Lizzy and Skunk [Hardcover]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

"Isn't life wonderful?" said Skunk. "But scary," said Lizzy. Lizzy and her hand puppet, Skunk, have lots of adventures, with courageous Skunk leading the way. Lizzy is afraid of shadows in the dark...but Skunk isn't. Lizzy is afraid of spiders...but Skunk isn't. Lizzy gets stage fright... but Skunk doesn't. The friends are inseparable--until the day that Skunk gets lost. Then it's Lizzy who has to be the brave one... With adorable illustrations and a perfectly pitched text, Lizzy and Skunk is sure to be a favorite of scaredy-cats and brave souls alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her amiable debut picture book as both author and artist, Fitzpatrick (illus. of The Long March) introduces a wild-haired girl who is nearly inseparable from her alter ego and hand puppet, Skunk. While Skunk stresses the positive, the child expresses her anxieties; to Skunk's question "Isn't life wonderful?" the child responds, "But scary." As long as the puppet is on her hand, Lizzy forgets her fears and manages such feats as zipping down the sidewalk on in-line skates and shaking off stage fright to perform in the school show. But when Skunk disappears, she has to summon up courage on her own. Fitzpatrick's pictures let readers in on the secret of the puppet's whereabouts, as Lizzy searches for her beloved companion under the bed (even though it's dark there) and in the attic (even though there are spiders there). In a satisfying if predictable role reversal at tale's end, Skunk--whom Lizzy bravely rescues from a tree branch--admits that life can be scary while his young owner promises, "I'll take care of you." A reassuring story with an upbeat message about overcoming fears. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-This tale of a dungaree-clad, mop-topped girl and her black-and-white puppet alter ego has great child appeal. Lizzy has counted on Skunk to help her survive her fear of the dark, spiders, appearing onstage, etc., until he disappears, thanks to the work of a quietly mischievous cat. Then the young heroine forgets her fears and searches dark and spider-infested corners for her pal, only to find that he is stranded high up in a tree. In front of a crowd of onlookers, she makes a daring rescue and is reunited with her friend. "Life is wonderful," announces the jubilant Lizzy. "But scary, too," rejoins Skunk. "Don't worry," she replies. "I'll take care of you." Watercolor vignettes and full-page paintings show the appealing young protagonist as she faces her fears. This satisfying title will work for storytimes although some of the pictures are a bit small for large groups. Much of the story is told through Fitzpatrick's vivid watercolors, including the marmalade cat's misdeeds and Lizzy's "lost skunk" flyers. A cozy, well-executed choice for sharing with a special friend.
Sue Sherif, Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, AK
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789461633
• ISBN-13: 978-0789461636
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very fun and encouraging!, September 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Lizzy and Skunk (Hardcover)

My daughter and I love this book! The text is simple, there are not a lot of words - but, the feeling and meaning behind every word is so obvious! We love the simple message of finding courage in yourself. The illustrations are adorable - we fell in love with Lizzy just from the front cover!
I read this book with my 5 year old. As I said, it is a simple read, but as my daughter begins to read herself, this book will stay on the bookshelf for quite awhile! If you aren't overly anxious to introduce the concept of fear (of the dark, of falling down, of spiders, etc.) then this wouldn't be the book for you and your young child. But, if you already deal with these fears in your family - then you will find it a fun and encouraging book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun for Kids, Inspiring for Grown-Ups, June 24, 2002

By 

antiomi (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lizzy and Skunk (Hardcover)

Lizzy is afraid of all the things kids tend to be afraid of, so my daughter really identifies with her. Skunk is a puppet -- a transitional object -- and my daughter understands that sometimes you feel braver when you have a "stuffy" to hold.

I love this book for what it says about relationships. You may rely on a friend, spouse, etc. for everything. But when the going gets tough, sometimes you have to be the strong one, as Lizzy discovers when skunk gets lost.

The pictures in this book are beautiful, and it's just the right length for a bedtime story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and encouraging, January 1, 2002

By 

Tabitha C "TC" (Paramus, New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lizzy and Skunk (Hardcover)

My son and I love this book! The story has a terriffic message for kids about overcoming your fears and reinforces that although it can be scary , life is wonderful.