Storytime: The Snake Who Said Shh...

by Jodie Parachini, Gill McLean (Illustrations)

Seth slithers out of his hole and tries to say his first word, but all that comes out is 'Shhh'. His mother encourages Seth to try again, but no luck. All he can say is 'Shhh'! The jungle animals who have gathered to hear Seth's first word erupt into giggles and fits of laughter. Whoever heard of a snake that said shhh? The grumpy leopard then tells the other animals that they need to decide on a present to give Seth. The animals shout out suggestions from a toothbrush to leaves. But none of them can agree. Their shouting escalates until Seth cannot take any more. He loudly says 'SHHHHH!' The jungle animals then realize that the best gift for Seth would be some peace and quiet.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Animals, Fiction

24 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2015

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclosure: We received a copy from the author/publisher in exchanged for an honest review. This does not influence our review in any shape or form.

Seth is a baby snake who said “Shh” instead of “hiss” like most snakes do. This leads to the other animals around him to make fun of him. After the animals realize that they hurt Seth’s feelings they try and find the perfect gift for his birthday, which turns into a bit of an argument. It turns out all Seth wants is a little peace of quiet.

The kids enjoyed this one but I had a bit of mixed feelings about it. The colors used for the illustrations were bright and colorful. But I’m not sure if I would actually purchase this one.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Os livros desta escrita são muito educativos.
Excelente para explorar as emoções dos pequenos leitores ou ouvintes.

[Justine Carnegie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Observed this being used in a nursery class to explore sound, and linked to the first phase of phonics. Having children join in and explore the sounds animals make developed the children’s phonic knowledge.
The story worked really well for the activity with this age group. I would probably use it in a similar way in my practice.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book about a snake's first word and the gift he wants most.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations, and the story was cute. It didn’t really seem special, though.

[Sarah Thang · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

[Allie Reitzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth thought the sound he made was embarrassing. After a while, it came in handy.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Seth ventures from his home, the baby snake is teased by the other animals because of the sounds he makes. But snakes usually hiss rather than saying, "Shhh," which prompts them to tease them and force him back into hiding. When they feel badly about what they've done, they get into a huge argument about what to give him for his birthday. As it turns out, all Seth wants is some peace and quiet. Although I can certainly relate to a need for that, the book really didn't hold any surprises for me. I liked the colors used in the illustrations as well as the inclusion of points for discussion.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC supplied by publisher via Edelweiss

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sibilant creation story about the origin of the word "shhh": a lisping baby snake.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute little storybook!

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seth the snake is a newborn and all the jungle animals gather around to hear his first words. This would be a great read-aloud about not laughing at others!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pleasant and completely predictable.