Review by Booklist Review
The grumpy gator of Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) (2016) returns for further botheration at the hands well, wings of the visiting chicken who has unilaterally decided that they are BFFs. Being followed around the house (even into the bathroom) and out on errands is trying enough, but when the chicken, whose name turns out to be Bert, enthusiastically announces that they're having a sleepover with party games and pizza hats, Snappsy snaps. Sternly ordered to leave, Bert reluctantly departs (not far: in Miller's simply drawn cartoon illustrations, he can be seen hanging around the yard and peering in the windows), and Snappsy settles down to enjoy some peace and quiet. A little while later, he concedes defeat, and muttering Oh, for heaven's sake, he invites Bert back not just for a party but to move in permanently: Turns out, it's more fun with you around. Another same-sex odd couple, joining the likes of Frog and Toad, to explore nuances of character and friendship.--Peters, John Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Snappsy the alligator is a homebody. He likes reading and hanging out at his place. Alone. When a chicken named Bert comes to a party at Snappsy's house and doesn't leave, the overly enthusiastic new friend plans nonstop entertainment and is constantly suggesting new ideas. "Wouldn't it be fun to have a Best Friends Disco Bonanza?!" They could get smoothies! Wear pizza hats! Have a sleepover! Snappsy finally loses it and tells Bert it's time to go.only to discover that things are lonely without a BFF. Bert returns, chastened but happy, and ready to tone down the bro-fest. Falatko's relatable story is told in prose that young readers will easily follow and that nicely captures the exasperation, zaniness, and love that at various times characterize friendship. The story is complemented by Miller's expressive, colorful cartoons of the new buddies. VERDICT A read-aloud or read-alone treat. For a storytime about the importance of compromise with friends, pair this title with Jennifer Lanthier's Hurry Up, Henry!-Henrietta Verma, National Information Standards Organization, Baltimore © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In Snappsy the Alligator: Did Not Ask to Be in This Book (rev. 1/16), the offstage narrator turned out to be a chicken who barged in on Snappsys party at storys end. In this equally wackadoo sequel, the chicken is narrating again, and this time hes buttering up his subject (Snappsy the alligator was the most interesting reptile in the whole world) because he wants to spend the night at Snappsys place. The chicken has big plans for their Best Friends Sleepover--theyll play pinochle, wear pizzas on their heads--but Snappsy would prefer a quiet night alone. Following some tense exchanges, Snappsy explodes, I did not ask to have a sleepover!I invited you to one party and you never left! Underneath the entertaining odd-couple clashing lies a serious (well, semi-serious) point about taking a chance on friendship. As in this books predecessor, Millers cartoony art in a woozy green-and-purple-heavy color scheme harbors sly jokes that reward attentive viewers. Snappsys house, which resembles a dilapidated privy from the outside, is shown to be impossibly sprawling on the inside. One might conjecture that this is a comment on the folly of drawing conclusions based on appearances. nell beram (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The chaotic story of Snappsy the alligator continues (Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!), 2016). In this, the chicken narrator insinuates itself even further into Snappsy's life, with a very clear motive: the chicken wants to be Snappsy's BFF. In fact, in the chicken's mind, they already are: "We met at a party. And now we do everything together." Readers will guess from the illustrationsand it's later confirmed in a hysterical outburst from Snappsythat the chicken never left Snappsy's house after inviting itself to his party in the last episode. Snappsy is the same reluctant subject, at the mercy of the chicken's warped worldview no matter how much he tries to correct it: "Actually, I'm going into town. To run errands. By myself." The chicken is not deterred, sure they are shopping for another party. That's what BFFs do. They even have matching shirts, "Snappsy" and "Bert," which prompts a dry but profound exchange: "You never told me you had a name," wonders Snappsy. "You never asked," replies Bert. Falatko and Miller brilliantly add depth to the characters' story arc. Children gain insight into Bert's motives and see what a difference Bert is making in Snappsy's quiet life. Upon reconsideration, Snappsy invites Bert to a sleepover, and Bert enthusiastically hijacks the storyline again: "They had such a wonderful time that they decided Bert should move in." We can't wait! (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
