Description ▶ A Character with Curiosity and a Spirit of Challenge — Cornelius, Who Dreams of a Better Self Cornelius is not your typical crocodile. Instead of swimming with just his eyes peeking above the water like other crocodiles, he stands upright on two legs above the water, looking down to catch fish. Born with different physical abilities than ordinary crocodiles, Cornelius used to boast about his uniqueness to his friends, but they remained indifferent. Disappointed by his friends, Cornelius sets off to protect his identity and find someone who will accept him for who he is. Not long after, he meets a monkey who, like Cornelius, has its own unique talents. Cornelius eagerly learns the monkey's amazing skills and makes them his own. "Leo Lionni lovingly captures the spirit of seekers, thinkers, and those born to be born differently." — School Library Journal Leo Lionni was a writer who, like the protagonists of his own stories, constantly challenged himself with new endeavors. Having worked as a teacher, writer, critic, editor, painter, sculptor, designer, and illustrator, Lionni's own multifaceted life reflects the curious, wide-eyed spirit of Cornelius, who longed for and dreamed of a bigger world. The unique characters in Lionni's works, including Cornelius, discover their own identities and strive to protect them. This offers a fantasy of hope to those of us who dream of becoming better versions of ourselves amid the harsh realities of life. ▶ A Picture Book Capturing the Impact of New Skills and New Beings on Environment and Culture Unlike Cornelius, the other crocodiles have no interest in change, new things, or anything only they can do. So even when Cornelius stands on two legs to see far into the distance or looks down at fish, they simply squint their eyes and dismiss him with a "So what!" They pretend not to care, even when they see Cornelius has learned tricks from the monkey. But when a hurt and disappointed Cornelius glances back on his way to see the monkey again, he notices they are attempting to do handstands. The crocodiles have finally begun to change! Looking closer, even their eyes seem a little different — the eyes that always squinted and looked only straight ahead are now moving all around. The story of Cornelius and the other crocodiles shows us just how significant an impact new skills and new beings can have on environment and culture. Rather than simply living according to one's inborn nature, the crocodiles' transformation into creative beings through new attempts encourages readers to reflect on an active, creative attitude toward life, while also delivering a message about challenge and courage. ▶ Artwork That Beautifully Captures Contrasting Attitudes Toward Life As in his other works, Leo Lionni's Cornelius showcases a variety of artistic techniques and materials, including collage and marbling. The well-rendered texture of the crocodiles' skin, along with the rich colors, textures, and shapes of natural elements like tree trunks and leaves, are one of the delightful details of this book. Lionni also directed the scenes with a focus on Cornelius's movement and path. Cornelius, striding forward confidently on two legs, contrasts sharply with the other crocodiles who merely watch from behind, highlighting their contrasting ways of life. While crocodiles are difficult animals to give expressive faces, Leo Lionni conveys their emotions through subtle changes in their eyes and the corners of their mouths. From the cover onward, Cornelius's round eyes and slightly upturned mouth reveal his positive outlook on life. The other crocodiles, in contrast, show only half their eyes, as they keep them half-closed, with drooping mouths that reflect their listless, indifferent attitude toward anything new. This contrast makes the final transformation — when the other crocodiles' eyes begin to move and their mouths curl slightly upward — all the more dramatic and moving.