4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Do you like funny stories? If yes, then you would love to hear the words used by a child in describing an awful smell. Sigfried’s Smelly Socks! is a picture book that tells a story in an amusing way. In 2017, the book won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. The author, Len Foley, is a children-genre writer from California.
The story is about a naughty boy, Sigfried, who hates the chore of washing. Sigfried sensed a terrible smell and tried to figure out from where it came. Then, he imagined about all the possible things that could give such an awful smell in his house. Is it a rotten banana? Or an old pizza? Perhaps it is his little sister’s diaper? — he wondered. The search begins, as he moves from one item to another while describing the unpleasant smell that comes from each. Creatively, the story is presented and illustrated on the colorful pages of Sigfried's smelly book.
The book has some amazing features: right from the cover page, Sigfried’s colored socks has spiral-like lines that give the sensual perception of an awful smell. The prints are as legible as those in a kindergarten copybook. Likewise, there are colored arrows that help direct a child’s eyes to the position of related words and pictures. The book is an easy read for children (about 3-4 sentences on each page). Every reader will surely laugh when reading this book, because the pictures are big and funny. For examples, there are doodles of socks and potato in it. Moreover, the pictures displayed are not as gross as the title suggest, as some pages displayed pictures of real and tasty foods such as pizza and peanut butter.
However, this is not just a funny story or another picture book with eye-catching illustrations. It depicts the mischievous acts of a carefree child; and the things that can make a room messy. Therefore, parents should ensure that a child learns the lesson of personal hygiene from this hilarious story.
Truly, this award-winning book deserves 4 out of 4 stars: it is unique, well-illustrated, and child-centered. Babies and toddlers will love its weird and ridiculous pictures; children in kindergarten and preschool can use it as a writing aid. Also, it can make the work of babysitting easier and fun. A room full of kids will surely giggle when listening to this funny story. There is no bed-time story that can make a child smile like Sigfried’s Smelling Socks!
******
Sigfried’s Smelly Socks!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Mr Benji's review? Post a comment saying so!
