AUTHOR: Cynthia Rylant
ILLUSTRATOR: Mark Teague
ISBN#: 978-0590847834
PUBLISHER/YEAR: Blue Sky Press (October 1, 1997)
SUBJECTS: Animals - Pigs, Books about Books, Excellent Read-Aloud, Friendship, Talking Animals
READER LEVEL: LEARN TO READ, SR.
Review
Highlights:
Laugh Meter
|
not a comedy
|
giggles
|
laugh out loud
|
can’t stop laughing
|
Fear Factor
|
no fear
|
needs explanation
|
cover the eyes
|
bad dreams
|
Subject
Matter
|
light : “G”
|
mild concerns
|
caution ahead
|
needs supervision
|
The character Poppleton is introduced in this, the first book in a series about this charming pig's every day adventures. Human in every way other than the illustrations, Poppleton is a likable, welcoming character. In three unrelated chapters, the reader can enjoy discovering how Poppleton adjusts to small town life after moving from the big city.
When Poppleton's new neighbor, Cherry Sue keeps inviting him over, Poppleton has to figure out how to let her know that he really doesn't want to join her all time. Rather than spraying her with a hose, as he does, he realizes he should have just been honest. Poppleton shows his serious side in chapter two when the reader learns about his ritual of visiting the library every Monday. Finally in the third chapter he helps his sick friend, Fillmore swallow a pill by hiding it inside something. Twenty-seven cakes later they are both stuffed.
The watercolor and pencil illustrations are appealing and flow perfectly with the written story. They often produce a chuckle, like the one of Poppleton jogging by the roller blading chicken on the first page or reading in the library on page 32. The overview of the town at the beginning and end of the book help to draw the reader into Poppleton's world.
An excellent book for either the newly independent reader or to read aloud, Poppleton, has been a favorite for more than ten years. Young readers will be comfortable with the language, which although somewhat simple, is anything but boring. The repetition of certain phrases like, "yoo-hoo Poppleton," "library day" or the recipe for cherry pie will help keep the reader engaged. They will also feel important reading a book with separate chapters, often a goal for those just starting the reading process.
IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY: