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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Snook Alone-- Marilyn Nelson


Another discovery from my evening at Tattered Cover (please note: I did not buy this one, I just ended up putting it on my wish list).

Snook is a dog, some kind of terrier, who lives on an island with his beloved companion, a monk named Abba Jacob. Snook, like any loyal companion, follows Abba Jacob on his daily rounds-- through prayers, and gardening, and meals. As Abba Jacob completes his daily activities, Snook works hard at keeping the island free of mice and rats.

 One day, the Society for the Presentation of St. Brandon's Atoll, asks Abba Jacob to help catalogue the plants and animals on a new island. Snook goes along and discovers that this island is full of rats and other small animals. When a storm comes up, Snook is so busy, that he doesn't hear Abba Jacob's voice and gets left behind. And then his waiting begins.

This is definitely a picture book for older kids. It's fairly long. It's full of rich, complex, and interesting vocabulary (atoll, carpace, handlebar mustache). The watercolor illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering (who also illustrated Necks Out For Adventure and Tale of Desperaux- how did I never put those two together?) perfectly evoke the moods of loneliness and loyalty. I could definitely see myself using this in study of theme (loneliness or loyalty).

And as a dog lover, I especially loved the ending.

6 comments:

Linda B said...

Looks darling, Carol. I wouldn't have said a word if you had said you bought it too!

Mayray said...

This is so interesting. At the Children's Centre Library here in the University of Nigeria (http://unn.edu.ng), the children surely enjoy these stories during the weekly Saturday story hours.

Mary Lee said...

I had forgotten about this book. Yes, LOVE that ending! I need to find my copy...

Cathy said...

I keep hearing about the Tattered Cover. If I ever make it that far, I'm going to have to go. Thanks for sharing this find.

Cathy

Author Amok said...

Hi, Carol. My childhood dog was a little Schnauzer named Snook. I'll have to put this one on my TBR list.

Patrick A. Allen said...

This is one of my favorites! My fourth graders love it as well... thanks for sharing.