Reviews for Smile, breathe, and go slowly : Slumby the sloth goes to school
Publishers Weekly
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The Italian collaborators offer a whimsical tale starring a sloth who savors his family’s mellow lifestyle, which involves perching on a tree branch, surrounded by butterflies, and breathing deeply—and very slowly. Slumby has a rude awakening on his first day of school, when his father (amusingly holding a clock while hanging upside-down from a branch overhead) rouses him early, and he must dress and eat breakfast “in a hurry” before setting off on a leisurely amble to school, arriving just before noon. Though his classmates and teacher cannot resist Slumby’s “serene smile,” the sluggish marsupial doesn’t join in recess games, instead hanging out in a tree alone, growing sad until he (unexpectedly speedy in the water) saves a friend’s life and enlightens his peers to the rewards of a sloth’s pace. Rendered in crayons and acrylic paints, Angaramo’s similarly understated and droll illustrations put a diverting spin on Slumby and his friends. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
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Gr 1–4—Slumby, like most sloths, is slow, and when it comes time to go to school, Slumby is late. He is slower than the rest of his quick-moving classmates, even the turtle. Slumby is left behind at recess, and he doesn't fit in. However, when his armadillo classmate tumbles into a river and is swept away, Slumby surprises everyone by leaping into the river and rescuing him. After this heroic ordeal, Slumby's classmates celebrate him, and they even slow down and spend time with him on occasion. Illustrations are a mix of crayon and acrylic paints on watercolor paper. The vibrant colors of the anthropomorphic characters and their outfits pop against the gentle watercolor backgrounds. Slumby the sloth is adorable and expressive. He wears stylish blue overalls that contrast well with his brown fur and help him stand out among his furry and scaly pals. Slumby's big reveal—that he is basically Michael Phelps in the water—will surprise most children. The book starts with sloth family yoga, which matches the peaceful title, but for those seeking a book on mindfulness, this is not it. VERDICT The value of this additional purchase is in its moral: Don't make assumptions.—Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Think your school mornings are hectic?Slumby and his sloth family take things very slowly, which is fine until he starts school. A double-page spread with small scenes marked by an analog clock showing different times depicts Slumbys morning rush. Those who can tell time will be astounded at just how long his routine takes him; even beginning at 3:45 a.m., hes still a half-day late to school, just in time for recess. But Slumby does everything so slowly that he cant jump rope, participate in the turtle race, or play armadillo ball (yep, thats what it sounds like). Sad, he spends his recesses observing the butterflies that constantly surround him ( la Pigpens dirt in Peanuts) until the day the armadillo lands in the river with a hungry crocodile. Its Slumby to the rescue! Though the book doesnt provide this fact, sloths can swim up to three times as fast as they can walk on land. Whether thats fast enough to effect a rescue from a crocodile is debatable, but regardless, Slumbys classmates are now willing to change their activities so the hero sloth can be included. While the title and cover may bring to mind meditation, this is not a mindfulness book but one about a unique newcomer whos accepted only once he proves his worth. Angaramos adorable cartoon animals wear clothing and have pleasingly mobile expressions. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 31% of actual size.)Look elsewhere to learn about sloth behavior, punctuality, and how to be a good friend to someone whos different from you. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Think your school mornings are hectic? Slumby and his sloth family take things very slowly, which is fine until he starts school. A double-page spread with small scenes marked by an analog clock showing different times depicts Slumby’s morning rush. Those who can tell time will be astounded at just how long his routine takes him; even beginning at 3:45 a.m., he’s still a half-day late to school, just in time for recess. But Slumby does everything so slowly that he can’t jump rope, participate in the turtle race, or play armadillo ball (yep, that’s what it sounds like). Sad, he spends his recesses observing the butterflies that constantly surround him (á la Pigpen’s dirt in “Peanuts”) until the day the armadillo lands in the river with a hungry crocodile. It’s Slumby to the rescue! Though the book doesn’t provide this fact, sloths can swim up to three times as fast as they can walk on land. Whether that’s fast enough to effect a rescue from a crocodile is debatable, but regardless, Slumby’s classmates are now willing to change their activities so the hero sloth can be included. While the title and cover may bring to mind meditation, this is not a mindfulness book but one about a unique newcomer who’s accepted only once he proves his worth. Angaramo’s adorable cartoon animals wear clothing and have pleasingly mobile expressions. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 31% of actual size.) Look elsewhere to learn about sloth behavior, punctuality, and how to be a good friend to someone who’s different from you. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
