Sylvia Jean, Scout Supreme

by Lisa Campbell Ernst, Lisa Campbell Ernst (Illustrator)

Overview

When Sylvia Jean's scout troop sets out to earn their Good-Deed badges, the boisterous girl pig knows just what to do: take care of her old, injured neighbor. Unfortunately, Sylvia Jean's over-the-top energy proves too much for the ailing Mrs. VanHooven, whose doctor has prescribed peace, quiet, and no Sylvia Jean. Not to be deterred, the crafty pig scout heads straight to her handy dandy costume closet, and soon Mrs. VanHooven is visited by an artist, a cowboy, a ballerina, and others. But how will Sylvia Jean earn her badge if she can't take credit for her good deed?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101642719
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	02/18/2010
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	33 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Lisa Campbell Ernst, author of the bestselling The Gingerbread Girl, lives with her husband and two daughters in Kansas City, Missouri.

Editorial Reviews

A childlike crowd-pleaser.

Booklist

K-Gr 2—When Sylvia Jean's troop leader announces that the next badge given will be for good deeds, the piglet decides to care for her neighbor, who has just twisted her ankle. She barges in on roller skates with tuba blaring. Mrs. VanHooven declares she just needs rest, but Sylvia Jean is determined and, in the process of delivering aid, she trips and lands atop the ailing woman. Although Sylvia Jean's mother and the doctor tell her to stay away, the scout becomes even more determined to carry through with a good deed. She disguises herself in various costumes and takes food, flowers, chocolates, and a book to her neighbor. She's about to write up her experience and claim her badge when she realizes that she did all those deeds after she was told not to. When she's about to acknowledge her mistake to her scout troop, Mrs. VanHooven appears on crutches and tells how the little porker arranged to have so many "fascinating characters" visit her. All ends happily, but next up is the first-aid badge. Now if Sylvia Jean only knew someone with an injury…. The pastel-colored illustrations outlined in black are expressive. While some are full spreads, many are smaller scenes set in frames of various shapes that provide background information for the main events. Sylvia Jean's enthusiasm is reflected on every page. Fans of the intrepid youngster will like this one, as will readers meeting her for the first time.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

School Library Journal

Determined to earn her Good-Deed Badge, Pig Scout Sylvia Jean attempts to nurse her elderly neighbor, temporarily housebound with an ankle sprain. She gathers an assortment of first-aid supplies from tulips to puppets, but her towering tuba causes a commotion. Forbidden to visit Mrs. VanHooven again, Sylvia Jean dons a variety of outrageous costumes to assist the injured pig: A caped Spanish visitor serves homemade delicacies, a French ballerina twirls in with chocolates and a cowboy brings the latest bestseller. The gentle resolution brings praise for the child's earnest efforts and newfound friendship. Punchy phrases carry an engaging story line, and Sylvia Jean's exuberant personality shines through her dialogue. "Prepare to be amazed!" she sings. Expressive faces enhance the gentle narrative; thin lines indicate a quiet vulnerability. Ernst's scenes feature her signature pastel palette even as humorous details advance the energetic tale (Sylvia Jean's fretful pacing is priceless). Originally featured in Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen (2005), this sweet and spunky swine remains all heart. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

The spirited star of Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen returns, determined to earn a Good-Deed Badge. She vows she'll take care of an ailing neighbor, but her calamitous goodwill visit so upsets the invalid that her doctor orders Sylvia Jean to stay away. Living by the motto on her scout pin—“A Pig Scout Never Gives Up”—she visits her neighbor in various disguises, including a dashing Spanish gentleman and a French ballerina. The story's good-natured exaggeration renders it badge-worthy, as do pastel pictures of Sylvia Jean, a diva with panache. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly