Marvin the Crocodile: Turning Scary Into Snuggly

When you think of crocodiles, the first words that come to mind might be “teeth” or “danger.” For children, crocodiles often appear in stories as the “bad guy” lurking in the water or chasing heroes across the page.

At bebemoss, we love turning those fears upside down. That’s why we created Marvin the Crocodile — a soft, hand-crocheted friend who shows kids that even the scariest creatures can be cuddly. With his long, huggable body and kind eyes, Marvin proves that crocodiles aren’t always to be feared… sometimes they’re the perfect bedtime buddies.

Why “Friendly Crocodiles” Matter for Kids

Imaginative play is one of the ways children process their emotions and learn to face fears. A toy like Marvin helps them rewrite the crocodile story: instead of being the villain, he becomes the protector, the silly friend, or the loyal companion. Through play, scary turns into safe.

And when storytime comes around, Marvin can curl up alongside your child as you explore books together — transforming crocodiles from something to fear into something to love.

Crocodile Books to Read Together

If you’d like to pair Marvin with some wonderful crocodile-themed books, here are a few family favorites:

• Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber – The classic story of a lovable crocodile living in the city.

• The Selfish Crocodile by Faustin Charles – A tale about learning to share and be kind.

• Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby – A sweet reminder that even fierce animals need love.

• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie – For older kids, the famous “tick-tock” crocodile sparks imagination and adventure.

A Toy With a Story

Like all bebemoss friends, Marvin is handmade from organic cotton yarn, crafted with care by artisan mothers in Istanbul. Each stitch provides income and dignity for women from vulnerable communities, many of them Syrian refugees. That means Marvin isn’t just a toy — he’s also a story of transformation, empowerment, and care for the planet.

So next time your little one dreams of crocodiles, let it be Marvin — the crocodile who turns scary into snuggly.

Ready for an adorable crocodile of your own? You can't go wrong with Marvin - Big. So much more to hug! Get yours here:

Love Marvin, looking for a smaller version? Here it is! Just as adorable, better for smaller hands.