Alligator Bayou isn't just the name of the book—it's also the name of the place (okay, more like swamp) where Charles and the boys take Calo and his cousin Cirone to hunt down an alligator. So in this way the book's title foreshadows this moonlit friendship-building adventure the boys go on.
But now, dear Shmoopsters, we'd like to kindly ask you to hop on over to the "Symbols" section, where we've broken down in great detail the significance behind both alligators and the bayou. We think you'll find it most helpful for understanding the book's title in all its glory.