Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner

Skippyjon Jones was one of my favorite read alouds of this past summer. Schachner has such lyrical pacing in her writing, plus it is hilariously funny. This is the story of a Siamese kitten with a very active imagination when he is sent to his room by his mother Skippyjon imagines that he is actually a Mexican Chihuahua. And not just any Chihuahua, but Skippito Jones a great sword fighter.

Skippito is picked by the other Chihuahuas to fight the great bandito who is stealing all the beans (red, black, boston baked, jelly, and more). Schachner works in lots of small Spanish words into the story (so definitely read it through before attempting a read aloud with this story).

This story has fantastic language, and lots of funny and suprising twists as it moves along. It also has good opportunities for audience participation (clapping and singing Skippito's song). And Schachner has added lots of colorful and fun illustrations that fill the whole page and will fascinate every child.

Definitely one of the top five books I've read this year.

Keywords: Imagination, Role Playing, Spanish, Dogs, Cats, Mothers, Adventure