Stephanie's Ponytail (Classic Munsch) [Paperback]

Robert N. Munsch (Author), Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Classic Munsch

A little girl who is determined to strike a blow for nonconformity manages to arrive at school every day with a hairdo more outraegous than the day before. And each time, the cast of copycats grows and grows --- until the day she threatens to shave her head! The strong female voice will speak to many, asserting the importance of individuality and independent thought. Full color throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-"Ugly, ugly, very ugly," decrees the class when Stephanie arrives in school with a ponytail. But the next day, all the girls have ponytails, too. Dismayed and disgusted by these copycats, Stephanie has her Mom move her ponytail to one side with the same results. After wearing it top and front as well, Stephanie confronts the class with her final act of defiance-she announces that she's going to shave her head! Next day, her teacher and classmates are bald as billiard balls and Stephanie? Why, she's chased from the classroom with her very ordinary ponytail flying out behind her. Munsch lampoons the slavish conformity of kids while applauding Stephanie's courage and audacity in this thinly disguised paean to individualism. The cumulative text and progressively more unusual hairstyles will appeal to young readers, and the turnabout ending is satisfying if not surprising. Students of all genders, races, body types, and ages are equally subject to ridicule. The blatant hostility to Stephanie's creative coiffures is never explained, however, and her unholy glee when escaping the rampaging mob of bald classmates borders on malicious. The text is presented opposite the full-page watercolor illustrations that are suitably cartoonish and silly. Independent readers will notice the funny details, such as pets with ponytails. While too small for use with large groups, this book could spark a lively discussion if read aloud. Predictable, irreverent Munsch.
Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library,
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Robert Munsch is the author of more than 25 books for children including The Paper Bag Princes and Stephanie's Ponytail. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and studied to be a Jesuit priest before deciding to work with children instead. He taught in a variety of nursery schools and daycare centers while he earned an MA in Early Childhood Education. In 1975, Munsch and his wife, Ann, moved to Guelph, Ontario. The Munschs have three children: Julie, Andrew, and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!).

Michael Martchenko has illustrated over 30 books for children and has exhibited his work throughout North America. He has won numerous awards for design and illustration. He lives with his wife, Patricia, in Toronto.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Annick Press (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550374842
• ISBN-13: 978-1550374841
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Personal Hygiene

More About the Author

Robert Munsch is the author of more than 25 books for children including The Paper Bag Princes and Stephanie's Ponytail. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and studied to be a Jesuit priest before deciding to work with children instead. He taught in a variety of nursery schools and daycare centers while he earned an MA in Early Childhood Education. In 1975, Munsch and his wife, Ann, moved to Guelph, Ontario. The Munschs have three children: Julie, Andrew, and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lesson for all ages, February 7, 2001

By 

Candice Frederick (Columbus, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stephanie's Ponytail (Classic Munsch) (Library Binding)

I am a pre-school teacher, and Stephanie's Ponytail is my all time favorite book. There are so many things to discuss. We talk about how feelings get hurt, sassiness, honesty, and copycatting. I have told this story to groups of up to 150 kids at a time, with all of them listening. I use it as an interactive story with them doing the "Ugly Ugly" chant, and I usually choose one to be Stephanie (usually a girl with a long ponytail). Robert Munsch's books are all great. Others I like are Show and Tell, Thomas' Snowsuit, MMM Cookies. They all have great lessons to teach the children in a funny way. Candice

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book about peer pressure and individuality, October 8, 2002

By 

Maddi Hausmann Sojourner "madhaus" (Silicon Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stephanie's Ponytail (Classic Munsch) (Paperback)

Stephanie just wanted to go to school with a ponytail. But first the other kids make fun of her hairstyle, and then they all decide to wear their hair the same way. Each time Stephanie changes her hairstyle, she is berated (Ugly, ugly, very ugly!) and then copied. But Stephanie get even with them! She tells them she will shave her head, and sure enough... everyone shows up at school bald as a baby, except Stephanie, wearing a ponytail in the back. The last two pictures in this book are hysterically funny.

My kids love this book. It gives us a nice springboard to discuss whether they like to be trendsetters or followers, and how they feel when someone copies their original ideas. This is one of Munsch's best, and he is GOOD.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by a nine year old girl, May 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Stephanie's Ponytail (Classic Munsch) (Paperback)

I am a nine year old. I like "Stephanie's Ponytail" because of the way Robert Munsch has Stephanie changing ponytails and everyone was copycatting her. I wonder why at the end he came up with shaving heads! I think that's so creative what he does at the end of almost every book. I like where all the kids say to Stephanie "ugly, ugly, very ugly!" So try some of Robert Munsch!