Keeper of the Swamp

Boasting beautiful nigh-photorealistic illustrations by Karen Chandler, this iconographic animated adaptation--effectively narrated by Laz Harris--of Ann Garrett's 1999 picture book is a winsome coming-of-age story, set in the Louisiana swamps, in which a young boy takes over the titular duty from his ailing grandfather. In a stirring, if rather peculiar, rite-of-passage, the boy learns how to feed “Ole Boots”--an elderly female alligator saved by the boy's grandfather from poachers--using chicken on the end of a rod. Initially (and understandably) fearful, the boy ultimately overcomes his natural trepidation and holds steady as Boots jumps out of the water to grab the meal. A solid story of generational bonding, presented in lovely, detailed images, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)