Cool story that a lot of children can relate with. Joe has always been known as a bit of a sloppy kid, including many sloppy hobbies and habits, however, when his family come down with the flu it is sloppy Joe to the rescue.

Summary: This picture book is about a boy named Joe who is exceptionally messy. Joe's family is sometimes prepared for the messes Joe brings their way. They always working hard to make him neat and clean but understand that being messy is just who he is. When Joe realizes that being "sloppy" can get him into trouble, he decides to be "Neat Joe!" When his family falls sick with the flu and Joe is left to help out, his parents remind him that they love him and he is special as "Sloppy Joe."

Personal Reaction: I enjoy this book and the message it sends reminding kids that no matter their flaws they should be loved. I also like the message that you don't have to change who you are to be accepted or liked.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1.) Have students compare what they consider being neat and messy.
2.) Have a dress up day with students where they dress "messy" like Joe. ( )

Sloppy Joe
In my opinion the book, “Sloppy Joe” by Dave Keane, was a fun book for young readers. The illustrations filled the pages with primary colors and there was only one or two sentences at the bottom of the page. Sloppy Joe described his room as a little bit messy and the pictures captured the story that will have young readers giggling. A second reason is because the character of Sloppy Joe was very well developed. The author goes into great detail about his messiness. For example, “My room looks a little bit messy, but I know where everything is….everything except my bearded dragon, a few of his crickets, and a grilled cheese sandwich I lost last summer.” The author continues for several pages and goes on to say “They spread newspaper all around me when we eat dinner at their house”. Finally, students can relate to the character. Elementary schools students can relate to Sloppy Joe when he says “People are always telling you what to do” and the picture shows several adults grooming him while Sloppy Joe looks very annoyed. The big idea of this book is that family loves you no matter what. The book teaches this lesson while engaging readers with the fun storyline of Sloppy Joe. ( )

This is an all around fun book. It looks at a boy that is sloppy and what his family puts up with. When he tries to be neat, it is still sloppy, but he tries in earnest to help out his family when they get the flu. Thank goodness for Grandma coming to the rescue. ( )

Sloppy Joe is a typical boy, but is a very messy boy. He loves catching frogs, his room is a disaster and he is always very dirty. He loves being him, but decides one day that he wants to be Neat Joe. At this time his family becomes ill and he realizes that he likes being Sloppy Joe after all. His family loves him for who he truly is. It's a very cute book. ( )