– Who Is That Daring Guy? –

Author: John Briggs
Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (September 2016)

  • Word Count: Approx. 427
  • Pages: 28

 

It is impossible to tell the difference in lemmings. That’s because they all look the same, sound alike, and act alike. Nearly all of the lemmings will follow the leader and jump off a cliff, dig tunnels to keep warm, squeal together and eat the same thing.

Well, almost all of the lemmings, that is.

One isn’t interested in doing and being just like the others. In fact, he tells the lemmings that he’d like to be called
Larry.

What! That’s incredible. And incredible news travels fast.

“He wants to be called Larry.”
“I’m not calling him Larry.”
“What’s a Larry?”
“No lemming’s ever been called Larry.”
“I hear he wants to be called Marry.”

But will a lemming who wants to think for himself ever find a way to fit in with lemmings who take a vote to see if it’s okay to think on your own?

Should all lemmings be the same?

With the exception of one vote, the answer is unanimous. YES!

4 STARS

My Thoughts

What Concerned Me: Not a big concern at all, but I couldn’t really see why the lemmings’ behavior changed.

What I Liked Most: I love the fact that this story can open wonderful discussions with kids.

Though it’s not exactly clear why their behavior changed, it’s a good topic for discussion.

 

It offers a fun tale that’s sure to be a favorite.

About the Author:

One of the fun things to note about this author is that he spent several years as a standup comedian touring the country. Author John BiggsHmmm, maybe that’s the reason it’s so easy for him to write fun picture books? However, John hasn’t limited his career. He’s been a writer for a newspaper, a children’s TV critic, a music critic, hockey and education reporter, a travel writer, and . . . well, let’s just jump to the fun stuff, shall we?

Favorite flavor of ice cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

Favorite subject in school: History (what else?!)

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA (although I lived for many years in the Pocono Mountains)

Current Hometown: New York’s Capital District and North Country.

Favorite animal: Lemming

Favorite books as a child: Charlotte’s Web, The Five Chinese Brothers, Curious George, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, the Hardy Boys, and biographies on just about anybody you can name

 

 

 

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