Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Skippyjon Jones
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 to 6
Penguin, 2003 ISBN: 978-0142404034
Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese kitten who is often in trouble. This morning his mother has caught him sleeping with the birds again and she is very annoyed with him. She wants her little son to remember that he is a Siamese cat and not a bird, or a moose or a mouse or some other animal. She gives Skippyjon a time out in his room telling him to do some "serious thinking" about "just what it means to be a Siamese cat."
Alas for Skippyjon's mother, for Skippyjon does not think about being a cat at all. In fact he quickly decides to pretend to be a Chihuahua. He calls himself Skippito Friskito and after donning a mask, a cape, and a sword, he goes into his closet and begins a fabulous adventure.
He is no longer in his bedroom. Now he is in a desert and in front of him there is a band of Chihuahuas. The little dogs appeal to El Skippito for help. A monster called Bumblebeeto has been stealing all their beans and they want El Skippito to get rid of the wicked Bandito for them.
When the time comes, though he is terrified, El Skippito faces the monstrous bumble bee and attacks it with his sword. Then the most amazing thing happens and both El Skippito and Skippyjon Jones emerge from the confrontation the hero of the hour.
With its wonderful rhyming sections, its clever use of language, and its many instances of loud exclamations of all kinds, this is a perfect book to read out loud. Young children will not be able to resist the little Siamese cat with his big head and his enormous ears, who cannot seem to contain his imagination and who wants to be so much more than just a little kitten. Bravo Skippyjon Jones!
