It's been interesting for me as the librarian to see how the different ages respond to the text and pictures. The first class that heard it, fifth grade, had just completed their state reports, and they were in tune with the book from beginning to end, adding all kinds of information they had recently learned. It was a wonderful discussion.

My favorite illustration in this book is where "states all over the country were waking up, having their first cups of coffee, reading the morning paper, and enjoying the beautiful sunrise." When I ask the students to look closely, they first laugh at silly things like Florida shaving, but then they notice that our state, Washington, is still asleep. Pretty quickly, the kids pick up on the time zones, and we end up talking about the time differences in our country.

Our kids get mockingly upset that Washington hasn't arrived to the big all-state party, because they are convinced we'd either bring apples or water (from all our rain)!

The students' favorite page is when they get to see the states all scrambled up. They love searching for our state, and other states they've studied or visited!

This is an entertaining book, one that I never would have predicted to be a hit with all grades. I took a gamble, and I was pleasantly surprised. They love it, and they learn something about geography while they're at it!


Colorful illust. & fun story cleverly mask geography lesson!   November 6, 1999
 38 out of 40 found this review helpful

It isn't often you come across a children's book that's unique in it's story, fun in it's presentation, and a delight to read. Laurie Keller accomplishes this with "The Scrambled States of America". The unique idea of each state having it's own personality and voicing it's opinions on his place in the country, is both comical and creative. This book brings together colorful illustrations and a geography lesson, which will have children learning the names & shapes of the states after reading the book for just the first time! MyParenTime.com highly recommends this book as a source of knowledge, imagination, & fun.




Just Wonderful   May 14, 2000
 10 out of 13 found this review helpful

What would happen if all the states in the USA decided they were bored and wanted to move around, see new places, talk to new friends? Read The Scrambled States of America and find out. A clever, witty, funny book with busy, colorful illustrations that compliment the text. A joy to read with a geography lesson in disguise. My kids couldn't get enough of this book. A must for all home libraries. And, make sure you get Laurie Keller's next book, Open Wide Tooth School Inside. It's just as wonderful.


Wildly Creative Fun for Kids (and Adults)   May 24, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Imagine the map of the United States. Each state different, representing unique landscapes, people, and landmarks. We so often get such images that stamp each state as having its own "personality." Now here comes Laurie Keller, looking at that map, and thinking "Gee, wouldn't it be fun if these states could free themselves from being anchored in place? Wouldn't it be interesting if they could visit one another and get to interact?" What an absurd idea! What a PERFECT idea for a kid's book!

This is one of those children's books that can truly claim a unique niche. Keller enhances the zaniness with vivid, personality-exuding illustrtions. So many kid's books today try too hard to hook adult interests, forgetting the unbridled imaginative capacities of young ones. Not this one. Keller knows that kids LOVE silliness, and she delivers. Oh yes, there's appeal here for adults, too -- providing they realize that they are just "big" kids. A little bit of education too. What more can you ask for? This is most assuredly worth finding its way into your... ahem... "kid's collection."


Lpving the Scrambled States   December 7, 1999
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book is a verbal and visual feast for children and adults alike. The entire family can't wait to read this book each night and pick out our favorite scenes. We are amazed how quickly our 4 year old son has learned the names of the states and in what general direction they belong. A sure fire hit!