December 1, 2007
K-Gr 3-The Siamese kitten returns in another rip-roaring adventure. This time, Skippyjon, who wants to be a famous paleontologist, digs up bones buried by Mrs. Dolly Doohiggy's dog, Darwin, and glues them to his model dinosaur. When his mother warns him to take the bones back before Darwin awakens, the obstinate, pouncing, bouncing Skippyjon instead puts on his cape and mask, transforming himself into Skippito Friskito, a Chihuahua. Searching for more dinosaurs, Skippito enters his closet, which transports him to a jungle. There, the action builds. Skippito reunites with Los Chimichangos, his old canine amigos. Hearing an earthquake, the friends panic; peeping through bushes, they see rowdy dinosaurs of all sizes and types. Using his pickle breath and courage, Skippito saves his pals from harm. Schachner's characters retain their winning personalities. The peppy acrylic and pen-and-ink artwork reflects the playfulness and drama of the text and adds plenty of action and suspense. Many Spanish terms are smoothly integrated into the snappy dialogue. Schachner's energetic reading on the accompanying CD includes the use of different character voices. The recording opens and closes with upbeat music, and orchestral drumbeats accentuate the action in the story. This lively romp is fun for one-on-one sharing or reading aloud.Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH
Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2008
Fans of the frenetic kitty may enjoy this adventure as he steps inside his closet, becomes his alter ego El Skippito Friskito, and encounters a prehistoric world of dancing dinosaurs. Others will find the plot convoluted, the actual Spanish mixed with pseudo-Spanish ("earthquake-ito") confusing, and the hero not as lovable as he's meant to be. A CD of the story is included.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)