Session 8: Traditional Literature
Grade level this book was selected for: Kindergarten.
APA Citation: Palatini, M. (2009). Lousy rotten stinkin' grapes. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Description: Retells the fable of a frustrated fox that, after many tries to reach a high bunch of grapes, decides they must be sour anyway. (From the book's title page.)
This book is appropriate for: Ages 0-8; Pre-Kindergarten-Third grade
Justification:Since this book is a laugh inducing retelling of a well known fable, and I would use it during story time to compare to the original tale that demonstrates CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.2 With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details. The illustrations are beautiful and attention grabbing. The humor will keep kiddos entertained. Works as an excellent conversation starter about cooperation and problem solving. (English Language Arts Standards >> Reading: Literature, Retrieved from Common Core State Standard Initiatives on November 3, 2017: http: //www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/K/2/
Keywords: CooperationšProblem solvingšArrogancešAnimals
Scholarly Review: Palatini and Moser have taken a spare Aesop fable and expanded it into a riotous treat for eyes and ears while still keeping the essence of the original. Fox eyes the grapes hanging from a vine high in a tree and thinks that he can get them easily: “I am sly. Clever. Smart. After all, I am a fox.” So, armed with paper and pencil, he draws his Plan Alpha and tries it out–no grapes . He asks Bear to help him out with Plan Bravo and Bear starts to say something, but Fox interrupts: “Bear, Bear, Bear. …Your job is brawn. Not brain. You leave the thinking to me.” “If you say so,” says Bear. After the third, fourth, and fifth plans fail, involving Beaver, Porcupine, and Possum, Fox gives up and departs in disgust with the usual rationale: “lousy , rotten , stinkin ’ grapes .” “If you say so,” say the other animals as they feast on the fruit thrown down to them by Possum. Moser’s wonderful watercolor illustrations of the doubting animals executing Fox’s convoluted plans are rich in humor. They are silhouetted against plenty of white space, with the grapevines and tree dominating each large spread. Matched by a text that rolls off the tongue and is full of action and repetitive phrases, the book is a delight.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA --Judith Constantinides.
Citation: Constantinides, J. (2009, July). Palatini, Margie. Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes. School Library Journal, 55(7), 73. Retrieved from:
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