Dave Keane

School Library Review:
K-Gr 3-This touching story depicts a young girl's coming to terms with her sadness at the loss of her beloved grandfather as she discovers her memories of him are treasures of the heart. Unfolding in a first-person narrative are the joyful moments the girl shares with her grandfather as they hunt for small gifts of nature; Keane takes care to show readers that the young girl reconciles with her subsequent grief by opening up to her grandmother about her memories, with her collection of found objects now acting as touchstones. The simple sentence structures and easy vocabulary make the story's purpose accessible to independent elementary readers, whether or not they can relate to family loss. Bell's detailed illustrations ground and complement the story phrases, as every element described is featured for comfortable visual context. Most notably, the remarkably intricate, handmade textures fill the characters and scenes with a unique tangibility, reflecting how meaningful and impressionable the times shared with loved ones are. VERDICT Though not an essential purchase, this heartfelt story about the loss of a beloved grandparent plainly names the emotions felt by a grieving young child and seeks to reassure children that family memories can be forever cherished.-Rachel Mulligan, Westampton, NJ… (plus d'informations)

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.… (plus d'informations)