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The Lovesick Skunk

by Joe Hayes
32p. 978-1-93369-381-1.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—As might be expected in a picture book about a pair of stinky tennis shoes loved by both the boy who wears them and the skunk that discovers them on a camping trip, this story has the flavor of a tall tale told around a homey campfire. Hayes's writing style is somewhat reminiscent of Janet Stevens's, and the vivid paintings, with their slightly exaggerated perspectives, blend well with the tall-tale feel. Although the ending is somewhat lackluster, the idea of stinky shoes and a skunk in love is funny. An additional purchase.—Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Hayes narrates the tale of one boy's beloved, old, malodorous sneakers. He finally gives them up after a lady skunk, mistaking them for a fellow skunk, cuddles up to them; her jealous boyfriend skunk sprays them in anger. Hayes is a wonderful storyteller in person, but this wordy story doesn't gel. Caricature paintings, though garish, infuse some humor into the tale.
Reviewed by Natasha Forrester , Apr 01, 2011

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