Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll

by Karin Ireland, Karin Ireland

In the spirit of Margot Apple's Sheep in a Shop, this humorous litany of what might happen if one takes exotic pets out for a stroll, shopping, to the beach, or on any number of outings makes for a comic cautionary tale. Brief rhymes, one for each situation, describe the action, which is perfectly complemented by the wacky artwork. Illustrations in bright colors and outlined in thin, scratchy lines depict exaggerated people and beasts in all sorts of silly An outsize pig wallows in a planter outside a mall that boasts stores such as House of Socks and Pencil Mart; rotund passengers bail out of an airplane after the skunk sets up a stink; an outrageously plump bride with a beehive hairdo looks astonished to find a duckling in her punch; and so on. Kids will like the outlandish pictures and giggle at the goofy advice.

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

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s probably not a good idea to take certain exotic animals out on a stroll, especially since you don’t really know what could happen.

In this story, readers will see, as shown by extremely hilarious illustrations filled with lots of colors and some favorite pets, some very serious reasons why not to take a snake on a stroll. If you take your pet pig to the mall, stay clear of dirt planters. Elephants on the beach will require too much sun screen. Taking a moose to the movies will create a big distraction. If you take your coyote on the town, beware the full moon, which may cause him to howl. Be wary of taking your duck to a wedding reception, the punch bowl might become a perfect place to float.

Parents and teachers will have fun reading this story out loud. Fun tongue twisting rhyme will create giggles all around. This fun read is perfect for beginners too. Kids can be engaged by talking about their own pets.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun rhyming story is all about why you shouldn’t take pets places. If you take an elephant to a beach you will spend hours on sunblock, and never get gone. If you take your alligator with you, he might eat you, etc. This book would have been hot for a while, but what has really make this an enduring story is the illustrations by David Catrow. They are full of color and just plain fun. They bring the story to life as only he can.

[Robert Shupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a laugh out loud book that take the premise of walking your pets into exotic animal territory
The art is equally funny with background bits that make it fun for children and adults alike.
Scholastic really know how to find some gems.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great picture book! Kids thought it was hilarious if I asked them if they had such and such for a pet after we read the page. Worked for pre-k and older.

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was fun. I think it might make a good story time book--it has a lot of opportunity to appeal to an audience of kids.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great rhyming read-aloud for 5-7 y/o. Funny illustrations.

[Emily Geilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Book - EL ED 340
This is one of my favorite books ever! My mom probably got so sick of it when I was a kid. Such fun, engaging illustrations and great rhyming words.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very funny rhyming story advising to not take certain animals when you go places and why. Funny illustrations showing the trouble they'd cause.

[Herold Homeschool · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice rhyming book and great illustrations. It’s a quick fun read

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids will find this funny.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusual, unforeseen, and unfortunate things happen when a boy takes wild animals into human situations.

[Beata · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art is gorgeous!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll by Karin Ireland, illustrated by David Catrow, is a humorous look at why you should NOT take your exotic, wild animal pets out into public.

Catrow's humorous illustrations were done in watercolor on bristol board. The cartoon-like, exaggerated images match the silly situations and resulting pandemonium well. My favorite images are title page, snake, skunk, moose, ducks, rhino, and alligator.

The illustrations extend the story, will appeal to children, and are the high point of the book. The verses are mostly good, but the story is a bit cobbled together. This could be paired with one of the Laura Numeroff animal books and Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing, though both are more successful picturebooks.

For ages 3.5 to 7, pets, animals, humor, poetry, and fans of Karin Ireland and David Catrow.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features a young boy being admonished to leave his animals at home because they don't fit in at the beach, the movies or the mall. Children may enjoy illustrations of the animals up to a variety of silly antics. The rhyme scheme could be used to promote phonological awareness. Readers may want to practice reading the book aloud first because some of the rhymes take practice to develop the appropriate rhythm. The book could also be used to promote vocabulary about different places that a person can visit.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of amusing tidbits in this book, but the entiretly wasn't nearly as amusing as it should have been. Sure, parts of it were funny and I thought a lot of the illustrations were insanely comical, but some things just didn't click. I might still recommend though.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This imaginative story consists of suggestions to exotic pet owners for places not to take the pets and the trouble that could ensue if they do. It features animals that kids will find interesting, mostly-satisfying rhymes, and a good dose of silliness. The illustrations contribute greatly to the humour of the storyline.

[Romelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming picture book about the trouble wild animals can be as pets. It is a silly and fun book, but the rhyme and meter isn't as fluid as it should be. Each 4-line stanza could stand alone as a poem since there is no structure holding the story together. Nevertheless, young readers will enjoy the rumpus.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not the first book to have clever suggestions about what not to do with a variety of animals (think Judi Barrett's "Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing) this book has its own unique charm. The rhymes about each animal are short, sweet and fun.

Excellent illustrations (but then again, I like anything David Catrow does).

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What fun! Vivian immediately recognized the illustrator's unique style (Plantzilla...that's my girl)and each page that I turned the girls both wondered at the sight they beheld. Thought they would laugh more--witty text. Taking to May OR.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous picture book about why you shouldn't take your various pets on outings with you. For example, your skunk might stink up the airplane or the waiter at the restaurant may think your frogs escaped from the chef. The pictures are fanciful and captivating. Kids will love this book.

[Laura Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded me of "If you give a mouse a cookie" and the series of books similar to it. Personally, I was not as much of a fan of this book as the others. I thought it was a bit redundant feeling which caused me to become slightly bored with it halfway through the book.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good enough to own but cute to borrow from the library for a one-time read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poems are clever and funny and the pictures are great. She gives you many good reasons to leave your animals at home. I really enjoy David Catrow's illustrations.

[Luann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A similar idea to Numeroff's "If you give a mouse a cookie" books, but with a different animal for each page. David Catrow's illustrations are very funny! My favorite is the elephant.

[Jen H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book with illustrations by David Catrow. Rhyming text makes it a fun read aloud!!!!

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read. We laughed a lot!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, rhyming story of why you should not take animals out with you. However Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett is better!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations, the story was pretty cute.

[Leslie Peterson]

repetative

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ages 3-7 according to book
really silly pictures
details that even adults would laugh at
rhymes
good for story time
showcases many animals.