The title character, Skippyjon Jones, is a Siamese cat with unusually large ears, an equally large head and an unusually small tail. Since he doesn't look like his mother and sisters, he pretends to be a Chihuahua, although he is aware he is a cat. He has a group of imaginary Chihuahua friends, Los Chimichangos. He lives with his mother Junebug, his three sisters Jezebel, Jillyboo, and Jujube. The stories follow Skippyjon Jones on his various adventures.
Books
Skippyjon Jones is published under Penguin Random House within its Dutton Juvenile division.[1]
Title
Publication Date
ISBN
Skippyjon Jones
September 15, 2003
9780525471349
Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House
April 7, 2005
9780142407493
Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble
October 19, 2006
9780142412114
Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones
October 18, 2007
9780525478843
Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice
September 22, 2009
9780525479659
Skippyjon Jones: Presto-Change-O
September 21, 2010
9780525423584
Skippyjon Jones: Class Action
July 12, 2011
9780525422280
Skippyjon Jones: Cirque De Olé
October 16, 2012
9780803737822
Skippyjon Jones: Snow What
October 21, 2014
9780803737891
Skippyjon Jones: Up & Down
February 15, 2007
9780525478072
Skippyjon Jones: Color Crazy
March 2, 2007
9780525477822
Skippyjon Jones: Shape Up
January 24, 2008
9780525479574
Skippyjon Jones: 1-2-3
January 24, 2008
9780525479567
Skippyjon Jones Takes a Dive
January 8, 2008
9780448450810
Skippyjon Jones and the Treasure Hunt
May 1, 2008
9780448448176
Skippyjon Jones: A Surprise for Mama
March 27, 2008
9780448448169
Skippyjon Jones: ¡Ay Card-ramba!
September 4, 2008
9780448448190
Skippyjon Jones: Up, Up, and Away!
January 8, 2009
9780448450827
Skippyjon Jones: The Great Bean Caper
May 14, 2009
9780448451671
Skippyjon Jones: Costume Crazee
August 20, 2009
9780448451688
Controversy
Several reviews criticize Skippyjon Jones’ depiction of Latinos and use of mock Spanish.[3][4] Due to its stereotypes, the series is ranked 8 on the American Library Association's list of top challenged books for 2018.[5] Amy Senta, an early childhood professor, described a moment when a Latino child remarked he thought the book was mocking him.[6] Following this experience, she analyzed the books and summarized them as demeaning Mexicans through characterization, improper use of language, and the enforcement of a “white savior” modality.[6] Particularly, the Spanish used is oftentimes incorrect and can mislead non-Spanish speakers into believing a word is Spanish due to the addition of Spanish articles and endings.[7] Another analysis states Skippyjon Jones and his chihuahua friends are humanized and given traits symbolic of Latinos.[8] Through this depiction and anthropomorphization, the characters are seen as substitutes for "racial and ethnic identities," a representation invoking "tokenism."[8]
However, these critiques are criticized for advocating censorship of the books and projecting ideas of racism into a children’s series.[9] There is discussion regarding the roles of these books in children's literature due to their wide success.[10] This discourse focuses on their success commercially combined with the overarching criticisms of stereotyping.[10] Although, Schachner defends her writing and claims the books are intended for education.[10]
Reception
Reviews of the books are generally positive, highlighting the adventurous tales and descriptive language.[11][12] One review notes that readers searching for true depictions of Latinos are best served elsewhere.[12] In 2004, Skippyjon Jones won the first annual E. B. WhiteRead Aloud Award, handed out by The Association of Booksellers for Children.[13] Also, Skippyjon Jones has won several local children's book awards, including the New Hampshire State Library's 2005 Ladybug Picture Book Award,[14] the 2005 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award,[15] and the 2006 Colorado Council International Reading Association (CCIRA) Colorado Children's Book Award for Picture Book.[16] Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed Skippyjon Jones as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children".[17] A New York Times review said Skippyjon Jones is a fun, bilingual book similar to a Ulysses for kids.[18]
Theatre Production
Following commercial success, Skippyjon Jones and Skippyjon Jones: Snow What were both adapted into musical productions. In 2011 and 2014, Theatreworks USA put on productions of Skippyjon Jones at the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater and various other locations in Pittsburgh.[19][20] The performances received good reviews, stating the show was enjoyable for all ages.[20][19] In 2016, the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center in Shippensburg, PA hosted a production of Skippyjon Jones: Snow What that was commended for its set design and performance.[21]
^Martínez-Roldan, Carmen (Spring 2013). "The Representation of Latinos and the Use of Spanish: A Critical Content Analysis of Skippyjon Jones". Journal of Children's Literature. 39: 5–14. ProQuest1441673954.
^ abWickham, Meredith E.; Sweeney, Miriam E. (2018). "Are We Still Transmitting Whiteness? A Case Study of a Southern, Rural Library's Youth Collections". Library Trends. 67 (1): 89–106. doi:10.1353/lib.2018.0027. hdl:2142/101938. S2CID69438978.
^Nelson, Mike (November 2008). "Pathetic Offense". School Library Journal. 54: 12.
^ abcCritical content analysis of children's and young adult literature : reframing perspective. Johnson, Holly, 1956-, Mathis, Janelle,, Short, Kathy Gnagey. New York. 2017. ISBN978-1-138-12008-2. OCLC946031598.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link)[page needed]
