This fanciful read-aloud will have preschoolers rolling-and eventually slithering-around on the floor in imitation of Snake's movements as he metamorphoses from a round creature to the reptile we know today as a result of his repeated run-ins with other species. Davol's engaging, intentionally repetitive tale also encourages youngsters to chime in as the narrative reiterates the various sounds Snake makes while his shape changes. Along his calamitous course, he manages to splash mud and give the hyena spots; make the lion's hair stand on end, mane-like; incite the monkey to chatter and leap from tree to tree, etc., which lends the story a diverting subplot. A final confrontation with an elephant not only pushes Snake's "puffed-up Hup-Hup air right out of him," creating the title's hissing sound, but also sends him flying, stretching him to his familiar shape. Newcomer McDonald's motion-filled, stylized pastels, whose electric palette boldly defies the connotations of that medium, handily match the tale's exuberance. A whimsical design touch: the words describing the snake's movements and utterances are printed in various type sizes and configurations. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?This original pourquoi story takes a rather convoluted route to explain why Snake is long and skinny and hisses. Originally, he was round and arrogant, so when he wanted to get somewhere he would puff himself up, say "Hup, Hup, Hup!" and roll along, without looking where he was going. However, through a series of chance encounters with other animals-Hyena, Lion, Crocodile, etc.-Snake irrevocably alters their appearances and he, in turn, changes shape after being stepped on by Elephant. As Snake bumbles from one misadventure to the next, the text is full of sounds that beg for listener participation. McDonald's primitive illustrations in bright pastels accompany the text nicely, emphasizing Snake's carelessness and the humor of his mistakes. Although the proffered explanation for the "why" of the story is not as satisfying as in some folktales, the book's read-aloud potential outweighs its weaknesses and makes it a good choice for story times.? Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews
