Rattlesnake Jam
What do you think of that title?! It's another edition of "Tuesday with the Tots" and this week's feature review is another book by Guardian Angel Publishing, called Rattlesnake Jam by Margot Finke. Now, I don't know about you, but I think Rattlesnake Jam sounds disgusting and repulsive! But, it certainly makes for a fun little book.....
Rattlesnake Jam is a rhyming romp, with crazy old Gran and Pa arguing over how to cook up the rattlers he catches. Gran wants to boil and bottle them into her cure-all Rattlesnake Jam, but Pa longs for a rattlesnake pie. Who do you think will get their own way in the end? You'll just have to read the book to find out.
Though my 8-year-old Gracie read this book and called in "pointless", I happen to be a sucker for a good rhyming book! So, although the storyline is a little goofy, the rhymes are enjoyable, and gave me a laugh while reading through the book.
The author, Margot Finke, is an Aussie who writes mid-grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years, she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. She didn't begin serious writing unti the day her youngest left for college. This late start drives Margot, and pushes her to write every day. Gardening, travel, and reading, fill in the cracks between writing. Margot has a website that you are welcome to visit to learn more about her and check out some fun information.
The illustrator of Rattlesnake Jam, Kevin Scott Collier, has recently become a favorite illustrator of mine, as I've had opportunity to work with him on some projects for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. (If your kids participated in our Summer Reading Splash program, you may recognize our mascot, Splish - Kevin illustrated Splish for us!) Rattlesnake Jam is filled with Kevin's trademark illustrating talents - a colorful, cartoon style.
If your child is a realist, like my Gracie, this book might not be for your family. However, if you've got a child with an adventurous side or a good sense of humor, then Rattlesnake Jam might be just the ticket for some fun reading at your house!
Sounds cute. I love the cover Kevin did. Very cute!!
-gena
Posted by: Gena Suarez | August 03, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Noelle, thanks for the interesting review of "Rattlesnake Jam." And YES, Kevin is so talented. He is a real treasure.
If your daughter Gracie is more practical minded, let her read some of my rhyming, educational stories about animals from the US and Australia. You can find them on their own page on my website:
http://www.margotfinke.com
"Kangaroo Clues" is fact about how Old Man Kanga escapes wild dingoes.
"Prairie Dog's Play Day" tells 3 true tales about Prairie Dogs, The Bald Eagle, and The Skunk
"Mama Grizzly Bear" will take Gracie through a year in the life of Mama and her cubs.
Available as autographed CDs or Downloads from the BOOKS page on my Website. She might also enjoy reading fun facts about the critters in this series. "Wild US Critters" or "Down-under Fun" pages are
perfect for a child that longs to know more about everything.
Margot Finke
Posted by: Margot Finke | September 07, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Noelle, thanks for the interesting review of "Rattlesnake Jam." And YES, Kevin is so talented. He is a real treasure.
If your daughter Gracie is more practical minded, let her read some of my rhyming, educational stories about animals from the US and Australia. You can find them on their own page on my website:
http://www.margotfinke.com
"Kangaroo Clues" is fact about how Old Man Kanga escapes wild dingoes.
"Prairie Dog's Play Day" tells 3 true tales about Prairie Dogs, The Bald Eagle, and The Skunk
"Mama Grizzly Bear" will take Gracie through a year in the life of Mama and her cubs.
Available as autographed CDs or Downloads from the BOOKS page on my Website. She might also enjoy reading fun facts about the critters in this series. "Wild US Critters" or "Down-under Fun" pages are
perfect for a child that longs to know more about everything.
Margot Finke
Posted by: Margot Finke | September 07, 2008 at 11:09 PM