8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This would be the perfect fable to read and discuss during circle or storytime. Just remember not to laugh!, Nov 7 2009
By D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes (Hardcover)
Fox was sitting beneath a tree that held some scrumptious looking bunches of grapes. He was writing a formula on a piece of paper trying to figure out the best way to get the grapes because they were too difficult to reach. No doubt he would succeed in his plan because, after all, as he claimed, "I am sly. Clever. Smart." Those grapes were as good as his already. He jumped this way. He jumped that way. No grapes. He needed to enlist a bit of help. "Why, Bear, old buddy! I say . . . do you like grapes?" He was just the kind of sucker that Fox was looking for. He could step on his head and then the grapes would be his.
"One. Two. Three - and . . . No grapes." When that plan didn't work, he needed the "dentally challenged" Beaver to add a little height. No go again. Next he enlisted the help of Porcupine, a "short scooch of a fellow." Fox was on a roll now and when he showed his plans to the group he was sure of success. "One. Two. Three - and . . . No grapes." The Fox was still thinking as he peered at the tree. His toes were grinding into Porcupine's face, but there were no complaints. Whoa, there was shy Possum. Fox started in once again. "Bear stands - here. Beaver stands on Bear's head - . . . "
I thought the twist on Aesop's fable, "the Fox and the Grapes," was absolutely refreshing and priceless. When you read this one to your child or a small group, the sides of your mouth are going to ripple a bit as you try not to laugh out loud when you hit certain passages like "Beaver, Beaver, Beaver, my dentally challenged chum. You just mind the oomphing . . . " My funny bone was tickled big time several times while reading this book. The artwork was very appealing and meshed well with this fable. This would be the perfect fable to read and discuss during circle or storytime. Just remember not to laugh!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new version of an old favorite, Sep 26 2009
By Joy Frerichs - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes (Hardcover)
Ms. Palatini has another winner here. With all the animals assisting fox to get the grapes, he goes off before they are attainable. We root for the other animals and recognize fox's attitude. A great book to contrast stories,and share with children.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Witty and Humorous Classroom Book, Oct 20 2009
By Kitchen Diva - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes (Hardcover)
This book was a HIT for my 3rd grade classroom! The story is witty and captures children's attention. This book is a wonderful multidisciplinary addition to a curriculum. A teacher can discuss teamwork, manners, and problem solving. The text has a flow to it that makes it a humorous read. It is full of action and repetitive phrases that the class can join in on as you read. I had my class make a craft involving finger painting using their thumbprints to create grapes and had real grapes as a snack for a bonus treat. This book is a wonderful time filler and HIGHLY recommended!