FICTION

That Stinks!: A Punny Show-and-Tell

illus. by Stephen Gilpin. 32p. S. & S. Jul. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781416978800.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—In this clever picture book, a school day goes from boring to absurd when recess is cancelled because of bad weather. It all begins innocently when the teacher suggests show-and-tell and one student shouts out, "That stinks!" to the horror of everyone. However, when the page is turned, the child innocently introduces his pet skunk Harry. Another kid, seemingly enraged, shouts, "This totally bites!" and then goes on to show everyone a tarantula. The stakes and laughs increase as the remaining students top one another with wordplay and puns. Each child who "shows and tells" is added to the montage of proud students holding their treasures, which include a rotten banana and smelly cheese. The tale culminates with the teacher reciting all of the outrageous utterances only to have the principal come in and steal the show. The illustrations portray a diverse group of children and objects and are digitally depicted in a cartoon style that matches the story's tone.
VERDICT This selection will have kids roaring as they quickly catch on and gleefully wait to see what is actually being described.

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