The Scrambled States of America Talent Show

Book review by Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Wacky intro to the 50 states and their talents.

Laurie Keller Picture Book 2008
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Parents say

age 4+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 4+

Based on 2 reviews

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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.

Community Reviews

ktstokes
ktstokes Adult
December 22, 2009
age 5+
scarequotes
scarequotes Adult
July 10, 2009
age 3+

Not as good as the original Scrambled States, but ...

My daughter loves both of the Scrambled States books, though we both agree that the first book is a bit better. Younger kids aren't going to get all of the jokes -- there's an opening bit about state abbreviations that my daughter thinks is hilarious, but doesn't really understand -- but there's so much great detail that it doesn't matter. And everyone can sympathize with Georgia, who suffers from stage fright ... until the big moment comes along.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

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

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