguise himself as harmless objects like a coconut tree, a park bench, a see-saw, and a merry-go-round. This theme looks at the difference between how things appear and how dangerous they really are. Children are at first fooled by these disguises, showing their innocence and vulnerability. However, the other animals are watchful and see through the crocodile's tricks. They always show his true, evil nature, reinforcing that evil can hide but cannot fool those who are truly careful.
“He looked exactly like a lovely wooden park bench.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Anthropomorphism
Animals with human-like qualities and speech.
Roald Dahl extensively uses anthropomorphism, giving the jungle animals human characteristics such as speech, moral reasoning, and complex emotions. The Enormous Crocodile boasts about his 'clever tricks,' while Humpy-Rumpy expresses disgust, Trunky vows to protect, Gippy offers warnings, and the Roly-Poly Bird pleads and intervenes. This device allows the story to explore moral themes through animal characters, making them relatable and engaging for young readers. It also enables the animals to form a coherent community that actively works to thwart the antagonist, driving the plot forward through their collective actions and dialogue.
Repetition
Repeated phrases and plot structures for emphasis.
Dahl employs repetition in several ways. The Enormous Crocodile's phrase 'secret plans and clever tricks' is repeated each time he devises a new disguise, emphasizing his cunning and self-assurance. Similarly, his declaration of wanting to eat a 'plump, juicy child' is repeated, reinforcing his singular, wicked motivation. The structure of the animals warning him, then him attempting a trick, and another animal foiling it, is also repeated four times. This repetition creates a rhythmic, predictable pattern that is engaging for young readers, builds suspense, and highlights the crocodile's persistent evil and the animals' consistent heroism.
Foreshadowing/Warnings
Early warnings from animals hint at the crocodile's eventual failure.
From the very beginning, each animal the Enormous Crocodile encounters warns him against his plan. The Notsobig One, Humpy-Rumpy, Trunky, Gippy, and the Roly-Poly Bird all express disapproval, doubt, or direct threats. These warnings serve as foreshadowing, hinting that the crocodile's plans will not succeed and that he will face opposition. They also establish the moral framework of the story, making it clear that the crocodile's actions are wrong and that he is an outsider in the animal community, setting the stage for his eventual downfall at the hands of those he ignored.
Hyperbole
Exaggeration for comedic and dramatic effect.
The story uses hyperbole, particularly in the description of the Enormous Crocodile's actions and ultimate fate. His 'secret plans and clever tricks' are presented as incredibly cunning, even though they are repeatedly foiled. The most significant use is his final defeat: being swung 'faster and faster' by Trunky and flung 'high, high up into the sky' past the moon and stars, to land on the 'hottest star of all' where he is 'sizzled up like a sausage.' This extreme exaggeration adds to the comedic and fantastical elements of the story, making the ending both satisfyingly dramatic and comically absurd for children.
The Enormous Crocodile Quotes
“I'm going to fill my hungry empty tummy with something yummy yummy yummy!”
“I'm the Enormous Crocodile, and I'm going to eat some nice juicy children!”
“I have secret plans and clever tricks for eating lots of little boys and girls!”
“I'm going to the children's playground, and I'm going to eat them all up!”
“I'm not just a big crocodile, I'm a clever and cunning crocodile!”
“You are a nasty greedy grumptious brute!”
“We must stop him before he eats any children!”
“I'm going to disguise myself as a see-saw in the playground!”
“Children are juicy and yummy!”
“You horrid hoggish croc! You'll never get away with this!”
“I have thought of a most marvellous plan!”
“We'll teach him a lesson he won't forget!”
“I'm the cleverest crocodile in the whole river!”
“Serves him right, the greedy thing!”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the Enormous Crocodile's favorite meal?
- Fish and frogs
- Plump, juicy little children
- Berries and fruits
- Other crocodiles
Show answer
B. Plump, juicy little children The book opens by stating the Enormous Crocodile's favorite meal is 'a plump, juicy little child,' which drives his greedy plans throughout the story.
Question 2
Who illustrates 'The Enormous Crocodile'?
- Roald Dahl
- Quentin Blake
- Maurice Sendak
- Eric Carle
Show answer
B. Quentin Blake Quentin Blake is the illustrator for this book, as noted in the description, and he is famous for illustrating many of Roald Dahl's works.
Question 3
What do the other animals in the jungle do to stop the Enormous Crocodile?
- They ignore him and let him eat children
- They join together to put an end to his nasty schemes
- They help him catch more children
- They move to a different jungle
Show answer
B. They join together to put an end to his nasty schemes As described, the other animals join forces to thwart the Enormous Crocodile's plans, leading to his eventual lesson.
Question 4
What lesson does the Enormous Crocodile learn by the end of the story?
- That children are too fast to catch
- That he should eat healthier food
- A lesson he won't soon forget about his greedy behavior
- How to make friends with the other animals
Show answer
C. A lesson he won't soon forget about his greedy behavior The description states he learns 'a lesson he won't soon forget,' implying consequences for his greed and nastiness.
Question 5
Which genre best describes 'The Enormous Crocodile' based on the description?
- Historical Fiction
- Fantasy, Children's, and Young Adult
- Science Fiction
- Mystery
Show answer
B. Fantasy, Children's, and Young Adult The description lists it as Fantasy, Children's, and Young Adult, fitting its imaginative and humorous tale for young readers.
Question 6
What characteristic of the Enormous Crocodile drives the plot forward?
- His kindness and generosity
- His incredible hunger and greed
- His fear of other animals
- His desire to travel the world
Show answer
B. His incredible hunger and greed The book describes him as 'incredibly hungry-and incredibly greedy,' which motivates his attempts to eat children and leads to the conflict.
Question 7
How is Roald Dahl's humor described in this book?
- Serious and dramatic
- Wicked and delightful
- Romantic and poetic
- Scientific and factual
Show answer
B. Wicked and delightful The description notes 'Dahl's wicked humor is as delightful as ever,' highlighting his signature playful and mischievous style.
Question 8
What is the primary setting of 'The Enormous Crocodile'?
- A busy city
- A desert
- A jungle
- A farm
Show answer
C. A jungle The story takes place in a jungle, as mentioned with 'the other animals in the jungle' joining together against the crocodile.
Question 9
Based on the description, what might be a central theme of the book?
- The importance of teamwork against greed
- The benefits of eating healthy
- The joys of traveling
- The history of crocodiles
Show answer
A. The importance of teamwork against greed The plot involves animals uniting to stop the greedy crocodile, suggesting themes of cooperation and consequences for selfish actions.
Question 10
What edition detail is mentioned about this version of the book?
- It is a smaller, pocket-sized edition
- It is a new, larger edition
- It is an audio-only edition
- It is a black-and-white edition
Show answer
B. It is a new, larger edition The description specifies 'this new, larger edition,' indicating a particular physical version of the book.
The Enormous Crocodile FAQ
What is 'The Enormous Crocodile' about?
The story follows the Enormous Crocodile, a greedy and cunning reptile who lives in the 'biggest, brownest muddiest river in Africa.' He devises clever disguises to trick and eat children, but the other jungle animals—including Humpy-Rumpy the hippo, Trunky the elephant, Muggle-Wump the monkey, and the Roly-Poly Bird—unite to foil his plans and ultimately send him flying into space.
Why should I read 'The Enormous Crocodile'?
It's a classic Roald Dahl tale that blends wicked humor with a moral lesson about greed and teamwork. The Enormous Crocodile's outrageous schemes and the other animals' clever counterattacks create a fast-paced, entertaining story perfect for young readers, enhanced by Quentin Blake's lively illustrations.
What is the background/setting of 'The Enormous Crocodile'?
The story is set in a vibrant jungle in Africa, centered around the 'biggest, brownest muddiest river' where the Enormous Crocodile lives. The action shifts to a nearby village where children play, as the crocodile ventures out in disguises to hunt them, with the jungle animals intervening in these human-adjacent spaces.
What are the most memorable quotes?
Key quotes include the Enormous Crocodile's boast, 'I'm going to fill my hungry empty tummy with something yummy yummy yummy!' and his repeated catchphrase, 'I'm off to find a juicy little child to eat.' The Roly-Poly Bird's warning, 'Look out! He's after you!' also stands out as a recurring alert to the children.
What writing style does the author use?
Roald Dahl employs a playful, rhythmic prose with repetitive phrases and exaggerated descriptions that appeal to children. His signature wicked humor shines through in the crocodile's villainous glee and the animals' sarcastic retorts, creating a lighthearted yet suspenseful tone that balances dark themes with comedy.
What minor details add significant meaning?
The Enormous Crocodile's specific disguises—like pretending to be a coconut tree or a seesaw—highlight his cunning and the absurdity of his greed. Small acts, such as Muggle-Wump the monkey throwing coconuts or the Roly-Poly Bird's timely warnings, emphasize how each animal's unique traits contribute to their collective victory.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Early on, the Enormous Crocodile's overconfidence and mocking of the other animals foreshadow his downfall. For instance, when he brags about his plans to Humpy-Rumpy, the hippo's grim response hints at the coming retaliation, setting up the theme that arrogance leads to defeat.
What unexpected character connections exist?
While the animals seem like random jungle dwellers, they form a cohesive alliance based on shared morality—opposing the crocodile's cruelty. The Roly-Poly Bird, though not a major fighter, plays a crucial role as a messenger, linking the animals' efforts by alerting others to the crocodile's schemes.
What are unspoken character motivations?
The Enormous Crocodile's greed stems from a deep-seated desire for power and satisfaction, driving him to risk everything for a meal. The other animals are motivated not just by altruism but by a sense of justice and community protection, uniting against a common threat to maintain peace in their habitat.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
The Enormous Crocodile shows a blend of intelligence and narcissism, using clever tricks but underestimating others due to his ego. In contrast, characters like Trunky the elephant display strategic thinking and empathy, balancing brute strength with careful planning to outsmart the crocodile.
What are the major emotional turning points?
Key moments include the Enormous Crocodile's initial excitement when devising his plans, the tension as he nearly succeeds in catching children, and the cathartic release when the animals band together to defeat him. The climax, where he is hurled into space, delivers a satisfying mix of humor and justice.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
The story shifts from the Enormous Crocodile's solitary villainy to the formation of a cooperative alliance among the jungle animals. Initially dismissive of each other, they grow into a unified front, with Humpy-Rumpy, Trunky, Muggle-Wump, and the Roly-Poly Bird leveraging their strengths to protect the vulnerable children.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The fate of the Enormous Crocodile after being thrown into space is left unclear—whether he perishes or remains in orbit is open to interpretation. Additionally, the story doesn't delve into whether he learns his lesson or if his greed could resurface, leaving his ultimate redemption or punishment ambiguous.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
Some readers might debate the morality of the animals' violent retaliation, such as Trunky swinging the crocodile by the tail and launching him into space. While portrayed humorously, it raises questions about whether such extreme punishment fits the crime, contrasting with the book's generally lighthearted tone.
'The Enormous Crocodile' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The story ends with the Enormous Crocodile being flung into space by Trunky the elephant, after the animals collectively thwart his plans. This symbolizes the triumph of teamwork and morality over greed and selfishness, serving as a cautionary tale that wickedness leads to downfall, wrapped in Dahl's characteristic whimsical justice.
About the author
Roald Dahl was a British popular author of children's literature and short stories, a poet, and wartime fighter ace. His books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. Dahl has been called "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century".
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