Children's Book Review - The Scrambled States of America, Laurie Keller

 

The Scrambled States of America

 

Laurie Keller

Category: Children’s Picture Book

Synopsis: The states are restless and ready for a little adventure, so they decide to switch places.

Rating: *** (3-star scale)

Comments:

I’d seen this book on Amazon, and I thought it might be fun. When I was little, my older brother had a book called Fabulous Facts about the 50 States memorized. He’d go around the house saying, “Quick quiz…,” and then ask you an obscure question about a state. The summer before fourth grade, he drilled me on states and capitals. His obsession became something I’ve always been interested in, too. (Our algebra study the summer before high school didn’t go nearly as well.)

Walking through the IMC a couple weeks ago, I recognized this book out the corner of my eye, so I checked it out. I had it on my table in the living room when my grandson came over that night. At seven, he’s a good reader, but he nonetheless fancies himself a sophisticated teenager, so I wasn’t sure he’d be interested in a picture book anymore. But when he said, “What’s that book?” I grabbed for it, and he curled up next to me and let me read to him (please God, don’t let this be the last picture book we read together).

All in all, we both had a blast with this, and learned something we didn’t know (or were reminded of things we did). It didn’t hurt that Nebraska has a feature role—our family has strong ties to Nebraska. The story was good, and the illustrations were a lot of fun—there are several pictures per page and delightful side conversations everywhere. We spent many minutes just reading the stuff that wasn’t part of the story.

I see there is a Scrambled States of America game, too. We may have to check that out.

Would you recommend this to a friend?

Yes. There’s enough to keep “children” of all ages interested.