Customer Reviews

Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

The vivid colors throughout this captivating picture book are amazing. There is so much detail and whismsy in the artwork your little one will be entranced from the first page. Great story, great pictures. A perfect read aloud.

If you are a teacher looking for books to inspire word choice in your student's writing, Lousy, Rotten, Stinkin' Grapes is a gem. Many of my teachers have used it with great results.

First, the quibble. Some people have complained that grapes don't grow on trees. This is a bit moot, as the book itself says the grapes are on a vine hanging from the tree. However, a more valid complaint is one that appears at the end of the book - whatever Porcupine says, porcupines cannot really shoot their quills anywhere. This is a minor detail easily fixed by stopping at some point and explaining the facts to your child.

Now, I really love this book (except for the quill thing, which I took a star off for). It's the classic fable of sour grapes, but greatly expanded to show Fox's arrogance to the greatest degree.

Love the witty dialog. Love the illustrations. Love the characterization of the various (North American, just fyi) woodland creatures. You can NOT go wrong getting this book.