Stephanie's Ponytail

by Robert Munsch, Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

Overview

A little girl who is determined to strike a blow for nonconformity manages to arrive at school every day with a hairdo more outraegous than the day before. And each time, the cast of copycats grows and grows--until the day she threatens to shave her head! The strong female voice will speak to many, asserting the importance of individuality and independent thought. Full color.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781550374841
Publisher:	Annick Press, Limited
Publication date:	05/01/1996
Series:	Munsch for Kids
Edition description:	Limited Edition
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Lexile:	500L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Robert Munsch, author of such classics as The Paper Bag Princess and Thomas’ Snowsuit, is one of North America’s bestselling authors of children’s books.

Michael Martchenko is the award-winning illustrator of the Classic Munsch series and many other beloved children's books. He was born north of Paris, France, and moved to Canada when he was seven. He lives in Toronto with his wife, Patricia.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 1-3-"Ugly, ugly, very ugly," decrees the class when Stephanie arrives in school with a ponytail. But the next day, all the girls have ponytails, too. Dismayed and disgusted by these copycats, Stephanie has her Mom move her ponytail to one side with the same results. After wearing it top and front as well, Stephanie confronts the class with her final act of defiance-she announces that she's going to shave her head! Next day, her teacher and classmates are bald as billiard balls and Stephanie? Why, she's chased from the classroom with her very ordinary ponytail flying out behind her. Munsch lampoons the slavish conformity of kids while applauding Stephanie's courage and audacity in this thinly disguised paean to individualism. The cumulative text and progressively more unusual hairstyles will appeal to young readers, and the turnabout ending is satisfying if not surprising. Students of all genders, races, body types, and ages are equally subject to ridicule. The blatant hostility to Stephanie's creative coiffures is never explained, however, and her unholy glee when escaping the rampaging mob of bald classmates borders on malicious. The text is presented opposite the full-page watercolor illustrations that are suitably cartoonish and silly. Independent readers will notice the funny details, such as pets with ponytails. While too small for use with large groups, this book could spark a lively discussion if read aloud. Predictable, irreverent Munsch.-Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ

School Library Journal

Predictable, irreverent Munsch.” - School Library Journal

From the Publisher