Chizzywink and the Alamagoozlum - Hardcover

Johnston, Tony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823413594 ISBN 13: 9780823413591

Publisher: Holiday House, 1998

Synopsis

When the blood-sucking chizzywink (mosquito) flies into the house, its residents know they must outwit him in order to get him out, and devise a plan that includes putting a powerful dose of alamagoozlum (maple syrup) to use.

About this title

About the Author:

Tony Johnston is the author of numerous books for young readers, including the best-selling The Quilt Story, illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3ACountry folks Zeke and Zelda are almost asleep when they hear the ominous voice of the dreaded chizzywink outside their doorA"Let me in! Let me in! I want to sip your sweet blood! Yum!" To keep harm at bay, they bring in a hound, a hog, and even an alligatorAto no avail. Finally, they feed sweet alamagoozlum to the creature, who then falls asleep. Readers learn that a chizzywink is a giant mosquito and that alamagoozlum is maple syrup. Bender uses animator's cell vinyl paint to create slightly fuzzy images. The double-page spreads, featuring rich hues of blue, brown, green, and purple, effectively yet playfully portray Zeke and Zelda's dilemma. Images of the giant mosquito with bulging eyes and hairy antenna are dramatic without being frightening. Unfortunately, the patterned story is not as successful as the illustrations. The emphasis on word play includes rhyming that is often stretched; e.g., "whisker" and "tusker." Slang terms stem from different regions of the country. Some young readers will find the word play fun. For others, the unusual terms may be confusing, marring their understanding and enjoyment of the story. Ultimately, this book will work best as a read-aloud. It will find an appreciative, albeit small, audience.AHeide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0823413594
• ISBN 13: 9780823413591
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Bender Robert