Abe Goolsby

I gave this book a 5 more for the clever illustrations and activities than for the text itself, which requires an adult to further elaborate on the actual Biblical tale even though the action of the story is accurately described. The rhythm and rhyme have a rap feel to them, which works very well, except in one couplet, where the message is obscured by the attempt to express it in rhyme: "But Jonah was upset with God. He said, 'Lord, this isn't fair!/ This city was full of evil people. Now good people are everywhere.'" It would not be clear to anyone unfamiliar with the Biblical Jonah story why such a change would be cause for despair. The illustrations (made of what might be considered junk) include clever games of observation skills. Together, the rhyme, rhythm, illustrations and activities come together in a book to be reread several times and discussed. - Marla S.… (altro)