Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!)

Snappsy the Alligator #1

by Julie Falatko

Snappsy the alligator is trying to go about his very ordinary day when a pesky narrator steps in to spice up the story with slanderous claims. Is Snappsy making crafty plans? Is he prowling for defenseless birds and soft, fuzzy bunnies? Is Snappsy a big, mean alligator who’s obsessed with snack foods that start with the letter P? It’s no wonder Snappsy won't invite the narrator to his party! 

Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) is an irreverent look at storytelling, friendship, and creative differences from a pair of rising stars in the picture book world.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Childrens, Animals, Fantasy, Fiction, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 2, 2016

About the author

Julie Falatko is the award-winning author of picture books and novels, including Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book), the Two Dogs in a Trench Coat series, The Great Indoors, Yours in Books, and many more.

Originally from New Jersey, Julie now lives in Maine with her family.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie was one of the first clients I brought on as a new agent and SNAPPSY was one of my first book sales. From my first time reading SNAPPSY I knew it was a book I couldn't live without. Both of my kids (Turkeybird and Littlebug) feel exactly the same and have ooh'd and ahh'd over the development of the book from words on a page to the addition of illustrations. Tim's illustrations enhance and bring to life the hilarious, silly and even heartwarming story Julie shared through words. I can hardly wait to see this story come to life in print and for everyone I know to have a copy eagerly shoved in their direction.

*very proud agent*

[Donalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read aloud and useful for teaching children about narrators and breaking the fourth wall.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each year I and my family read and rate all the Goodreads picture book nominees. This one is nominated for 2016. I make a few comments and then add their separate ratings and a comment. There's 15 and this is the first being rated.

This one surprised me. I thought it would just be goofy, but it has meta-elements I love (Snappsy: I did not ask to be in this story!) that figure in the ending when the narrator (a chicken) gets invited into the story, who seems to be his strategy. Has comics frames for the main story and breaks out of that framework for Snappsy to comment. The art is goofy. 4 1/2-5 stars.

Tara (my wife): 5 stars. It's funny.
Harry (11): 5 stars. It's really funny; he keeps talking to the narrator!
Hank (10): 3 stars. I think they could have done more with the idea.
Lyra (9): 4 1/2 stars. I liked how how he kept talking to the narrator.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

5/12/21 Update - David Harbour's reading of this on Storyline Online livened this one up for me. He brings the story to life and adds a humorous touch to it. Now I want to reread the picture book. 4 stars
7/19/17 Interesting concept. Snappsy is content as a loner, but it seems the narrator has something else in mind for our main character. 3 stars

[Liz B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny story about stories. My then-eight-year-old son really liked it, and requested it multiple nights until I had to return it to the library.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unassuming alligator is going about his daily life when he finds himself the object of a narrator's interest in this hilarious meta-fictional picture-book from author Julie Falatko and illustrator Tim Miller. Shadowed by unwelcome and unflattering narration, which paints him as a rapacious predator, Snappsy continually objects, eventually shutting himself in his home where the narrator can't see him. He relents in the end though, responding to the narrator and eventually inviting him in to the party he is throwing for his friends...

With its amusing meta-fictional conflict between character and narrator - I particularly enjoyed how the story stalled when Snappsy shuts himself away in his house! - Snappsy the Alligator reminded me rather strongly of Mélanie Watt's Chester , with its author/character shenanigans, and that is high praise indeed. An entertaining book, once which will involve children in the story through its clever back-and-forth, this would make an excellent read-aloud for story-time. Recommended to anyone who enjoys humorous and/or meta-fictional picture-books.

[YA Reads Book Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

Originally posted on www.yareads.com, reviewed by Nichole.

This one fell flat with the kiddos.. The first mistake was the name Snappsy. It's very difficult for little kids to pronounce and they kept wanting to say Snappy. The title definitely didn't roll very well off the tongue.


I hate to say this, but this book was BORING. In fact, there's actually one part of the book where the narrator says that the book is boring. Let me tell you, that didn't encourage my kiddos to want to listen to the story. They had a very difficult time sitting still and paying attention to this. Lots of skimming had to be done to avoid tantrums.


There were a couple phrases that I found to be a little inappropriate in this book. Maybe not so much for slightly older elementary students, but I wasn't going to say them to 1-4 year olds. The narrator says "Oh, you are really cheesing me off," and "Now I just want you to buzz off." Again, not the biggest or worst phrases out there, but I DEFINITELY didn't want the kiddos going around and repeating those words. Especially when they go back home, repeat those phrases to their parents, and then somebody gets mad at me. I just didn't think it was so appropriate for a children's picture book.


I also found the narrator of the book to be very rude. We had to have a lot of conversations about how we don't act the way the narrator does because that's not very good behavior. I'm all for that message in books, but I don't really think that was the message that this book was actually trying to get across.


Overall, this one was a huge miss. My kids didn't like it all /=

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was ok, but the illustrations were really fun.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Felt like the author tried to copy Mo Willems' style and failed.

[Paul Orsino · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I have been anticipating the release of this book would be an understatement. The concept of this hilarious new picture book is irresistible. A self-aware main character who wants absolutely no part of the book he is in? Sounds like meta-humor at its finest.

Snappsy the Alligator is your average (two-feet walkin’, pretzel snackin’, party plannin’) gator who just wants to go about his business. Unfortunately, he has become the main character in a book that HE DID NOT ASK TO BE IN! In fourth-wall breaking fashion, Julie Falatko gives readers back and forth banter between the Narrator and Snappsy, guaranteed to create big laughs. Tim Miller completes this book with brilliantly colored illustrations that are packed with amusing details on every page. With comedic timing like this, I can’t wait to read Snappsy the Alligator over and over with my class.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to an audience of second graders. When I pick the story I tend to choose humorous ones. For example I am a huge Mo Willems fan. Anything he writes is comedy gold. This book looked like it was going to be funny. I thought the premise of a character not being happy to be in a book was a funny one. I expected that since I was reading the book I would be the one to face off with Snappsy. Instead the narrator ended up being a chicken who tricked Snappsy into throwing a party. It was funny, just not as funny as it could have been. The kids liked the story well enough, I was the one it fell flat with. In addition the book contains the phrase "cheesing me off". It's not something I would want the kids repeating to each other and I cringed when I read it out loud. It was okay to read once but I wouldn't add it to my regular rotation.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

SNAPPSY THE ALLIGATOR (DID NOT ASK FOR THIS FIVE-STAR REVIEW)...but he's getting it anyway! Read this book!

[Deborah]

So clever, original, and funny. Writers take notes: character development at its finest.

[Liza Fireman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very boring, and has no plot whatsoever. Snappsy does not do anything except complaining that he does not a narrator (claiming that he is awful and other praises).

The book is not only boring and flat, but self contradicting "Snappsy, the big, mean alligator... liked to eat tiny, defenseless birds and soft, fuzzy bunnies" but then he gets to a store and likes only food that starts with the letter P (pudding, peanut butter, pita bread). Both of these do not lead to anything in the book, maybe some people do not believe that kids are looking for a plot.

At 70% of the book he even understands that he is really boring and makes no sense, so he throws up a boring party.

Pointless, 1 star or less.

[Sara Grochowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book kids and parents will find equally amusing, this is it! I wouldn't be surprised if this Snappsy gains the same kind of following as The Day the Crayons Quit. The illustrations and voice reminded me of one Henry Goes West by Robert Quackenbush, which was a personal favorite when I was growing up. Not only is Snappsy a hilarious and engaging story, it provides a great example of voice, narration, and storytelling!

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

SNAPPSY THE ALLIGATOR (DID NOT ASK TO BE IN THIS BOOK)
Written by Julie Falatko
Illustrated by Tim Miller
2016; 40 Pages
Viking Books for Young Readers
Genre: children's, picture book, humour

3 STARS

Snappsy is happily going along with his daily life until an annoying narrator starts to exaggerate his actions. Snappsy is not having any of that and it leads to a party that the narrator is not invited too. I enjoyed this funny story and liked the images. (Ages 3-6)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hilarious. My kid loves it too (even though he's only 2 and doesn't understand all of it)! "Snappsy! Snappsy!" I just love that his name his Snappsy. I love the format - like a good combo of a graphic novel and picture book. And just absurd enough without being too absurd. Enough humor to keep adults interested too :P

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay Julie!

[Aliza Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed out loud several times! Clever use of narration and characters. Anyone who thinks of "pudding in a bag" and uses a phrase like "you are really cheesing me off" gets my vote!

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clever and fun!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful take on the self-aware narrator with a twist that will leave you laughing! We LOVE this book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cheerfully cheeky metafictional romp.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Cute!

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snappsy discovers his day taken over by a narrator in this picture book. The book begins with the narrator explaining that Snappsy was feeling “draggy” and even his skin was “baggy.” Meanwhile, Snappsy himself actually feels hungry. The narrator keeps talking about Snappsy’s every move, sometimes just describing what is happening in each image and other times adding too much drama. When Snappsy reaches the grocery store, the narrator focuses on the letter P too much. Snappsy decides to throw a party so there is something to do, and the narrator continues to cause mayhem as the story progresses.

Falatko’s writing is very funny. Her timing is wonderful, Snappsy often reacting just the way that the reader would, calling the narrator out for doing a bad job at times and other times getting snarky when the narrator has miscalled what is about to happen. The influence of the narrator’s voice on a story is shown very clearly here and is a great way to talk about the tone of writing and how that can change an entire book to read one way or another. That said, this book can also just be read for the giggles which is the perfect reason to pick up any picture book.

Miller’s illustrations have the feel of a vintage picture book, just right for this subject matter. They add to the humor from the expressions on Snappsy’s face to the homey aspects to the house that Snappsy lives in.

A smart, silly and richly funny picture book that is sure to have people laughing when it’s shared aloud. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

[Diana Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can sum this book up in two words: Hil. Arious.

But here’s a bit more...

The narrator is trying to force the main character to have a more exciting story. Such great conflict at every turn! And I love how it builds throughout, with both the narrator and MC getting progressively more irritated.

I read it aloud to my daughters (1st and 5th grade) and they both loved it. They particularly loved the grocery store scene (don’t all alligators shop at the grocery store?) and also the surprise narrator reveal at the end. It was quite a hit at my house! When my 1st grader saw the cover, she was instantly intrigued. She said, “Look! He’s holding a book that has the same cover as THIS book!” She thought that meta angle was so cool. Not that she knew it was a “meta” angle. :)

I was also really impressed with how well-defined the main character was. He had such a strong, unique voice. I thought the dialogue was just the right amount of snarky without being too much. Also, just the right amount of absurd specifics to illicit lots of giggles. Like the peanut butter sandwich. So randomly awesome! And the bright, bold illustrations are spot on.

Also, maybe this is weird to mention, but I feel like this would be SO funny and work so well in a kids’ drama group.

Anyway, I can see what the buzz is about. This is a winner.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories are everywhere. According to Merriam-Webster story is defined as a history, an accounting, a statement of facts, an amusing anecdote, a fictional narrative such as a short story, the plot of a longer work and a well-accepted rumor. It would seem the particular meaning assigned to story would depend on the teller.

Nothing is more enlightening than working with a group of students during a storytelling exercise with each person telling one and the others guessing whether it is the truth or a lie. For the most part the tales shared are genuine and without fabrication. We are wired to tell stories, our stories.

We share those stories when it feels comfortable to do so. Snappsy The Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!)(Viking, Penguin Young Readers Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House L. L. C., February 2, 2016) with words by debut author Julie Falatko and pictures by debut illustrator Tim Miller elaborates on a day in the life of an annoyed alligator. Truth, lies and humor abound.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Brianne]

Snappsy the Alligator by Julie Falatko and illustrated by Tim Miller (Iowa Goldfinch Award 18-19)

Teacher: I am going to read to you some of this book, and I want you pay close attention to the words. “Snappsy the alligator wasn’t feeling like himself. His feet felt draggy. His skin felt baggy. His tail wouldn’t swish this way and that. And worst of all, his big jaw wouldn’t SNAP. This is terrible! I’m just hungry! Why is this rude narrator trying to make it seem like I need a nap?” What is happening in this part of the story?

Possible Responses: Snappsy is talking back!

Teacher: Yes! Snappsy, the main character, is talking to the person telling the story, the narrator. That is a special feature of this book, and will happen throughout our story. What do you predict will happen in the story? What will happen between Snappsy and the narrator? Let’s read to find out if we are right about our predictions!



Opening Moves: Read some of the text to engage attention, alert students to unusual feature of the text, prompt students to make predictions

[Len · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy via Goodreads giveaways.
I found everything about this book FUN. It was fun on multiple levels, too, incl. the illustrations. My only concern was that the illustrations and the text may be funny at different levels. The look of the book appeals to younger kids, and the multi-level story (incl. interaction between the main character and the narrator) would likely work only for older kids. I don't find it 'snarky' or 'cynical', but I'm not sure if older kids who'd 'get' the dialogue would like the look of the book.
Overall, really good fun, and (apparently) the start of a really fun Snappsy series.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book from the library because a friend reviewed it. She doesn't review children's book so I thought it would be worth a look. It is great but my favorite part about it is when I read it to me "kids" a 7 year old boy who believes all books are boring and made for girls loved it. He was laughing and actually paying attention. He enjoyed it so much that he asked for it again the next week and the next. I guess I have to get this one.

[Kimberly [Come Hither Books] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of literacy principles at work for reading with a young child, but pretty dull for an adult or advanced reader.

Useful for alphabet games, story walks through the illustrations, conversations and interactions between narrator and character, identification of book parts, and words and small details hidden in the illustrations. Great for the kids it's targeted at and parents/caretakers trying to practice literacy skills with their kids.