Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes

First, the quibble. Some people have complained that grapes don't grow on trees. This is a bit moot, as the book itself says the grapes are on a vine hanging from the tree. However, a more valid complaint is one that appears at the end of the book - whatever Porcupine says, porcupines cannot really shoot their quills anywhere. This is a minor detail easily fixed by stopping at some point and explaining the facts to your child.Now, I really love this book (except for the quill thing, which I took a star off for). It's the classic fable of sour grapes, but greatly expanded to show Fox's arrogance to the greatest degree.Love the witty dialog. Love the illustrations. Love the characterization of the various (North American, just fyi) woodland creatures. You can NOT go wrong getting this book.

I got this book from the library to read to my grandchildren and it was a keeper, so I bought it for my grandson’s sixth birthday. Good example of what happens without cooperation. Wonderful retelling of a favorite Aesop fable.

This book was a HIT for my 3rd grade classroom! The story is witty and captures children's attention. This book is a wonderful multidisciplinary addition to a curriculum. A teacher can discuss teamwork, manners, and problem solving. The text has a flow to it that makes it a humorous read. It is full of action and repetitive phrases that the class can join in on as you read. I had my class make a craft involving finger painting using their thumbprints to create grapes and had real grapes as a snack for a bonus treat. This book is a wonderful time filler and HIGHLY recommended!

My students love this book. It has a fun twist on the classic Aesop's fable.

This book is beautifully illustrated, but I think the plot point (the origin of the expression "sour grapes") may be lost on young children in this telling. It is just not clear to them why the fox walks off in a huff at the end, so the ending leaves them wondering what's the point of the story? The title gets their attention, though! If they talk like that about things, especially food, they usually get reprimanded.

The author, Margie Palatini, relates a story about how being the boss of everything or a "know-it-all" doesn't get you what you want. Fox wants the grapes but he won't listen to the other animals that he asks to help him reach the grapes. In the end, he decides the grapes aren't worth the problems to reach them and leaves . . . and the other animals eat the grapes!

This was such an odd but fun book. Cassie really enjoyed this story and giggling at all the animals. Though I am really surprised that some of the animals didn't try to eat some of the others. The illustrations in this book are so bright color and so fun. I love how different the animals are and the silly antics to get the grapes down. Though we wondered why they didn't shake the trees. I recommend checking this book out.

Ms. Palatini has another winner here. With all the animals assisting fox to get the grapes, he goes off before they are attainable. We root for the other animals and recognize fox's attitude. A great book to contrast stories,and share with children.

Brilliant take on the traditional tale. Humorous with great illustrations.