Mortimer Mooner is a young pig who decides to stop taking a bath… and washing his hands, combing his hair, brushing his teeth and tidying his room. His rebellion lasts all through the week until Sunday when a stinky, messy, scruffy Mortimer receives a visit from his grandmother — who may inspire him to change his mind.
Mortimer’s unhygienic romp from Monday through Sunday provides a fun-filled introduction to the days of the week for readers in grades one and two.
Author Frank B. Edwards’ text is playful and light; John Bianchi’s illustrations are clever and funny. It’s a wonderful combination that has been entertaining young readers, parents and teachers for almost 25 years. The paper edition — now out of print — sold 125,000 copies and continues to be a library favorite.
The pictures offer plenty to talk and laugh about for both readers and non-readers.
This multi-touch edition has no distracting sounds or animation but the story is followed by a light-hearted multiple-choice quiz and a photographic slide show of some Mooner-like situations the author experienced as a kid.
“This story is brilliantly simple and fun. Children will love following Mortimer through the days of the week as he gets progressively dirtier, and they will delight in repeating some tongue twisting phrases.” Review by “Children’s Book News.”
“Kids will love the predictable pattern, the deliciously disgusting illustration, the fun but firm grandma, and the ‘warm-fuzzy’ ending.” Review in “Canadian Materials” journal.
Accelerated Reader supported.
ATOS book level: 2.1
Interest level: lower grades
AR Points: .5
Rating: 3.5/4.0
Word count: 181
