Books for Kids: Meet Skippyjon Jones

The Skippyjon Jones books, by Judith Schachner, are great children's books for summer reading. Her first book, Skippyjon Jones, introduces readers to Skippyjon, but any in the series can be a wonderful read-aloud picture book, or an easy reader for ages 4 through 8.

This imaginative children’s book takes us into the world of Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese kitten who can’t resign himself to being a kitten. Sent to his room by his mother for imagining that he is a bird (and eating worms each morning for breakfast), Skippyjon takes on the personality of a fearless Chihuahua named Skippito.

The short story is filled with rhymes and Spanish expressions, and is a great way for children to learn a bit of Spanish while they enjoy the adventures of Skippyjon. According to a review in School Library Journal, “The buoyant and colorful cartoon illustrations match the exuberant text perfectly.

Spanish-speaking children will be especially delighted by the words and humor; others may be a little bewildered by all of the foreign phrases and will need some explanation, but the story definitely has the potential of a fun read-aloud. A good multicultural offering.”   Look for this book at your local library, online bookseller, or bookstore.

If your child enjoyed Skippyjon Jones, you’ll want to look for another Judith Schachner book, Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House.

In this fast-paced tale, Skippyjon Jones continues his exploits as the Chihuahua named Skippito. In this story, Skippyjon is sent to his room for drawing on the walls. While there, he goes on a great adventure to rescue his amigos from the big bobble-ito.

Says Amazon: “The Siamese kitty boy with the gigantico imagination has returned for another loco adventure. In his room for a time-out, Skippyjon Jones lets his imagination take him to a shack where his Chihuahua friends are yipping and yapping and hiding out from the Bad Bobble-ito, who has taken over their doghouse. How El Skippito chills the Chihuahuas and banishes the Bobble-ito will make more amigos for this endearing and irresistible rascal who made his first appearance in Skippyjon Jones.”

Author Judith Schachner won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Skippyjon Jones in 2003. She says she based the character of Skippyjon on her own cat, Skippy. Others in this series include

• Skippyjon Jones, Class Action
• Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice 
• Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble
•  Skippyjon Jones: Color Crazy
•  I Am Skippyjon Jones

If you enjoyed these books, here are a few others you might want to find:

Pretend You’re a Cat by Jean Marzollo: rhyming verses ask children if they can match the unique characteristics of various animals.

Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers by Laura Numeroff Joffe: rhyming text about why animals should not try to act like people.

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon: a baby bat is adopted by a bird and learns to live a "bird-like" life.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.

Dine with a Book Character

 The fourth challenge in the My Little Bookcase Reading Adventure is Dine with a Book Character. This creative challenge involves choosing a favorite book character to share a meal with, planning the meal, and then setting up a way to share it with that character.

This is an excellent project for any grade level. Begin by brainstorming a list of favorite characters. These can be drawn from books that have been read by reading groups, or from books that you have read to the class. Parents can help children at home to choose characters from stories that you've shared.

Once a list of characters has been made, have the students discuss which would make good dinner guests. Encourage children to think about what they know about a character to help them in their selection. Characters who have been well developed in stories make the best guests - unless your students want to have a "mystery guest" at their party.

Writing invitations is a great activity. Have students think about the characteristics of the character they've chosen - or that the class has chosen together. Have each student draft an invitation. Discuss the important things to include - date, time, place, theme - and then let each student create his or her own invitation.

Planning the meal is next. This can be a simple snack or a more elaborate meal. Discuss who will be in charge of bringing the ingredients, making any recipes and serving the treats. Be sure to assign some students to clean up duties as well.

Cooking with Kids: Informal Teaching and Learning offers some tips for creating a cooking activity with your children. These ideas can easily be adapted for classroom use.

Dine with a Book Character is a great activity for home, school or summer day care. Be sure to check out other suggestions at the My Little Bookcase site and enter to win this month's prize.

Happy Reading and Eating with your favorite character!

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.