Momo and Snap

by Airlie Anderson

Overview

Hilarious story told without words, only assorted grunts and noises. How a competitive relationship between a crocodile and a monkey turns into a supportive one.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846436031
Publisher:	Child's Play (International) Ltd
Publication date:	04/01/2013
Series:	Child's Play Library
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	566,339
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

Editorial Reviews

09/30/2013
When Momo, a tiny brown monkey, and Snap, a remarkably long crocodile, first meet—with an “Eek!” and an “Ack!”—all they can think about is one-upmanship. They make daunting noises in an attempt to frighten each other (“Scree!” “Hiss!”) and challenge one another to feats of agility, artistry, and athleticism (including juggling, balancing, drawing, diving, and swimming). But when three hungry lions appear eager to turn Momo into a meal, Snap instinctively carries his rival to safety, launching a beautiful friendship. The text is composed entirely of the exclamatory sounds the two make; fishing barehanded, they declare “Yee haw!” and “Woo Hoo!” and they chortle away after the lions leave empty-handed. Unfortunately, Anderson’s decision to tell her story almost entirely along a single plane only highlights the flatness of her two heroes—who look more like cartoon marginalia than full-fledged characters—and their rather vanilla talents. Anderson (Cows in the Kitchen) milks some fun out of this duo’s competitive spirit, but there are funnier books available about rivalry and friendship. Ages 3–7. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

12/01/2013
PreS-K—Momo the monkey and Snap the crocodile are frightened of each other at first, uttering "Eek!" and "Ack!" After trading their most fearsome growls ("Grrr!" "Arrrgh!"), they proceed to try to outdo each other in a series of charming feats of strength. In one scene, Momo juggles bananas while Snap balances them on her nose. Bold spreads and single pages with backgrounds of various hues accent the two characters, painted in a cartoon style with emotive faces. Although the text is minimal—one or two speech bubble sounds or words per page-the illustrations push the adventure along as Momo and Snap tumble around a desert, dive underwater, and, ultimately, hide together from lions in a jungle thicket. This picture book will be a hit, inviting vocalization of "Sheesh!" "Sploosh!" and the like, and spurring youngsters to interpret the pictures and sounds as the tale progresses.—Nora Clancy, Teachers College Community School, New York City

School Library Journal

2013-09-25
A crocodile and a monkey learn the value of friendship. When Momo and Snap first meet, they are anything but friends. In fact, they are downright rivals. Momo shows off his impressive monkey sounds: "Ooo ooo aaa!"; Snap responds with a loud "Rrrrrg!" Momo snarls and says, "Scree!"; Snaps lets out an angry "Hiss!" Momo jumps into a one-handed handstand, but Snap can do acrobatics too. And juggling bananas? Snap can balance them on his snout! This one-upmanship continues on land and in water, until a trio of lionesses come looking for dinner. Snap suddenly scoops Momo up and rushes to the nearby bushes to hide. Their differences are forgotten, and a friendship is born! However, this simple plot has a twist in its telling. Anderson uses only sounds and bright, cheery illustrations to convey the story. Before Snap meets Momo, for example, he is out for a walk casually humming an adorable "Tum ti tum!" And when Momo is underwater, he bubbles, "Blip blip blip!" With few words, Snap, the stubby-legged crocodile, and Momo, the chubby, round monkey, give young readers a chance to turn into young storytellers. A sweet reminder of how one act of kindness can change the course of many an argument. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews