Customer Reviews

The Scrambled States of America

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As our students read their way across America by earning miles, I decided to read "The Scrambled States of America" to every class in our school from grades 1-6. There is not a class that hasn't enjoyed this hilarious book.

It's been interesting for me as the librarian to see how the different ages respond to the text and pictures. The first class that heard it, fifth grade, had just completed their state reports, and they were in tune with the book from beginning to end, adding all kinds of information they had recently learned. It was a wonderful discussion.

My favorite illustration in this book is where "states all over the country were waking up, having their first cups of coffee, reading the morning paper, and enjoying the beautiful sunrise." When I ask the students to look closely, they first laugh at silly things like Florida shaving, but then they notice that our state, Washington, is still asleep. Pretty quickly, the kids pick up on the time zones, and we end up talking about the time differences in our country.

Our kids get mockingly upset that Washington hasn't arrived to the big all-state party, because they are convinced we'd either bring apples or water (from all our rain)!

The students' favorite page is when they get to see the states all scrambled up. They love searching for our state, and other states they've studied or visited!

This is an entertaining book, one that I never would have predicted to be a hit with all grades. I took a gamble, and I was pleasantly surprised. They love it, and they learn something about geography while they're at it!

It isn't often you come across a children's book that's unique in it's story, fun in it's presentation, and a delight to read. Laurie Keller accomplishes this with "The Scrambled States of America". The unique idea of each state having it's own personality and voicing it's opinions on his place in the country, is both comical and creative. This book brings together colorful illustrations and a geography lesson, which will have children learning the names & shapes of the states after reading the book for just the first time! MyParenTime.com highly recommends this book as a source of knowledge, imagination, & fun.

Imagine the map of the United States. Each state different, representing unique landscapes, people, and landmarks. We so often get such images that stamp each state as having its own "personality." Now here comes Laurie Keller, looking at that map, and thinking "Gee, wouldn't it be fun if these states could free themselves from being anchored in place? Wouldn't it be interesting if they could visit one another and get to interact?" What an absurd idea! What a PERFECT idea for a kid's book!

This is one of those children's books that can truly claim a unique niche. Keller enhances the zaniness with vivid, personality-exuding illustrtions. So many kid's books today try too hard to hook adult interests, forgetting the unbridled imaginative capacities of young ones. Not this one. Keller knows that kids LOVE silliness, and she delivers. Oh yes, there's appeal here for adults, too -- providing they realize that they are just "big" kids. A little bit of education too. What more can you ask for? This is most assuredly worth finding its way into your... ahem... "kid's collection."

This book is a verbal and visual feast for children and adults alike. The entire family can't wait to read this book each night and pick out our favorite scenes. We are amazed how quickly our 4 year old son has learned the names of the states and in what general direction they belong. A sure fire hit!

As a teacher, I'm always attracted to books that make learning fun, and this is one of the best! It's zany, off-the-wall and filled with oh, so many hilarious side comments made by the states who come alive. Younger tots love the colorful and silly illustrations, while older kids appreciate geography facts told in a most unique fashion. Check out the game inspired by the book - my own kids beg to play it!

The Scrambled States of America
By Laurie Keller
Reviewed by Jason P. (age 8)

"There's no place like home". That's what all 50 states learned in this hilarious, slightly romantic tale.

It all starts when Kansas (who was very angry) decides to invite all the states to a "states party" to meet new states.
At the party, Nevada and Mississippi fell in love. Later, Virginia and Idaho suggested that all the states switched places. All the states agreed to this, so they all changed places through the day.
Will our fair country stay like this? Find out in The Scrambled States of America!

I liked this book because (like I told you) it was hilarious! I really liked the part when all the states went home.

I recommend this book to kids who: 1) like fiction, 2) can read picture books.

Read this book to find out the funniest U.S. story ever!

I bought this book for my 4-year-old daughter & it was soon her favorite book! The book does a great job making the states come alive, with lots of silly pictures of the states interacting with each other (i.e., Colorado referring to Idaho as "Mr. Potato-Head.") Kids learn where the states are & what is unique about the states while giggling over their escapades. My daughter learned all 50 states very quickly. She took the book to daycare, and the other kids could not get enough of it.

This has everything a mom (and a kid) wants in a kid's book --great illustrations, fun jokes, and some "meat" to learn. My daughter is 6 and she has learned so much about the states just to understand the jokes --I bought two copies, one for our home and the other for the school library. My daughter frequently requests this story when she is in the mood for a fun story and we both love the pictures. This is an overall wonderful pick!

What would happen if all the states in the USA decided they were bored and wanted to move around, see new places, talk to new friends? Read The Scrambled States of America and find out. A clever, witty, funny book with busy, colorful illustrations that compliment the text. A joy to read with a geography lesson in disguise. My kids couldn't get enough of this book. A must for all home libraries. And, make sure you get Laurie Keller's next book, Open Wide Tooth School Inside. It's just as wonderful.

Rarely does a book combine learning and fun so well. This book is very educational (it has helped make my kids wild about geography) yet has a humor that is simple enough for my two year old to laugh and sophisticated enough to make me laugh as well.

A MUST for all children! I wish Laurie Keller would write more fun geography books (oceans, rivers, continents, contries in Europe, Asia, Africa) I would certainly buy them.

FYI: there is also a game from Gamewright based on this book that is great!