CROCODILE AS A PET

After B. Myers

If the one thing in the whole world you've always wanted is a crocodile, then here is how to get one. You don't even have to leave home. You can send away for it. You don't have to tell your parents or grandparents about it. They won't notice. When the box comes, open it. But be careful. Don't throw away the little bird. The bird is the crocodile's toothpick. He always sits on the crocodile's back.

Now you have the crocodile. But what will you do with him? When he is small, he will be a nice pet* Children you've never seen before will want to play with you. It's great for your science project too. After you have him for some time, you will notice that he is getting bigger and bigger. Soon he will be so big that you won't be able to take him for a walk, wash him in the bath, or hide him from Grandma. Don't be too sad. He can still be a lot of fun around the house. Show him to friends who come to visit you and then stay too late. They will leave almost at once - sometimes forgetting to take their hats and coats and other things with them. A crocodile makes a good hiding place, too. Try to hide there when you drop paint or ice-cream on the carpet. No one will ever think of looking for you in a crocodile. Just make sure he's already had his breakfast.

You don't even have to leave home Вам даже не нужно выходить из дома
to send away послать (за)
to notice замечать
careful внимательный, осторожный
to throw away выбрасывать
toothpick зубочистка
science project научный проект
to hide (hid; hidden) прятать
to stay too late засидеться (в гостях)
A crocodile makes a good hiding place В крокодиле можно спрятаться
to drop ронять
paint краска
No one will ever think of looking for... Никому и в голову не придет искать...
to make sure убедиться