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Scrambled States
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show
Those wacky scrambled states are back. This time they’ve come together for a spectacular show featuring their many goofball talents. But just when Indiana (the director) is about to call SHOWTIME!, Georgia gets a bad case of stage fright and can’t perform in her juggling act. Will the show go on, or will it be curtains? In this winning companion to The Scrambled States of America, young readers will revel in the madcap adventure and silly antics all while learning interesting facts about states and geography.
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Keller
38 books118 followersLaurie Keller grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. She always loved to draw, paint and write stories. She spent much of her time performing in a local dance tour company and dancing in and choreographing some civic theatre shows.
She graduated several years later with a BFA in Illustration. She also got a job as a greeting card illustrator at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the author and illustrator of many children's books.
She graduated several years later with a BFA in Illustration. She also got a job as a greeting card illustrator at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the author and illustrator of many children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 11, 2024
We'd kind of forgotten about Laurie Keller. But Tash is feeling the love of picture books, and this was always one of her favorites. It's amusing with lots of corny jokes, there are little details to the pictures to discover (Washington DC is riding on NC, SC sleeps with a teddy bear), and there's the opportunity to actually learns some things such as the date of entry as a state and the official two-letter abbreviation. Fun, informative, and rewarding to re-read. Definitely a favorite.
Library copy.
Library copy.
July 9, 2012
Keller, Laurie. (2008). The scrambled states of America: talent show. New York: Henry Holt.
Category: picture book
The states have a talent show emceed by Washington, D.C. The story's a little goofy, but manages to get a some tidbits of information about the states into the text, and even more through the illustrations (ex: Pennsylvania plays a tune on the Liberty Bell, Idaho is juggling potatoes, Georgia - peaches, and California - oranges). I found a couple of things really funny: Washington, D.C. asking what DC stands for - someone in the audience gives the answer "department of cucumbers",and intermission with the usual long line of states at the girls' restroom and short one for the guys. The real gold mine of this book is all the information and humor in the details of the illustrations. The end papers have the statehood dates and state abbreviations.
Themes: U.S. states, talent shows
Classroom uses: read-aloud, study of states, mapping skills
Category: picture book
The states have a talent show emceed by Washington, D.C. The story's a little goofy, but manages to get a some tidbits of information about the states into the text, and even more through the illustrations (ex: Pennsylvania plays a tune on the Liberty Bell, Idaho is juggling potatoes, Georgia - peaches, and California - oranges). I found a couple of things really funny: Washington, D.C. asking what DC stands for - someone in the audience gives the answer "department of cucumbers",and intermission with the usual long line of states at the girls' restroom and short one for the guys. The real gold mine of this book is all the information and humor in the details of the illustrations. The end papers have the statehood dates and state abbreviations.
Themes: U.S. states, talent shows
Classroom uses: read-aloud, study of states, mapping skills
January 3, 2009
When the original “Scrambled States of America” was published in 2002, it really caught on. Attaining a crossover appeal that is rare for any book, it wasn’t long before you could put together the “Scrambled States” puzzle, or play the “Scrambled States” game. All this happened for good reason: Laurie Keller combined humor, quirky illustrations, and some certified geography learnin’ to create a riot of a book that kids will be reading for a long time. It also worked on two levels - the story was good for read aloud time, yet the margins were bursting with witty asides that young readers would have to enjoy when they could hold the book in their own hands. “Scrambled States of America Talent Show” continues to keep the entertainment level high. This time out, the geography takes a bit of a back seat, but the humor is present in spades. If you want to prove to a youngster that reading can be fun, put this in their book in their hands.
In children’s books, a enticing opening is as good as gold. “Talent Show” begins with Uncle Sam, sweeping up the floor when he is interrupted by Tennessee and Wisconsin…
Hello there. I’m Sam. Please pardon the mess. We’re just cleaning up after the big-
Wait, Uncle Sam! Don’t spoil it!
You have to start from the beginning!
Oh, I suppose you’re right, you two.
Well, okeydokey then, take your seats everyone. It’s showtime!
On the next page we see all the states, about to doze off for the night, when New York is struck by and idea. Talent show. The other states are quick to jump on the bandwagon - except for Georgia, who has a case of stage fright. The show begins, and the states start parading their talents. Michigan’s lower peninsula does a ventriloquist act with the upper peninsula, Minnesota saws South Dakota in half, and Wyoming and Tennessee do a spot on impression of Oklahoma. Toward the end of the show Georgia overcomes her fears in time to perform with California, Idaho, and the rest of the Jolly Jugglers in the final act.
In the original “States”, the geography knowledge was slightly more front and center. The states wanted to switch places, but ran into problems with the weather or environment in their new location. In “Talent Show”, it’s more of an out and out good time, with lists of the state abbreviations and statehood dates residing on the endpapers to beef up the social studies quotient.
The acrylic and collage illustrations have a handmade quality that adds personality to the characters. I’ve never before seen coffee and M&Ms credited as assisting the illustrating process, but credited they are, giving you an idea of the kind of jokes contained within the rest of the story. Fonts are also used well. Keller employs a number of different styles, each used to emphasize a different mood, sound, or voice.
“The Scrambled States of America Talent Show” will make young readers smile. A thing any kid can appreciate.
In children’s books, a enticing opening is as good as gold. “Talent Show” begins with Uncle Sam, sweeping up the floor when he is interrupted by Tennessee and Wisconsin…
Hello there. I’m Sam. Please pardon the mess. We’re just cleaning up after the big-
Wait, Uncle Sam! Don’t spoil it!
You have to start from the beginning!
Oh, I suppose you’re right, you two.
Well, okeydokey then, take your seats everyone. It’s showtime!
On the next page we see all the states, about to doze off for the night, when New York is struck by and idea. Talent show. The other states are quick to jump on the bandwagon - except for Georgia, who has a case of stage fright. The show begins, and the states start parading their talents. Michigan’s lower peninsula does a ventriloquist act with the upper peninsula, Minnesota saws South Dakota in half, and Wyoming and Tennessee do a spot on impression of Oklahoma. Toward the end of the show Georgia overcomes her fears in time to perform with California, Idaho, and the rest of the Jolly Jugglers in the final act.
In the original “States”, the geography knowledge was slightly more front and center. The states wanted to switch places, but ran into problems with the weather or environment in their new location. In “Talent Show”, it’s more of an out and out good time, with lists of the state abbreviations and statehood dates residing on the endpapers to beef up the social studies quotient.
The acrylic and collage illustrations have a handmade quality that adds personality to the characters. I’ve never before seen coffee and M&Ms credited as assisting the illustrating process, but credited they are, giving you an idea of the kind of jokes contained within the rest of the story. Fonts are also used well. Keller employs a number of different styles, each used to emphasize a different mood, sound, or voice.
“The Scrambled States of America Talent Show” will make young readers smile. A thing any kid can appreciate.
March 10, 2011
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show by Laurie Keller was one of Harriet's picks to read over the summer. She was learning geography at the time in school and recognized some of the states from her classwork.
The book is a follow up to The Scrambled States of America. We have not read the first book. Nor were we aware of the original's popularity when it was first published in 2002. Some of the reviews I've read suggest that this book is best read as a sequel and not as a stand alone.
At the start of the book, New York decides the states should have a talent show. The other states jump in volunteering their skills either on stage or behind the scenes.
The talent show is supposed to an off the wall framing story for teaching geographic facts about the states. While the book was entertaining I can't say that any of its lessons stuck with either of my children. It was from their perspective too weird.
The book is a follow up to The Scrambled States of America. We have not read the first book. Nor were we aware of the original's popularity when it was first published in 2002. Some of the reviews I've read suggest that this book is best read as a sequel and not as a stand alone.
At the start of the book, New York decides the states should have a talent show. The other states jump in volunteering their skills either on stage or behind the scenes.
The talent show is supposed to an off the wall framing story for teaching geographic facts about the states. While the book was entertaining I can't say that any of its lessons stuck with either of my children. It was from their perspective too weird.
Read
February 17, 2010This colorful information book tells details about the fifty states though humor. The fifty states are putting on a talent show jokes and geography.
This stimulating book of information combined with jokes will engage children of all ages. This is a great social studies book to help students learn about the location of the states. Using humor this book will be delightful for all that read it. In the front cover of the book is state information such as when each state became a state and what the abbreviations are for the states. Some of the state mottos and landmarks are also found within this book. A teacher could read this in their classroom to get all students involved in wanting to know more about each state.
This stimulating book of information combined with jokes will engage children of all ages. This is a great social studies book to help students learn about the location of the states. Using humor this book will be delightful for all that read it. In the front cover of the book is state information such as when each state became a state and what the abbreviations are for the states. Some of the state mottos and landmarks are also found within this book. A teacher could read this in their classroom to get all students involved in wanting to know more about each state.
February 5, 2011
Laurie Keller is coming to our school next month and we are SOOOOO excited. She is a genius and humerous writer. This is the equal to the Scrambled States of America (where the go traveling and trade places). This time the states put on a great talent show. Of course in this one Idaho is in the juggling crew and what does she juggle...yep, you guessed it, POTATOES!!!! :) The states all have personalities, little asides, and other fun things. She does all of the illustrations and they are just as funny. Parents, teachers, and people who love fun things should check this book out...or any by Laurie Keller for that matter!
November 29, 2010
This was a very entertaining book! There were several comedic moments, however Debbie mentioned that the book feeds on stereotypes and I will agree. With that being said, this book presents a good opportunity to not only learn about the states, but to also delve deeper into the stereotypes: why do we associate certain things with certain states? how do the citizens of each state feel about those stereotypes? what stereotypes are there about our state of Georgia? how can we figure out the truth behind such stereotypes? At first glance, this seems like a cute way to teach students about the states, but I think this is also a great way to get students to think critically!
December 13, 2011
This is a fun follow-up story to The Scrambled States of America, also by Laurie Keller. The states are getting together this time to have a talent show and craziness ensues. Our favorite were the state impersonators - hilarious! This is a silly book, but informative, too, as we learned more about each state's shape and we also discussed the statehood dates and abbreviations that are listed on the endpages. We enjoyed reading this story together.
February 28, 2014
I think this book is really good because it teaches kids about some of the things or monuments that some states represent, such as Iowa corn and Pennsylvania's Liberty Bell. If you like this book, please read the other one in this "series" that this one is the sequel to. It is called The Scrambled States of America. It is good because it teaches geography and is also tremendously fun. I have a review for that too, just type in "The Scrambled States of America" and you should get two books, this one and the other one. And after those two, you should get the game and the puzzle. I think those are the most educational out of all the other books.
August 27, 2008
Gaffes, guffaws and gargantuan grins explode from page after page of frantic action as fifty fervent American states peel themselves from cartographical slumber and paint the town.
As a Canadian, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I learned more about U.S. geography (and statehood history) from these forty pages of tumult, tables and talent than I ever learned in school.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
As a Canadian, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I learned more about U.S. geography (and statehood history) from these forty pages of tumult, tables and talent than I ever learned in school.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
December 12, 2009
This is a silly book that contains information about the states but does it in a way that is a bit unconventional. Instead of being a straight book that contains dry info, this book conveys the info about the states through a talent show where the states, which were shaped like each one, competed against each other. I would say that there is so much going on in this story that it is hard to follow. Its more or less to enjoy page by page. I would have liked to have read the preceding book before this one.
November 18, 2010
This sequel to the Scrambled States of America includes the fifty states putting on a talent show. Some of the states performed by themselves and others performed in groups. A few states, one being Georgia, had to get over stage fright in order to perform. With much help from her friends, she conquered her fears and went on to do wonderfully in the show. This book can be integrated into social studies because it can reinforce the names and shapes of the fifty states which will make it easier for children to point them out on a map.
August 16, 2008
Too cute! All the states decide to put on a talent show. Some sing, dance, juggle, and try the pogo stick! A great way to learn the states. Has some sarcastic humor, great for the parents reading it with their child. Georgia has a bit of stage fright though, and at the end, Georgia imagines all the states with only their underwear on. On the cover jackets is one list of the statehood dates from oldest to youngest, and then lists all the state abbrieviations.
December 12, 2008
I’d start with the first book The Scrambled States of America if reading this is partially to help with geography lessons. This book also gives a nod to those with stage fright and might be helpful for that too.
The author is very funny, down to her official author photos and notes.
This extremely busy and silly book is a good way for independent readers to learn some facts about the states of the U.S. It wouldn’t make a particularly good read aloud book though.
The author is very funny, down to her official author photos and notes.
This extremely busy and silly book is a good way for independent readers to learn some facts about the states of the U.S. It wouldn’t make a particularly good read aloud book though.
September 10, 2010
Another funny scrambled states book. This one delves a bit more into things like state abbreviations and statehood dates (which is something else I didn't memorize either). I loved Georgia's X-rays, but I think it would have been neat to do a bit more of that with some of the other states to add a few more educational factors into it. Delaware would have been easy! :-) Still a great book with some intelligent humor that is fun to sit and look at everything going on.
December 1, 2010
I read this to the class with my peers for the first time outloud and it was so funny. I loved it. It introduced the states and each of there talents correlated to their states image. It is a really good book to teach the states of america and it is engaging because it uses a talent show as the story line to tie you in. It has colorful pictures and includes little word bubbles so that you keep discovering more and more everytime you read. Great for kindergarten and first grade.
January 11, 2013
(Mommy's review)
The book showed "x-ray's" of Georgia, more up close and in depth than any other state, and Julia and I were actually able to find Putnam County on one and the town of Eatonton on the other.
We both thought that was pretty cool because not only were we there for awhile this past fall but that's where I lived when I got pregnant with her and where her Nanny and uncles still live.
The book showed "x-ray's" of Georgia, more up close and in depth than any other state, and Julia and I were actually able to find Putnam County on one and the town of Eatonton on the other.
We both thought that was pretty cool because not only were we there for awhile this past fall but that's where I lived when I got pregnant with her and where her Nanny and uncles still live.
September 17, 2008
More fun from Laurie Keller as the states put on a talent show! Some of the "talents" are related to the culture of the respective state (Oklahoma is roping), and some aren't (Texas is roller-skating). My favorite part is when some of the states get together to do impersonations of other states. Gotta see that page.
November 25, 2009
Another winner by Laurie Keller. Keller really knows how to grab her young audience and keep them with her through all the twists and turns. This is a great sequel to Scrambled States of America. Kids are learning without realizing it. I wish she would write a sequel to Arnie the Doughnut. So creative!
December 17, 2009
2009 Informational
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show was a fun book to read. I enjoyed reading about the information about the states that was previewed in a much different way then I had ever read before. With this sort of content it is hard to not get boring at times, but overall Laurie Keller did a great job keeping it entertaining and visually stimulating.
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show was a fun book to read. I enjoyed reading about the information about the states that was previewed in a much different way then I had ever read before. With this sort of content it is hard to not get boring at times, but overall Laurie Keller did a great job keeping it entertaining and visually stimulating.
September 26, 2010
This is another book about the Scrambled states that will leave you smiling! I really enjoyed this book because not only is it entertaining but you learn a lot about each state's unique qualities. This great for teachers in Georgia because it gets the spotlight in this book. Good way to teach geography and state facts.
October 2, 2010
story that could teach about the states that make up the US- not geographically oriented- poor visualization about where the states are located- continues some stereotypes about qualities of different states or the people that populate them. The story is written for kids to laugh about it, but poor choice for teaching anything relevant about geography.
December 1, 2010
This book was a very cute book! I enjoyed reading it in class. I look forward to possibly having it on my bookshelf one day. When introducing the states to the children in geography and talking about the different states, this would be a great way to talk about and have the children become more aware of what the states are like and where they are.
November 28, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. It was very entertaining for me to read as an adult. It's filled with plenty of witty humor that both children and adults can understand and enjoy. It also provides plenty of facts about U.S. states that can be both educational and entertaining. I would use this book when learning about different states in the U.S., their capitols, and any other facts about them.
April 3, 2012
This is a strange book. It is about how all of the United States have a talent show. I think they are trying to be humorous and at the same time stating some facts about some of the states. I love state facts so I thought this book would be amazing, instead it is just a little too strange. Maybe a 5th grader might appreciate it but I thought it was more silly than informative.
April 16, 2015
I think the scrambled states of America books are great because they do an awesome job of teaching students about the states in a fun way. These books are so enjoyable that students don't often think of them as educational, they just read them for fun. This would be a great book for a read aloud to introduce state units or something else social studies related.
November 22, 2015
This is a fun sequel to The Scrambled States of America. One night, New York woke all the other states and suggested they get together and have a talent show. Everyone was all excited, but then Georgia got a case of stage fright. This is a silly story, but the illustrations with all of the sidebar captions and jokes are so much fun to enjoy.
August 31, 2008
Sequel to the book Scrambled States of America. New York comes up with the idea that all of the states should be in a talent show. They ice skate and juggle and make music as the New States on the Block. Lots of little jokes in this book. Would be fun book to use in classroom setting.
September 2, 2009
I am biased - I LOVE all books by Laurie Keller!! They are just so much fun to read. All the little side bar conversations make for fun family jokes around here.
This is a great introduction to the quirky funny states that make up the U.S.A.
This is a great introduction to the quirky funny states that make up the U.S.A.
November 27, 2010
This was a fun way to teach kids the states. It was well illustrated and fun to read, It will definitely keep the kids engaged with the funny sayings. I can see this being used from K-5. For the upper grades you can add the capitals of each state for the kids to figure out. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews