The Great Dewey Hunt

Children's Literature - Sylvia Firth

According the jacket flap, school librarian, Mrs. Skorupski, is the alter ego of the author, Toni Buzzeo. This is her third book about learning to use the resources of a library. The story centers on fourth graders becoming familiar with the Dewey Decimal System. Mrs. Skorupski greets the students decked out in rhinestones. The rings, earrings, shoe buckles, and pins cover the ten numbered Dewey categories. The library buzzes with activity as the pupils explore, discuss, and become more informed about the organization of nonfiction. Later, they team up with second graders to help them learn about Dewey numbers. The animated, boldly colored illustrations perfectly capture the mood of the story. Sporting a blond ponytail, lime green jacket, and oversized glasses, Mrs. Skorupski is the total opposite of the old fashioned, stereotyped librarian. The sub plot cleverly teaches about the importance of returning books to their proper places on the shelves. A useful handout comes with the book and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating the lessons depicted in the story. Purchase this delightful book and turn students on to learning to find their way around the nonfiction area of the library. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth