Spinky Sulks (Sunburst Book) [Paperback]

William Steig (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Sunburst Book

A playful story of poor, misunderstood Spinky, lying in his hammock with a dreadful case of the sulks.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What happens when you feel angry and hurt by your family's stinging words that you tear right out the front door? In many classic children's stories, the protagonist just keeps on running--setting off on a thrilling, dangerous adventure that turns out to be a cautionary tale about the risks of the great big world and a reinforcement that the only safe place to be is back home with family.

In William Steig's terrific Spinky Sulks, the young fireplug-shaped, spiky-haired hero does not run away and learn his lesson. Instead, he hits the grass outside his home and collapses into the world's longest, most impermeable funk. Completely mute and physically unresponsive--his arm hangs "like a noodle" when his mother reaches for it--Spinky practically turns into an inanimate object. As the days go by, his older siblings "kept finding him in weird places" where they'd "try to pry a word out of him, or they'd just pass him by." In time, Spinky becomes so adept at his catatonia as to be able to completely ignore a parade marching by in the street.

Spinky Sulks is a highly resonant, realistic picture of childhood feelings. And yes, Spinky does come inside and talk to everyone in the end--in his own time and in his own way, because he's ready. --Jean Lenihan

From Publishers Weekly

Steig presents a humorous, thoughtful exploration of a child's "own private thoughts and feelings," wherein Spinky is convinced that he is unloved by his family and goes into a massive funk. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (March 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374469903
• ISBN-13: 978-0374469900
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #679,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Steig, William

More About the Author

William Steig (1907-2003) published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (978-1416902065) in 1970. His works also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. His most recent books published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux are Shrek! (released by DreamWorks as a major motion picture) and Wizzil, illustrated by Quentin Blake. School Library Journal named Shrek! a Best Book of 1990 and said of it, "Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lighten up people, July 23, 2006

By 

C. Kenny (stamford,ct) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spinky Sulks (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

I was surprised to see the reviews here that were critical of this book, because of Spinky's attitude.

Spinky is not supposed to be a role model. His is an example of how NOT to behave. This message wasn't too subtle for my seven year old son to pick up on. It's a shame that a couple of adults here had it fly over their heads.

I believe that William Steig has created a wonderful story that accurately depicts how children act, and that willfulness, stubborness, and self-centeredness need to be overcome. The pictures are also some of the funniest that I've ever seen in a children's picture book, or anywhere else for that matter.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe the best kids' book I've ever read, October 15, 2002

By 

R. S. Dighe (Oswego, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spinky Sulks (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

I am 36 years old and noticed this book, by the author of SHREK, on the shelf at the public library and checked it out for my daughter. I was expecting a good book, but this one just plain blew me away. It's funny, poignant, and has a couple lessons in it that every parent (maybe even every *person*) should keep in mind, about the difference between a sincere apology and an insincere one, and about how carrying a grudge forever is self-defeating.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spinky Sulks, June 19, 2000

By 

Rachael Cowart (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spinky Sulks (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

"Spinky Sulks" is hilarious! William Steig has caught the exact feelings of every child at some point in their life. It is a great story that I enjoy reading to my five year old daughter over and over. Appealing to adults and to kids.