Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
The Chihuahua-wannabe kitty-boy goes to a school for dogs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The Siamese cat who thinks he's a Chihuahua is dying to go to school, and when his mother tells him school is for dogs, that only entices him further. He dives into his magic closet and comes out the other side to catch the schoolbus with the other poochitos. He has lots of fun going from class to class, punctuating his action-packed adventure with his usual funny mix of English, Spanish, and Spanglish.
Is It Any Good?
It's hard not to be swept up in the excitement as the irrepressible Skippyjon lets his imagination -- and his Spanish vocabulary -- run wild. Kids will love seeing him bring his enegry and positive spirit to the familiar school setting, charming teachers and four-legged students alike. Illustrated in acrylic and pen-and-ink on watercolor paper, the book captures the momentum of running dogs and the expressive moods of the adorable, irresistible kitty-boy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how it is that Skippyjon can go into his closet and then magically board a schoolbus full of dogs, driven by a penguin.
Why does Skippyjon think he's a Chihuahua? Have you ever imagined you were something or someone other than who you are?
Skippyjon breaks one sister's teacup and eats his other one's banana. Can you see how the things he did in real life became part of his imaginary play? Should the story have included his saying "I'm sorry" to his sisters? Does Skippyjopn get away with too much because he's so cute?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dutton Children's Books
- Publication date : July 12, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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