When I first saw this book, I immediately thought of a fellow online writer buddy and her love for the quirky, fun, laugh out-loud stories and thought what a kick she would get out of this. So my Perfect Picture Book choice today is with Penny in mind. Read on…
BEN AND THE ICKY-OOKY-STICKY-SMICK
Written by: Sally Sutton
Illustrated by: Gary Venn
Published by: Walker Books Australia 1st Feb 2013
Ages: 3 – 7 years
Theme: Bugs
Opening Lines: Ben loved popcorn. He also loved bugs. Huge bugs and tiny bugs, shiny and spiny bugs, wriggly-jiggly, slimy bugs.
Synopsis: From back of book- Ben’s lost his pet icky-ooky-sticky-smick. And he is determined t find him. No other bug will do. No cribble-crabble-scuttle-snucks! Or lurky-murky-dottle-spots! Only his purple and velvety icky-ooky-sticky-smick…
Why I like this: This is a real fun tongue twister. Kids are going to love hearing you read this one aloud. Sally a keen interest in European languages and previous picture book award winner, has really come up with lots of imaginative play on words as Ben hunts for his pet. I tried reading this a few times and even though I am not a lover of bugs it tickled my funny bone. Try saying whoosel-swooshel-giggle-digs or how about, poople-popple-piggle-snops. I can just hear the kids snort with laughter. Gary’s clear active and yet simple coloured illustrations are fun and suit the eye-popping text well. Kids who enjoy bugs, and anything science will want this one. A great school resource as well as home fun read.
Resources/Findings: Here is a great link about bugs, activities etc for the kid who is into everything bugs….. http://a2zhomeschooling.com/explore/biology_kids/animals-biology_kids/bugs_insects_kids/insects_bugs_kids/
Sally’s website….. http://www.sallysutton.co.nz/index.php?cID=1
Here’s a fun video (warning if you don’t like insects you may not want to watch this up close with live insects video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYawa4piO4k
Pop over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Haha, i think I would have to practice before reading this aloud!
Haha… yes, me too. Imagine the fun you would have…. The kids would love it.
I was hooked by the title, Diane! Sounds so fun! This book might be a challenge to read aloud, but it sounds like a delightful adventure in language! Thanks for sharing!
Your welcome, Susanna. I should have mentioned that both writer and illustrator are New Zealanders. I have met Sally through our local SCBWI meetings.
What a fabulous find for kids who love bugs. I love the rich and discriptive use of verbs. Combined with a tongue twister, this is a gem. I would have had so much fun with this book as a kid. Great choice.
Hi Pat,
Glad you like it. Yes Sally is very clever. I have met her a few times and thought it about time I reviewed one of her books. It would be a lot of fun reading this to kids.
This sounds like a lot of fun! I can’t get it through my library, but I can suggest they purchase it!
Hi Julie, that’s a shame. Hopefully they will get it in. If not let me know and I will see if I can get you one from Sally. Hopefully she will be at our next SCBWI meeting in March. You will have a lot of fun with it.
Thanks!
I knew you were thinking of Penny!! This sounds like too much fun – will have to look for it. Especially since my 3 yr old granddaughter calls every bug she finds her ‘little buddy’…even the dead ones.
Oh my, your granddaughter sounds adorable, Laura. How cute is that! I laughed out loud when I read your comment. Hope you are able to find a copy. 🙂
I hope I can find this. Sounds like a fun read – literally.
I hope you can too. It is fun to read. Kids and adults will thoroughly enjoy it.
This sounds like an awesome book! I think Josie would love this! 🙂
It is Erik. Hopefully you are able to locate a copy there.
Sounds like tons of fun. A book that both parents and kids will laugh out loud when they read it.
You’re right! I did get a kick out of it! It sounds like all kinds of read-aloud fun! My library doesn’t have it…not even through interlibrary loan. Amazon says: Out of Print–Limited Availability. Well, maybe my library will purchase it! Love the text you shared. Thanks for a great review!