This Skin I'm In

The zany story begins when a ragtag group of jungle friends voices discontent with their individual appearances. Following much complaining, they hatch a preposterous plan to trade their skins with one another. The plan is doomed and the goofy friends experience a variety of hilarious humiliations: Giraffe lays an egg, Leopard sounds like a goose, Flamingo gets tangled in a tree and Elephant is stung by bees. Orangutan, dressed in Leopard's spots observes the sticky wicket evolve and wisely suggests that they should just be themselves. Fun and fanciful illustrations reinforce the story's message of the importance of individuality, gratitude, and self-esteem. A delightful read for all ages, but especially appropriate for ages 4-10.

Lexile score 640

About the Author
Crane, Courtney: - Courtney believes that a fanciful story transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary moments. Her cherished memories of childhood include listening to the imaginative retelling of classical yarns and fairy tales by her father. Courtney continued this delightful tradition while raising her daughter. This Skin I'm In was envisioned following a zoo visit. She wrote the story for her daughter and children of all ages with the cooperation and support of her friend and the book's illustrator, Karen Henneck. Courtney resides in Atlanta or wherever her husband, Jerry unpacks his portmanteau. When she isn't spinning fables for her gregarious granddaughter, she probably has a camera or a paintbrush in her hand. You can view her work at: www.courtneycrane.coHenneck, Karen: - Our lives are storybooks we compose, first as children's books full of awe and wonder, then as novels with chapters at times calm, at times thrilling. These books are illustrated by those who give meaning to our lives! From the first Dick and Jane books she held, to the Golden Books she read to her baby brother, Karen wanted to create these wonderful books some day. After raising a family and working as a floral designer for 21 years, she received her art degree. Karen then found the magical world of her childhood dreams that had been so long out of reach. In addition to children's books, she creates impressionistic pastel paintings of the beautiful western landscape. For more information, visit: www.karenhenneck.com