Cely's Crocodile: The Art and Story of Araceli Limcaco Dans

When Cely’s father brings home an unexpected guest—a crocodile—she can’t wait to draw the strange creature drifting through their family’s swimming pool. But her excitement fades when her mother tells her: “Girls don’t draw or paint.”Undaunted, Cely refuses to let that stop her. With quiet determination, she gathers her pencils and notebooks and heads outside, filling page after page with sketches of the world around her. In doing so, she begins a journey that will shape her future—and reveal her true calling.Inspired by the real childhood of renowned Filipino artist Araceli Limcaco Dans, this beautifully told picture book by Gabriela Dans Lee, Araceli's granddaughter, weaves together art, family, and history. Set against the backdrop of World War II in the Philippines, the story highlights how creativity can become a powerful force in times of uncertainty.With immersive illustrations by Adrian Panadero, young readers will discover how one girl’s courage and imagination helped her see the world differently—and ultimately helped her family survive it. Read more