Spinky Sulks (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

~ (Author, Illustrator)

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.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (March 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374469903
• ISBN-13: 978-0374469900
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #402,447 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 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)

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.

4 of 5 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)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Philadelphia is the Capital of Belgium..., August 21, 2006

By	Lightman (New York) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Spinky is sulking.

His family does not understand him, or so it seems to Spinky. He has many other misgivings and is harboring a long litany of slights.

His brother Hitch tries to cheer him up. "'You are posilutely right' Hitch said. `I looked it up. Philadelphia is the capital of Belgium'".

It doesn't work. Spinky continues to sulk.

Other family members try to comfort him as well. "I'm sorry I called you Stinky, Spinky", his sister Willamina admits.

Notwithstanding Spinky's obnoxious behavior, his family persists in its demonstration of unconditional love.

Here are some examples of Spinky's demeanor in response:

* Spinky lay there like a stone.

* Spinky's mother sat with him and held his hand, but his arm hung down like a noodle.

* She (Spinky's grandmother) gave him a big fat hug, but Spinky went limp in her arms.

Meanwhile, the family pets, a blunt nosed pooch with a snout like a sawed off shotgun, and a very clever looking cat, file meaningfully in and out of the scene.

In the end there is forgiveness and redemption all around. Something of importance has been learned and broken relationships have been healed.

Kids will love this book, and parents will enjoy reading it too.