Picture Book: Sparky
Author: Jenny Offill
Illustrator: Chris Appelhans
Summary: The narrator in this clever book is determined to have a pet. When her mother agrees only to a pet that wouldn’t need to be walked, bathed, or fed, a sloth is ordered by mail. Sparky, the sloth, is not quite what the narrator hoped for especially once she sets up a “Trained Sloth Extravaganza” after a friend criticizes Sparky. Though the training is both hilarious and disappointing, the determination and unconditional love that the narrator has for Sparky is inspiring.
Hanna’s Comments: Throughout this tale, “a promise is a promise” is proclaimed so you'll see Sparky is about a lot more than a girl and her unusual pet. It also touches on issues such as accepting differences, overcoming disappointment, suffering because of jealousy & comparison, and patience in addition to keeping promises.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Schwartz & Wade, 2014
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages: 40
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: Tablet
PBT Category: Fresh off the Press
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, adoption, animals, authenticity, belonging, challenges, chosen, coveting/envy/jealousy, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, disappointment, laziness/sloth, patience, pets, preparation/preparing, presence, pride, promises/vows, quiet/silence, sin, waiting
Scripture Connections: Be patient & don’t fret over what others have (Psalm 37:7), Don’t compare yourselves with others (2 Corinthians 10:12)
Idea(s) for Application: a perfect book for a minister whose congregation is not growing as fast as hoped
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