The Seven Sneezes

December 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-At the conclusion of this sweet tale, one feels fully satisfied, as a topsy-turvy situation is resolved and order is regained. First published in 1948, this version preserves the original charm of Cabral's text and introduces Ingman's fresh illustrations, which combine splashes of bright color with simple line drawings. Seven characters are all comfortable with their special attributes. Then a sneezing ragman causes barks, meows, feathers, combs, pigtails, and shoes to fly off and land on the wrong owners. The affable ragman is willing to sneeze everything back into place but first he must discover the magic word that accompanied the sneeze that caused each mishap. This is accomplished with the help of the little girl and a lot of pepper. Storytimes will erupt with laughter as listeners repeat the seven silly sneeze sounds"Katchoo! Katchim! Katcham! Katchibble! Fumadiddle! Skeedaddle! Fiddle-faddle!" This innocent story is a welcome antidote for these more complicated times."Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT"

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