See You Later, Alligator (novel)

See You Later, Alligator is a young adult novel by Newbery Medal-winning author William H. Armstrong, best known for his book Sounder. Published in 1985, the novel departs from the somber tone of Sounder and presents a lighthearted story centered around two young boys, Wally and his younger brother, known only as Alligator.

The narrative follows Wally, an aspiring inventor, and Alligator, a boy known for his constant repetition of the phrase "See you later, alligator" (a common children's rhyme). The story details their summertime adventures in their small town, focusing on Wally's attempts to create various inventions, often with Alligator as his assistant or test subject. Their escapades are characterized by humor and the close bond between the two siblings.

The plot revolves around Wally's ambition to build a perpetual motion machine, a quest that leads to a series of amusing and sometimes disastrous experiments. Alligator, while not directly involved in the inventive process, provides unwavering support and his catchphrase becomes a recurring and endearing element of the narrative.

While not as critically acclaimed as Sounder, See You Later, Alligator offers a contrasting view of childhood, focusing on themes of creativity, sibling relationships, and the joys of summer. It showcases Armstrong's versatility as a writer and provides a more optimistic and humorous reading experience for young audiences.