THE SELFISH CROCODILE

Based on the Story by Faustin Charles & Michael Terry

Characters: Crocodile Tiger Leopard

Mouse Hippopotamus Snake
Monkey Elephant Giraffe
Deer Turtle Pelican

Setting: In a river deep in the forest

Animals preset onstage in frozen poses characteristic of the animal they are portraying. Crocodile
hiding behind animals or offstage.

Mouse: There is a river deep in the forest that has the coolest and cleanest water.

Hippo: All the animals loved coming to that river for a drink, a bath, and most
importantly to play with other animals.

Animals are seen by the river – some are drinking, bathing or sun bathing, while others are simply
socializing!

Deer: In that same river, there lived a large crocodile.

Crocodile walks onstage moves around as he is described – selfish, cranky, mean…

ALL: He was a very selfish crocodile.

Elephant: He didn’t want any other creature to drink or bathe in the river.

ALL: He thought it was HIS river.

Monkey: Everyday he…

ALL: …shouted

Tiger: …to the creatures of the forest

Crocodile: Stay away from the river! It’s MY river! And if you come into my river, I’ll eat you
up!

Animals react.

Turtle: So there were no fish, no tadpoles, no frogs in the river.

Leopard: The forest creatures kept away from the river, too.

Giraffe: Whenever they were thirsty, they had to go to drink in other rivers and streams
that were far away.

Animals move away from the selfish crocodile.

ALL: We were all afraid of the selfish crocodile.

Mime: The Forest Party and the Selfish Crocodile (Music – Villagers & the Tyrant)

A: Animals having a party to celebrate Mouse’s birthday. Some are decorating while others
preparing the food. As guests arrive Mouse greets them and offers food or drink. Everyone
is having fun.

B: Crocodile arrives. He/She is not invited. Animals and Mouse shocked to see Crocodile.
They are nervous and scared. Crocodile walks around to check out food and drinks. He
demands for food and drink.

When Crocodile gets what he/she wants then he/she leaves. OR…

Some of the Animals have had enough of the bullying by Crocodile. They stand up for
themselves and encourage others to join them. They tell the Crocodile to stop bullying
them. Crocodile is surprised and gets nervous because everyone is now against him for
the first time.

A: Animals are very happy that the Selfish Crocodile is gone. They show relief! Mouse
encourages everyone to enjoy the party and forget about the Crocodile.

ALL: Early one morning we heard a loud groaning sound.

_____: Something was in terrible pain!

_____: We thought an animal was caught by the crocodile!

_____: But as the sun came out, we saw that it was the crocodile himself who was in pain.

Crocodile lying on his back, holding his swollen jaw, and crying real tears. Animals move closer
Towards him – but not too close. Some of them look sorry for the crocodile while some look happy
he is in pain.

_____: What’s the matter with him? (deer)

_____: I don’t know. (squirrel)

_____: Maybe he’s going to die (blackbird)

_____: It that happens, it will be safe to go into the river again! (wild pig)

Animals stared at the crocodile. They hung from branches, they peeked through the
grass, they buzzed in the air. They shook their heads as they watched the crocodile. But no one
tried to help.

Suddenly, a little mouse appeared, sniffing the air. He ran along the crocodile’s tail, then onto his
stomach. The other creatures stared shocked!

_____: Look at that mouse! (monkey)

_____: He’s either very brave or very crazy! (lion)

_____: He’s going to be eaten for sure! (iguana)

The mouse crept along the crocodile’s big neck and opened his mouth. Animals watching are
frozen in shock! The mouse took hold of something and pulled and pulled and pulled. Finally, he
pulled out one of crocodile’s tooth, put it on his shoulder and walked out.

Crocodile: The pain is all gone!

Mouse: Your bad tooth was giving you a toothache! Do you want it back?

Crocodile: Oh no, no, no, get rid of it, and when you’re finished, come back. I have a present
for you.

The mouse buried the bad tooth under a tree, and when he returned, the crocodile had a nice, juicy
nut waiting for him.

Crocodile: You must be very smart if you can cure a toothache – and very kind, too. I’m so
grateful. But what should I do if my toothache comes back?

Mouse: Don’t worry, I’ll help you take care of your teeth.

Soon the mouse and the crocodile were the best of friends.

Crocodile: Please come to drink and bathe in the river! I won’t hurt you! The river belongs to
all of us.

Tableaux of happy animals hanging out together.