Thursday, May 9, 2013

Review: Jimmy’s Boa Bounces Back


Jimmy’s Boa Bounces Back by Trinka Hakes Noble, illustrated by Stephen Kellogg. 1992. 32 pgs. New York, NY: Penguin Group. 9780140546545. Format examined: Hardcover.
Annotation:  Meggie recounts how a boa constrictor got lose at a lady’s social event and caused a chain of disastrous events.
Reaction: The sequel to The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash, we learn, like the formula its predecessor, of an unraveling chain of events, told in reverse chronological order. The ladies social club is a far more entertaining venue than the farm, and using descriptive names like Mrs. Greenleaf, Miss Peachtree, and Miss Ivy, allows Kellogg to give expressive personalities to these ladies. The highlight of the story, and by far the best illustration, is the culmination of the poodle falling into the punch bowl, launching the chain of events.
Primary early literacy skills: Narrative skills.  The story has a driving plot, showing a chain of events, demonstrating cause and effect, all modeling effective narrative skills. Vocabulary also plays into it, as there are a number of play-on-words, especially involving the names of the ladies and their outfits.
Recommended ages: Ages 3 and older.
Tags/themes: Snakes, pets, garden parties, social events.
Author site/additional titles: www.trinkahakesnoble.com
Illustrator site/additional titles: www.stevenkellogg.com


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