Slim and Jim

by Richard Egielski

When a homeless rat named Slim is forced into a life of crime, he encounters a kind young mouse named Jim, who's willing to take him in and give him a chance. But when Slim's checkered past catches up to him, their friendship is put to the test. Together they must do battle with the evil villain Buster, relying upon their faith in one another -- and their yo-yos. In this Oliver Twist for tots, Richard Egielski tells a tale of true friendship and creates characters as memorable as Fagin, Bill Sikes, and the Artful Dodger.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2002

About the author

Richard Egielski is an American illustrator and writer who has worked on more than fifty children's picture books, eight of which he authored. He received his education at Parson's School of Design.

Egielski's collaboration with Arthur Yorinks resulted in nine picture books, including Hey, Al, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1987. He is also known for his illustrations in The Tub People series by Pam Conrad.

The New York Times named Buz, a book he wrote and illustrated in 1995, one of the top ten best children's books of the year for its illustrations. Jazper, which he illustrated, was also recognized as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 1998.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though Slim is a rat and Jim is a mouse, the bond over friendship and yo-yos. Jim's family is a little leary of Slim, but trust him because Jim trusts him. Jim's parents give Slim an important job...buying birthday cake candles for Jim. But, he doesn't come back and the parents fear the worst. They think Slim took off with the money. Slim, however, was kidnapped by evil Buster. Will he ever get back to Jim and his family to explain? Yes! With a little help from Jim and yo-yo tricks!

A re-telling of Oliver Twist for kids.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

JULIAN: Um, hm, the way the cat fell down was good, and the way the cat fell in the garbage truck.
MOM: What did you learn about friendship?
JULIAN: It's nice.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Longish, but adventurous, with appealing art and a good message about making friends with someone from a different background, overcoming stereotypes.

[Gracie Larcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I was not a huge fan of Slim and Jim. I did not find a lot of educational value in it and the story seemed kind of pointless with no real moral. At points it just dragged on.

I think Slim and Jim would be best for second graders to read during free reading time, rather than reading it aloud to the class. It tells a story of a rat and mouse that bond over a yoyo and for the most part the language is pretty simple. I don't see it enriching really any kind of lesson.

[LeAnn Forystek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slim and Jim is a story about two friends. Jim is a wealthier mouse, and Slim is a poor rat. Jim opens his home to Slim after Slim saved Jim's life. Jim's grandpa didn't trust Slim because of the "rat stereo-type". Slim proved him wrong and they all lived happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this book and even as an adult it kept me intrigued.

[Shaley Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about two oppoisite animals, that came from two different backgrounds becoming best friends. It is about the mouses family also acctepting the rat. This would be a great book for the younger grades.

[Bailee Morillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a little long. It was on the edge of being a full on chapter book, but it was short enough to be qualified as a picture book. I did enjoy the story. It was full of mystery and excitement, and a little scary. But it has a great message on acceptance and not being judgemental.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah loves this book. He said it's teaching him "how to catch bad guys." I like that it's not actually violent and presents a positive picture of adoption.