I’ll Stay If I May

Crocodile Maurice ends up in a wood by accident. All the animals quickly become fond of his cheerful company. But when a storm comes, he’s left behind, alone: ducks and birds fly off through a whirlwind to their nests, frogs dash away to a pond. Maurice looks in vain for shelter, but he doesn’t fit anywhere. What’s more, all the animals soon forget their new friend. Dozing off or gathered around the table, they seem to care only about themselves. Fortunately there’s Mole. Deep under the ground, he isn’t troubled by the wind, but he can hear Maurice’s weeping and his pounding footsteps. He thinks up a plan and digs to enlarge his tunnel. As well as a new home to shelter in, Maurice finds a friend for life.

Françoise Beck has opted for a harmonious, sober palette and her illustrations are designed to be light and airy. The dynamic pictures, inspired by the wind, beautifully bring out the contrast between Maurice’s agitation and the cosy places to shelter. They are cleverly composed, too; above ground you can watch the crocodile become increasingly lonely and desperate, and at the same time see that the mole is following him underground and looking for a solution. Friendship and sociability, fleeing and finding refuge, and the beauty of caring for each other are central in this colourful picture book.