Spork

by Kyo Maclear (Author) Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

His mum is a spoon. His dad is a fork. And he's a bit of both. He's Spork!

Spork sticks out in the regimented world of the cutlery drawer. The spoons think he's too pointy, while the forks find him too round. He never gets chosen to be at the table at mealtimes until one day a very messy ... thing arrives in the kitchen who has never heard of cutlery customs. Will Spork finally find his place at the table?

This "multi-cutlery" tale is a humorous and lively commentary on individuality and tolerance. Its high-spirited illustrations capture the experience and emotions of anyone who has ever wondered about their place in the world.

Select format:
Paperback
$8.99

Find books about:

Publishers Weekly

Half spoon, half fork, stumpy Spork is the product of a mixed marriage. He always feels left out at dinnertime, and "after the billionth time he was asked, ‘What are you, anyway?' " he attempts to remake himself. "He put on a bowler hat to look more spoonish," and when that falls flat, he makes a paper crown "to look more forkish." Only the arrival of "a messy thing" that smears, spills, and sends the other cutlery flying provides the opportunity for Spork to shine, as "something that could do all sorts of things at once. Something flexible and easy to hold." The next-to-last page reveals that the "messy thing" is an enormous baby in a bib, who regards Spork fondly as she prepares to dig in. Arsenault (Mr. Gauguin's Heart) renders the various pieces of cutlery with scrawly, mixed- media artwork in muted grays and greens, reflecting the glumness and isolation Spork feels. It's a story that could wilt under the weight of moral high-mindedness, but the graceful voice of Maclear, making her children's book debut, keeps it light and entertaining. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)

Review quotes

... her message of acceptance will resonate, particularly with parents.—Booklist
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781771388054
Lexile Measure
570
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Kids Can Press
Publication date
April 04, 2017
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF013000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Concepts | General
Library of Congress categories
-

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!