Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a Racoon named Sam who believes he's the only one in his family who can't do something special. One sister play's the piano, another is a terrific baseball player, and Sam's brother is a computer whiz. Not only that, but his father is a wonderful cook, and his mother carves lovely wooden birds. Even his dog can do a clever trick. How Sam finally--and unexpectedly--discovers his very own special talent makes an appealing story sure to delight and inspite young children :)
Helpful Score: 1
Sam believes he is the only one in his family who can't do something special. Even his dog can do a clever trick! How Sam finally - and unexpectedly - discovers his own special talent makes an appealing story sure to delight and inspire young children.
Age Range: 5 to 8
Annotation
Surrounded by parents and siblings with remarkable talents, Sam yearns to be good at something himself, and finds his own special niche when he discovers the pleasures of painting.
From The Critics
Publishers Weekly
McPhail's typically endearing animal characters tell how Sam--the only one in his family without an apparent talent--discovers his special niche. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1 Everyone in Sam's raccoon family has a special talentone sister plays the piano, another plays first base, his brother is a computer whiz, his father is a wonderful cook, his mother carves wooden birds, his grandmother is a knitter, and even his dog can balance a bone on his nose. Sam fails at everything. At last he discovers his own special talentpainting, which wins him self-respect and the admiration of others. Expressive full-color ink-and-wash illustrations are uncluttered yet filled with humorous detail and serve as the perfect extension to the simple text. A reassuring story told with humor and a light touch, sure to be a comfort to young siblings seeking the special string to their bow. Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, Calif.
Annotation
Surrounded by parents and siblings with remarkable talents, Sam yearns to be good at something himself, and finds his own special niche when he discovers the pleasures of painting.
From The Critics
Publishers Weekly
McPhail's typically endearing animal characters tell how Sam--the only one in his family without an apparent talent--discovers his special niche. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1 Everyone in Sam's raccoon family has a special talentone sister plays the piano, another plays first base, his brother is a computer whiz, his father is a wonderful cook, his mother carves wooden birds, his grandmother is a knitter, and even his dog can balance a bone on his nose. Sam fails at everything. At last he discovers his own special talentpainting, which wins him self-respect and the admiration of others. Expressive full-color ink-and-wash illustrations are uncluttered yet filled with humorous detail and serve as the perfect extension to the simple text. A reassuring story told with humor and a light touch, sure to be a comfort to young siblings seeking the special string to their bow. Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, Calif.
Everyone in Sam's family can do something special...except for Sam! Then one day, Sam discovers his talent! If your young one is waiting to discover his talent, this book will encourage him.
Sam the racoon believes he's the only one in his family who can't do something special, but finds out that is not true. This book reminds me a lot of the Richard Scarry series and is very cute.
Great hardback book letting everyone know that they are special!!
