Sherman Crunchley

by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Following the tradition of the Crunchley dog family, Sherman is expected to succeed his father as Biscuit City's Chief of Police, but the only thing he likes about being a police officer is the hat he wears. 40,000 first printing.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2003

About the author

Laura Joffe Numeroff is the NYT best-selling author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, What Mommies/Daddies Do Best and Raising a Hero. She was born in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Pratt Institute. Laura grew up as the youngest of three girls, surrounded by art, music, and books. An avid animal lover, Laura has always wanted to write a book about service dogs. She now lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per my second graders: I liked it because it was lots of pages. It was funny. It was crazy because it was about a dog. I liked it because I thought the illustrations were great!

[Everett Earles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mom and Dad say I can be anything I want to be as long as I’m not a pushover like Sherman! Thanks for helping me set healthy boundaries mom and dad!

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not the type of person who has a hard time saying no. And I love this book that shows the difficulties that people get into when they don't say no.

** Talking Points - Do you have an easy time or a hard time saying no? Do you have an easy time or a hard time defending yourself? Do you family members have an easy or a hard time saying no and defending themselves? How does a hard time saying no help you or harm you? What do you want to do about it.

** Essential Oil Pairing Tip - You know I love pairing essential oils with books. And on this I'd say the best blend is doTERRA's Brave essential oil blend for kids. It works just as great at giving adults courage too. The other essential oil that comes to mind is Lavender. Now hear me out. Sometime we have a hard time saying because we are so fearful on how others are going to react. Lavender is great it calming communication fears down. That's why its nickname is The Oil of Communication.

** Loving music therapy as much as I do I've got to pair a song with this book as well. It's Brave by Sara Bareilles. It's time to say what we want to say and let our words fall out!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are amazing and it is a strong story. Sherman is next in line to be the chief of police.
He doesn't want to be, but he doesn't know how to say no. I think this book could be relatable to children.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about finding you own way in the world. Four generations of Sherman's family have been the Chief of police and Sherman is next in line. Can he find the courage to let his father know that he doesn't want to be the Chief?

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The balloon hats were my favorite part! The dog was cute. My mom liked the message more than me- speak up and tell your family what it is you want to do, don’t just be the chief of police because that’s what your dad does.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful art and great message about being true to yourself.

[Kath S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherman is an icon

[Nallely Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I like the book, for the exception of a part where the main character Sherman, is being hypnotized. I think this book mainly teaches that one should follow their dreams, even if it's not what others want for you. I like that this book make children aware that they don't always have to say "yes" to everything. Saying "yes" to everyone can cause disappointment to oneself.

I would even read this book to a class of seniors in High School, because many want to please their parents by choosing a career that their parents want. Choosing a career that is not of your taste will not bring happiness, and you will always wonder what it would have been like if you had chosen your own career. After reading this book to any grade school student, I would ask them to write what their aspirations are and how they plan to accomplish that.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherman Crunchley has a problem saying no... to anyone and everyone. He most certainly isn't happy about having to be the new police chief but he doesn't know how to tell his father that it isn't what he wants to do. An inspirational little story about being true to you and knowing that it's ok to say 'no'.

[Alison Durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I found myself relating to this character on a personal level, but the author did a good job in adding humor to Sherman's situation. I think this book has a great lesson in doing what makes you happy or what you are passionate about; but, there is also a lesson in having the confidence to say "No" when it is necessary. I will be adding this to my future classroom library!

[Brittany White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think children will like the human nature of these dogs, and it's a really sweet ending.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a definite soft spot for this ending!

[Amberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a dog who can't say no. The illustrations are very soft and beautiful.

[carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily asked for this one a lot.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute book, but there are a few pages where he gets hypnotized to try to overcome his problem. I did not read those pages during storytime.

[April Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great read aloud for students. It would also be a great book for first or second graders.

[Katie]

III

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

JUST SAY NO!! This cute puppy wants to please his father...but he doesn't like being a police man...but he just can't say no!

Moral of the story...learn to say no AND follow your bliss!!!