Read the Book, Lemmings!

Ship's First Mate Foxy attempts to convince three lemmings that their species isn't required to jump off cliffs - that, in fact, lemmings don't jump off cliffs at all! - in this humorous new picture-book from author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Zachariah Ohora. Unfortunately for our vulpine hero, the lemmings seem incapable of grasping this simple fact, continually jumping overboard and requiring rescue. Finally Foxy loses his patience and demands: why won't these lemmings read the book?!?

Dyckman and Ohora have collaborated before, on Wolfie the Bunny and Horrible Bear!, but this third picture-book venture may be my favorite of the bunch. Read the Book, Lemmings is absolutely hysterical, especially when read aloud, and the accompanying show more artwork captures the humor of the text quite nicely. The image of the lemmings cannon-balling off the side of the ship in front of an aghast Foxy reduces me to giggling, as does Captain PB's repeated observation that they must not have read the book. Recommended to Ame Dyckman and Zachariah Ohora fans, and to anyone looking for humorous picture-book romps. show less

"Huh! Says here, lemmings don't jump off cliffs." But the three lemmings hear Foxy's comment and do, indeed, jump off the edge of the S.S. Cliff. Foxy rescues them and insists that they read the book about lemmings, but they are illiterate, so Foxy has to teach them. All this occurs under the skeptical eye of Captain PB (a polar bear).

This book is clever and engaging, making it a joy for both kids and adults. I love how it subtly promotes literacy and critical thinking through its playful narrative.

Cute and clever in art and writing.

I've got two more books on deck from the same team, and I'm looking forward to getting to them later today. Picture book binge!

A fox decides to try to teach his lemming friends a lesson about the dangers of jumping off of cliffs; unfortunately, lemmings can't read! The fox goes through trial and error as he tries to help his lemming friends.

Lemmings don't actually jump off cliffs ... but since this group of Lemmings can't read, they missed the memo! Can the crew of the S.S. Cliff teach the lemmings to change their ways?

My kindergarten students got a kick out of this one.