Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? by Jory John, Liz Climo Series: standalone
Published by Dial Books on March 20th 2018
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
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Rating:
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Persnickety Elephant has an itch--a big one--and he can't reach it! While he isn't above asking for a little help, no one is up to the task. Turtle is too lazy, Snail is too slimy, and Alligator... well, Elephant isn't sure he wants his assistance. Does Elephant have to do everything himself?
A story about an Elephant who isn’t able to reach an itch on his back, so he is looking for someone who can help him scratch his back. He asks an array of different animals and each pose a bit of a problem when it comes to back scratching, until a very unlikely helper comes along.
I thought most of this story was really cute. I liked the illustrations because they were clean, well done and very eye pleasing. I liked that it featured different kind of animals doing what they can to help the elephant with his problem.
I did not understand the end…
It was funny, sure, but the elephant used the one animal that tried to help him and kind of tossed him aside in turn causing the animal its own problem. I thought the lesson of the story would be “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” but the lesson was kind of lost on me when the elephant turned out to be kind of rude.
Maybe I am overthinking this? My son did enjoy the book and found it funny, but I am trying to teach him using the example in this book - that if someone helps you with your problem, don’t use the person and be rude about it, because you never know what consequences might come of it. It is always better to respect the people who help you.
Lol, I can see that one should not overthink kid’s books, but I can also see how easy it would be
Well, that is kind of a bummer that the elephant is rude to monkey after all that. Not a positive message.
The ending has me puzzled and yes, I would be alarmed. I would have thought they’d become friends or something.
It sounds cute, but yes, a lesson might be problematic from that ending.
What a strange way to end a children’s book. Otherwise this one sound really cute.
Sounds like the ending doesn’t really fit, which is a shame. I’d like it if it WAS more “I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine”, etc.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I understand your feelings about the ending. Being rude to someone who helped you out is not nice.
Can someone please scratch mine? I feel for the elephant, lol In all seriousness though, the message doesn’t sound right at all, but happy to read you’re teaching your son the right lesson!
Aww, this one sounds really cute Lily, but dang the ending!
Oh no! The elephant ended up being mean?? That’s awful. Not everything needs to be a lesson but it seems like a missed opportunity at the least and even worse - the wrong lesson.
Up until then, it sounds adorable.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth