Sniff-Snuff-Snap!

by Lynley Dodd

A bossy old warthog tries to keep the other animals from using his waterhole.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Africa, Fiction

31 pages, Library Binding

First published April 24, 1997

About the author

Dame Lynley Dodd is an internationally celebrated writer for children whose titles are highly regarded and much loved by her readers in New Zealand and around the world. Her stories are known for their lively sound qualities, curious animal characters, and the memorable illustrations that accompany the text. Lynley has received numerous awards, both for her writing and illustration, and in 2002 she was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to children’s literature.

Lynley was a founding member of Bookrapt in 1983.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun counting book about a grumpy warthog who chases away animals from "his" watering hole. The illustrations are darling and the text is fast-paced and fun. Children will probably enjoy the repitition and I can imagine them chiming in with the warthog as he chases off the creatures with a "Sniff-snuff-snap!" each time.

At first, the final illustration disturbed me a little--until I saw the raindrops. I guess even though Mr. Warthog learned his lesson about selfishness, he will not be punished for long.

I really wanted to read one of Dodd's Slinky Malinki but my library doesn't have any. I may just have to splurge sometime, though, as I enjoyed this and will probably have even more fun with cats.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the Hairy Maclary series by the same author, but still a good one. Counting skills, savannah animals, lessons on sharing - this book could support storytimes on any of these. Could even be used with a storytime on weather (the dark clouds growing through the story, and then bringing the rain at the vey end). Would be a good one to use with older kids especially - ones who can extrapolate out what will happen to the mud puddle with the water gone but rain coming. A good discussion starting point.

Dodd is a NZ author who was recommended to us by one of our British patrons. So, these books might be a little harder to find with an average US vendor. Worth it, though. Her books have sweet illustrations and great rhyming schemes - repetitive enough for the kids to catch on, but not so sing-songy that the reader (group or one-on-one) would go nuts.

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was an instant hit and encouraged our quiet boy to say some of lines. It was a nice surprise to see Lynley Dodd bring a taste of Africa to her stories. We have already read all of Harry McClary and one slinky Minky. I love finding lesser known works by authors.

[Guen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is FUN! It is a great book for children including, animals, counting, rhyme, rhythm, repetition, and a message - 'there is enough for everyone to share'.

"'EEEEEEEE!" squealed the warthog, 'SNIFF-SNUFF-SNAP!' He chased them away...BUT they all sneaked back. Back to the waterhole, green and brown and slowly, the water went down and down."

This line is repeated throughout the book as first one, than two, than three, up to eight, animals come to the waterhole for a drink of water. The warthog does not want to share the water which is quickly disappearing. But as the waterhole shrinks you can see the sky darkening and on the last page when there is finally no water left for the warthog, the first drops of rain begin to fall.

I like the detailed illustrations of the animals and the African landscape, they are beautifully done.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Hairy Maclary you might be disappointed with this book which features a bossy old warthog who's trying to keep the waterhole to himself, as it doesn't have quite the same hilarity as the dog series. It does come recommended however, as a beautifully illustrated counting book featuring baboons, zebras, leopards, etc. It's just the job if your child is learning to count, especially if they are animal mad. Oh, and if this is the first time you've encountered one of Lynley Dodd's books, go out immediately and get Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy!

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lynley Dodd creates great rhymes and this is no exception.

However when I'm looking for a Australian/New Zealand authored counting book about African waterholes I'd probably choose The Water Hole by Graeme Base.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

We stumbled upon this book by accident during a visit to the library, but it has become one of my all-time favorites. From its lilting rhythm to its repetition, from its nature as a counting book to its engaging illustrations--I love it and my kids do too. In fact, I'm trying to track it down so we can have our very own copy--preferably in hardcover so it will last for many readings to come.

[Gloria Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good entertaining book.