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The Scrambled States of America Talent Show
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this companion to Laurie Keller's earlier book The Scrambled States of America presents a wacky premise but nothing harmful or inappropriate.
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- Kids say
Not as good as the original Scrambled States, but ...
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What's the story?
In the middle of the night, New York wakes up and begins to organize a scrambled, wacky show in which each state performs its particular talent, either alone or as part of a group. The whole process reveals basic facts of each state's history, geography, and personality.
Is it any good?
Though the story is rather silly, kids will enjoy it, especially those who are trying to learn the names, dates and shapes of the states. Looking a bit like SpongeBob SquarePants characters, the caricatured states dance about in the same colorful array that readers may have encountered in Keller's earlier book. States hold their state-shapes atop spindly spaghetti legs, their simple round eyes and big-toothed smiles showing a kind of scary enthusiasm as they dance, sing, and joke their way through the wacky talent show.
Learning about the states has never been so silly, and such fun. Kids will get a kick out of it. They are sure to take away the little facts that are tucked in here and there, as well as having a good picture of each state's shape and personality.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about and learn the names of the different states, their place on the map, and shapes and abbreviations, which are all part of the story. They might also enjoy talking about the connection between each state and the talent it chooses for the talent show. Why is Washington D.C. the host, and what does the D.C. in Washington D.C. stand for? Why does Pennsylvania play the liberty bell, Iowa tell corny jokes, and Wisconsin create cheesy sculptures?
Book details
- Author: Laurie Keller
- Illustrator: Laurie Keller
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date: August 5, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 7
- Number of pages: 40
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