El Libro de Las Arenas Movedizas

by Tomie dePaola, Teresa Mlawer (Translator)

Discusses the composition of quicksand and rescue procedures.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Nature, Nonfiction, Childrens, Humor, Stem

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 1993

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Jungle Girl's vine breaks, she is plunged into quicksand. Instead of helping her out, Jungle Boy takes the time to explain quicksand to his captive audience. His lecture, while interesting, could be enjoyed much more when everyone is on dry land. If I had a stick or a pole, I'd have used it to beat Jungle Boy soundly round the head.



Oy vey!

[Anthony W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here is a informational book that explains how to search for quick sand and how to stay calm and get out if you happen to fall in.

This small but yet informational book is very helpful. There are a few charts throughout the book to show what is going on and how quicksand is made and works. It also has a list of what to do when you happen to fall into quicksand. This book could be used for a lesson for young children it is very helpful with some comical things involved.

[Cecilia Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was dark and delightful. I learned things. I was entertained. The illustrations are fascinating. I love this book.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun intro to quicksand through narrative story telling. As an adult, I learned much from this book!

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the movies I watched as a kid, I honestly thought quicksand was going to play a much larger role in my life...but now at least I know what to do if I ever do find that quicksand pit!

[Janna]

This book was fun to learn from. It did not use only expository writing to tell the facts about quicksand; it also used narrative writing to tell an imaginary story with fictional characters and personified animals. The illustrations did a great job of portraying the setting in a jungle with bright colors and different animals. I also enjoyed the characters’ expressions, especially the monkey’s. The expressions on the girl and the boy helped show their attitude and the mood for each page. I think the use of charts and lists was a good way to incorporate expository writing that is clear for children to understand. The charts were used very effectively on pages 11, 15, 17, and 19. This book also used text in a creative way. All of the text, besides the charts, was spoken by the characters. Dialogue boxes are not often used in children’s books, especially nonfiction books. Overall, this book taught good information about what to do if you are caught in quicksand in an entertaining way.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Quicksand Book by Tomie dePaola. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House, 2019. $18. 9780823442379

ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A young girl is sinking in sand while her friend explains all about quicksand. Each page she sinks deeper, while he goes into more and more detail about the sand. Finally he gives her a hard time for not being more careful and pulls her out, only to fall in himself.

Originally published in 1977, this is a classic. My kids thought this was a funny book and were engaged the whole time. I don’t really love the power play between the two characters nor the limited color palette in the illustrations, but I can see the charm in this story and learning about quicksand.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very informational book. The main character has the attitude of a teacher, which may help students understand on a different level. There is good and useful information about quick sand. Students would probably understand the information, but nay notice the lack of adventure wanted in a story.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book was originally published in 1977, readers need not fear that it will seem dated. In fact, its creative blend of traditional narrative and informational text was groundbreaking for its times. The brightly-colored illustrations feature a young girl who becomes trapped in quicksand when her vine breaks as she is swinging through the air. A boy and a chimpanzee happen along, but instead of rushing to her rescue, he uses the opportunity to inform her--and readers--about how and where quicksand forms and why humans sink when they are in the stuff. She listens patiently to his lecture, complete with posters and illustrations, while slipping further down. He also provides information about how animals deal with quicksand and what humans should be if this happens to them. Eventually, he does pull her out. Meanwhile, in the lower right-hand side of the page, readers will notice that the chimpanzee has been setting up quite a little feast with sweets and tea and even a white tablecloth. When the boy slips into the quicksand, the jungle girl gives him a dose of his own medicine and offers tips for what he should do while he waits for her to finish her treats. This picture book is funny and shows that illustrations can certainly extend the text and often tell the story just as effectively as the text does.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jungle Girl falls into some quicksand, Jungle Boy comes to her rescue. However, Jungle Boy isn't worried because he's a quicksand expert. In fact, Jungle Boy knows everything about quicksand including how and where it's made, why people and animals sink, and how to get out of it. So while Jungle Girl is slowly sinking, Jungle Boy is giving a quicksand tutorial and his monkey friend is setting up a tea party. This is a humorous picture book and a fun way to learn about quicksand. Oh, and Jungle Girl is saved and is okay. In fact, she gets a sweet little payback when Jungle Boy stumbles into the quicksand.

"Now, now. Remember what you told me! Just keep calm, lie on your back, and float. I'll pull you out when I finish my tea."

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh no! Jungle Girl is sinking in quicksand! Jungle Boy is eager to provide her with solid facts about what forms quicksand, how it reacts, and various methods of avoiding or getting out of it. It isn't until she's up to her neck, however, that he steps in to save her. Originally published in 1977, this new and updated edition is both humorous and informative. The crisp and colorful illustrations continue the humor. Time to update your collection!

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with factual information about quicksand! While Jungle Girl is stuck in quicksand, Jungle Boy explains the science behind quicksand. There are no real photos and is a fully illustrated book. While Jungle Boy is explaining, there are other things going on in the background that readers can notice and enjoy. I like the illustrated science drawings! A great idea to show students how to doodle for science!

[IBK Akindele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very creative informational book. A girl falls into quicksand and begins to sink. Jungle boy soon arrives to help. Before he helps, he informs the girl about how quicksand forms, what it is made of, and how to get out of it. I enjoy this book's approach to presenting information in a creative way, rather than just blatantly stating facts. The book also includes easy-to-read charts and graphs as a bonus. A fun and easy, but informative read nonetheless.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog Craft-Cycle

A cool book that is as educational and as it is entertaining. A great way to learn about quicksand. The information is simple and easy to understand while still incorporating a fun story. A nice way to learn.

And I really liked the ending.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-release of Tomie dePaola's book. The illustrations are colorful and the book explains the concept of "quicksand." It also tells what not to do and what to do if you fall into quicksand. The humor of the story is fun, too, with the jungle boy explaining rather than helping the jungle girl who has fallen into the sand to get out. And the monkey and his humor is fun, too.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll take "books that probably contributed to many a child in my age group thinking quicksand would be a bigger problem than it actually ended up being" for $500, Alex.

(Someone has definitely already made this joke.)

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to smack Jungle Boy, and though it quite fitting what happened to him. Happy Tea Time!

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever story about the facts of quicksand. First published late 1970s. This is classic dePaola illustrations

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary level picture book about two kids who take turns getting caught in quick sand. Will they help each other out of the mess?

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realize that the explanation of what quicksand actually is is not the main point of the book. But it really adds to the story.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jungle Boy schools Jungle Girl on quicksand, all while the monkey sets up afternoon tea.

[Nicole Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny book and was also informative. My kids laughed at some parts.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our whole family loved this book!

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A droll and funny read!

[Caroline K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute way to learn about quicksand. Actually informative and approachable for children.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information on quicksand. I'm not sure it's all that needed, but whatever. Fairly fun and slightly humorous

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was funny but also kind of terrifying. Gives good instructions about how to remain calm and get out of quicksand. Floating on your back is a good move.

[Sarah Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t go wrong with Tomie dePaola—especially when he dives into fun, educational science themed topics. I’m all in!

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny set up to an informational book. J (3.88 years) asked to read it again the next day and also read it independently.