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Cover of Cricket for the Crocodile

Age rating and parents' guide:Cricket for the Crocodile

by Ruskin Bond

Ages 6–11

Cricket for the Crocodile by Ruskin Bond is best for children aged 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

Ranji and his friends love playing cricket on the riverbank, but Nakoo the grumpy crocodile is not pleased when their games disturb his sunbathing. When an errant cricket ball strikes Nakoo, a hilarious chase ensues, causing chaos for players, bank clerks, and spectators alike. Ruskin Bond blends gentle humor with the warmth of small-town Indian life in this charming tale. Young readers will enjoy the lively, comical standoff between determined boys and an equally stubborn reptile.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Early chapter book
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Plenty of illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers
  • ★Indian author, setting or story

Great for kids who like

  • Humor & Comedy
  • Animals
  • Sports

Reading mood

  • Funny

Good to talk about

  • Creativity & writing
  • Sports

Books like Cricket for the Crocodile

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On these book lists

  • Sports books for kids
  • Books like Geronimo Stilton
  • Ruskin Bond books for kids

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Cricket for the Crocodile for?
Cricket for the Crocodile suits children aged 6–11. It is an early chapter book: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is Cricket for the Crocodile appropriate for a 6 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 6–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Q: What should my child read after Cricket for the Crocodile?
Try Malgudi Adventures: Classic Tales for Children, The 13-Storey Treehouse and Geronimo Stilton (series). They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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