Exca-Gator!

Illustrated by Michael Slack
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$18.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Flamingo Books
24 per carton
On sale Feb 17, 2026 | 9780593693339
Age 3-7 years
Reading Level: Lexile 500L | Fountas & Pinnell M
Sales rights: World

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He's an alligator . . . he operates an excavator . . . he is EXCA-GATOR!

An adorable picture book perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and Crocodiles Need Kisses Too!


In the deepest jungle swamp,
Where the beasties howl and stomp,
From a little swamp home door,
Comes a mighty gator ROAR!

Exca-Gator is so excited for a new day of building and constructing with all of his buds! He may be even a little too excited, when he overestimates his abilities and causes a big old construction site mess. Can Exca-Gator make things right with his friends and save the day?

Told in rhythmic bouncing rhyme from Brooke Hartman and with gorgeous playful art from prolific picture book illustrator Michael Slack, this book is a can't-miss pick for any young readers who love books about construction vehicles and adorable animals.
An Amazon Best Book of the Month!

A National Indie Bestseller!


"A satisfying tale that will have readers building up self-control and tearing down overzealousness."Kirkus Reviews

"Text and illustrations present a playful, lighthearted message on sharing that will delight truck-loving children of all ages. Lots of read-aloud potential, and a job well-done—this crew is one worth meeting."School Library Journal

Classroom Activities for Exca-Gator!

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

He's an alligator . . . he operates an excavator . . . he is EXCA-GATOR!

An adorable picture book perfect for fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and Crocodiles Need Kisses Too!


In the deepest jungle swamp,
Where the beasties howl and stomp,
From a little swamp home door,
Comes a mighty gator ROAR!

Exca-Gator is so excited for a new day of building and constructing with all of his buds! He may be even a little too excited, when he overestimates his abilities and causes a big old construction site mess. Can Exca-Gator make things right with his friends and save the day?

Told in rhythmic bouncing rhyme from Brooke Hartman and with gorgeous playful art from prolific picture book illustrator Michael Slack, this book is a can't-miss pick for any young readers who love books about construction vehicles and adorable animals.

Praise

An Amazon Best Book of the Month!

A National Indie Bestseller!


"A satisfying tale that will have readers building up self-control and tearing down overzealousness."Kirkus Reviews

"Text and illustrations present a playful, lighthearted message on sharing that will delight truck-loving children of all ages. Lots of read-aloud potential, and a job well-done—this crew is one worth meeting."School Library Journal

Guides

Classroom Activities for Exca-Gator!

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)