Review: Claude by Emma Bland Smith; Illustrated by Jennifer M. Potter

Estimated read time: 1 minute

Claude by Emma Bland Smith

Claude is a beautifully told children’s picture book based on the true story of Claude, a rare all-white alligator born in a Louisiana swamp. From the start, his striking appearance makes the other alligators uneasy—and that difference puts him in real danger. Rescued and brought to a Florida zoo, and eventually to his permanent home at the California Academy of Sciences, Claude’s journey becomes a gentle, affirming exploration of what it means to be different in a world that doesn’t always know how to react.

Emma Bland Smith tells this real-life story with warmth, clarity, and respect for young readers. She never oversells the message; instead, she allows Claude’s experiences to show how uniqueness can attract fear but also draw in people who recognize value, vulnerability, and strength.

Jennifer M. Potter’s illustrations are excellent—expressive, detailed, and perfectly tuned to the emotional beats of Claude’s life. Her artwork brings young readers directly into his world, capturing moments of uncertainty, discovery, and belonging.

A standout feature is the “Common Questions About Claude” section at the end, which offers thoughtful, age-appropriate facts. More children’s nonfiction books would benefit from this kind of accessible, curiosity-friendly addition.

Claude is an uplifting, informative, and genuinely engaging picture book—ideal for families, schools, and libraries looking to spark conversations about difference, acceptance, and the beauty of being uniquely yourself.