Trosclair and the Alligator — Peter Huggins

In his rowboat, Trosclair and his dog Ollie can get just about anywhere on the Louisiana Bayou where the live, even to Bee Island Swamp, the very best place to find turtle eggs. But Trosclair has been warned not to go there because Gargantua, a huge and ferocious alligator, has already eaten his share of large animals, and is bound to try humans next. Sure enough, Gargantua comes along and Trosclair must think quickly how to save himself and Ollie. Using his wits and a hive of bees, Trosclair rids the swamp of Gargantua forever. With its charming Louisiana dialect and lively story of brains over brawn, this is a book adults will enjoy as much as children.