Friday, January 31, 2014

OINK-A-DOODLE-MOO Perfect Picture Book Friday

     This was an exciting week for children's literature with so many major award winners announced. I didn't pick the winners, but my choices were among the honor books, so I don't feel too bad. If you didn't see the award list, Kathy Temean posted a succinct compilation.
    I was especially excited to see that Bryan Collier's Illustrations for Knock, Knock got the nod for Coretta Scott King illustration.

     Now on to this week's selection for review--
     This book didn't win any awards.
     Most books don't.
     But I chuckled all the way through, and sometimes that's the kind of book you're looking for to lighten the mood in these long dark cold winter days.
     
     Title: OINK-A-DOODLE-MOO
     Author/Illustrator: Jef Czekaj
     Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 2012
     FICTION
     Theme: Wordplay, Read aloud
     Opening: Psst. I have a secret.
     Synopsis: An earnest looking pig shares his secret with a nearby rooster and tells him to pass it on. What's the pig's secret? Oink. Of course, since roosters don't say "oink" he muddles the message and it gets passed again and again with similar results that tickled my funny bone. The jacket flap calls this a "barnyard game of telephone." I remember it as whisper down the lane. Either way, it's an evergreen kid pleaser.
     Why I liked this book: After the first spread or two, there isn't much tension in whether or not the message will be passed correctly. It's clear that it won't be. The fun is in guessing how the words will be jumbled. It makes for a hilarious read aloud guessing game. And look at the vibrant colors in the illustrations! Full-bleed, edge to edge happiness.

     Activities/Resources:  This is probably obvious--but play "the telephone game" yourselves. The larger the group, the more fun it will be! Check out the book trailer for Oink-A-Doodle-Moo. Visit a barnyard/farm/zoo and practice animal sounds. Personally, I like to caw at crows and howl at full moons (you can blame the huskies down the street that "taught" me for the second one). Finally, read more of Mr. Czekaj's books [Cat Secrets (2011) breaks the fourth wall and "talks to" the reader.]

This review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday. On her blog, Susanna Leonard Hill keeps an ever-growing list of books that have been reviewed, with all the links. Thank you, Susanna! 

     Thanks for stopping by. What are you doing to keep warm this winter? (Or cool, for my friends in the Southern hemisphere!)
    
     

24 comments:

  1. It sounds really funny:) I'll definitely look out for it. Thx for sharing Wendy

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  2. I thought I was the only caw crazy woman, well, maybe in my town! I also scowl at squirrels, gotta let 'em know who's boss!

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    1. What does the squirrel say? (Sorry, channeling my inner Ylvis).

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  3. Oh. This is a very clever idea. I need to find this one!

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    1. One of those ideas you think must have been done already-Nope.

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  4. this looks too funny to ignore. Definitely looking for it. What a clever idea!

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    1. Shout out for the illustrations, too. The spare quality puts the focus on the animals faces. Realy nice.

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  5. What a very fun and clever book! I love the cover and illustrations. The telephone game would be perfect for this story.

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  6. This sounds hilarious, Wendy!

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  7. That poor dog at the end! I'll have to try this game with my buddies! And look for the book! Thanks!

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    1. Man's best friend definitely takes one for the team here. But is a clueless, and incredibly good sport!

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  8. Okay - my five year old grandblessing made this up - I have to share it....What does the cow say when it has a cold? Moo-chooooo! This sounds like a book I need to read!

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    1. And that sounds like a book for you to write! Love it.

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  9. Hi Wendy! Such a funny book...yes, I remember the telephone game well...and the author found a really clever way to portray it. Great review...thank you.:)
    And I'm staying warm by writing up a storm, doing lots of revising, trying to keep upcoming contests and challenges straight and getting my materials ready for Susanna's course...which I start TOMORROW!!!!

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    1. Ooh, everyone says wonderful things about Susanna's course! Lucky you.

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  10. Brilliant! Finley (age 5) loves funny, and I can see him getting into this one.

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    1. Five sounds like the perfect age. I forgot to put intended age in the post didn't I (head slap!)

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  11. This is the kind of clever fun book that I just LOVE, Wendy! I will definitely have to read it! Thanks so much for sharing!

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