The Know-Nothings (An I Can Read Book) by Michele Sobel Spirn

by Michele Sobel Spirn

The Know-Nothings can't figure out what to eat. Noodles are too hard, bananas wear funny coats, and everyone knows you can only get French fries in France. But even though Boris, Morris, Doris, and Norris may not know much about food, they do know one very important thing -- how to be good friends!

Genres: Childrens

Hardcover

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

Michele Sobel Spirn has written and published over 40 books for children. She began her writing career at age 16 when she won a state essay contest. Her prize included a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the President. Throughout her career, she has had writing jobs in public relations as well as freelance work in educational publishing, mass market and trade publishing. She became interested in writing for children when she and her husband had a son. Influenced by the work of children’s book authors Arnold Lobel and James Marshall, among others, she wrote The Know-Nothings, an “I Can Read” book about four foolish friends. The Know-Nothings series now includes four books about the silly four--Morris, Boris, Doris and Norris--and their dog, Floris. Her love of mysteries has led her to create three middle-grade mysteries about the Bridges family, The Bridges in London, The Bridges in Paris, and The Bridges in Edinburgh. Michele also enjoys writing biographies (Against the Odds: Jackie Joyner-Kersee), young adult novels (Racing Against the Light, Wait Till The Midnight Hour) and nonfiction (Cold-Blooded Creatures, Birth Celebrations, New Year Celebrations). Her latest book is an “I Can Read” book, I Am The Turkey. Michele teaches creative writing at New York University and the New School University. She has a B.A. degree from Syracuse University and an MFA degree in creative writing from the New School University.

Reviews

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious book for children about four friends called the Know-Nothings. These four friends couldn't even count, they thought they had to walk to France to get french-fries, they thought they had to have ham to make a hamburger, to make soft noodles, they stomped on them, and they wouldn't eat bananas without their peels because they thought the fruit would shiver and freeze.
They were starving, but they finally got something to eat. Read the book to find out where they got some food.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 1 out of 5]

Derivative and awful. Just not funny. Go read things like The Stupids Step Out and All of Our Noses Are Here and Other Noodle Tales or The Simpletons or similar folktales. I'm shocked and appalled to learn that someone felt this dreck merited a sequel - no, multiple sequels!

[Kristen Fraley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Know-Nothings are a silly group of friends who do not know much. Together the group engage is ridiculous antics. A short chapter book with a continuing storyline, students will be amused and engaged, waiting to see what silly thing Boris, Morris, Doris, and Norris will say or do next. From trying to go to France to get French fries and refusing to take the coats off of bananas, so as to not allow the banana to get cold, the Know-Nothings contains a fun twist on each page.

The Know-Nothings is a book full of silliness, especially good for students who are looking for a not-so-serious read simply for entertainment.

[Allison Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my absolute favourite book in grade 2

[Melissa Namba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar in nature and humor of the Amelia Bedelia books. Kids will have fun going through this book with their parents and laughing at the misunderstandings.

[Megan McKenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal response: Such a silly book that I am sure young readers will find hilarious. The "chapters" that the book provides makes beginning readers feel confident and advanced in their reading.

Purpose: Would be a great book for beginning readers who are working towards transitional books, about mid to late first grade. Some pages include words in different places or nearly a full page of words, the words stay in the same font, spacing and straight format. This helps new readers in predictability of following words. The illustrations compliment the story and help tell the story concepts. The names of the characters: Borris, Morris, Doris, and Norris, are similar in their structure but require the reader to pay attention to the first consonant to differentiate each. The use of "know-nothings" including the hyphen, may be a new concept to beginning readers. This is a book to help children work towards transitional books as it incorporates length in the pages and spacing of words for stopping and starting without breaking up sentences.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke just read this book, and Kate and I laughed all the way through it. A great early reader book for all ages!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but a little silly, even for grades one thru three. Illustrations were great.