ECONOGAL

My oldest grandchild introduced me to the Skippyjon Jones series. Judy Schachner writes and illustrates story books that are very appealing to young children from ages three and up. In the series, Mama Junebug Jones leads the way with her rhyming dialogue as she struggles with a son that thinks he is a Chihuahua and not a Siamese Cat.

To a certain extent, Schachner’s writing reminds me of tall tales. Stories that are larger than life, like Paul Bunyon and the Big Blue Ox. Yet the writing takes the stories up a notch with wittiness in abundance. And lots of humor. The laugh out loud kind of silliness. I found the story delightful.

The hero of the stories, Skippyjon Jones has an alter ego, El Skippito Friskito. A bedroom closet is the portal for young Jones and his transition to the brave Chihuahua. In Skippyjon Jones in the Dog-House, Skippyjon/Skippito meets up with his old amigos, Los Chimichangos who urge the youngster in all manners of mischief.

Silly puns for both young and old pepper the dialogue of Los Chimichangos crew. Naturally Skippyjon/Skippito relishes the merriment even when tossed into a giant burrito. And the wannabe Chihuahua saves the day.

Schachner has created a series devoted to the imagination of the young child. The rhymes and puns incorporated into the dialogue add backbone to the outrageous storyline. Who ever heard of a Siamese Cat thinking he was a Chihuahua? And a superhero to boot? This early introduction of a suspension of disbelief is essential for the enjoyment of fiction through the years.

The antics of Skippyjon Jones and his counterpart El Skippito Friskito came on the scene in the early years of the 21^st Century. And Skippyjon Jones in the Dog-House was published in 2005. One excuse for missing these entertaining books was a pre-occupation with keeping teenagers busy and out of trouble. Thankfully, having grandkids gives one a second chance.