Spinky Sulks

Written by William Steig

Narrated by Meryl Streep

William Steig's Spinky Sulks is a 1988 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year.

Spinky is convinced that his family hates him and goes off to sulk in his hammock. His brother and sister try to make amends. His mom even brings him a beautiful tray of food. But nothing can get Spinky to stop sulking—not even a circus passing by on his street! Will Spinky ever cheer up? Spinky Sulks is another delightful tale from the incomparable William Steig that will leave readers of all ages smiling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Dec 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781427232601

William Steig

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. Steig was born in New York City. Every member of his family was involved in the arts, and so it was no surprise when he decided to become an artist. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig’s work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Steig's books have also received the Christopher Award, the Irma Simonton Black Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and the American Book Award. His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy), the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands), and the Prix de la Fondation de France. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing. Steig also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, beginning with About People in 1939, and including The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and Our Miserable Life. He died in Boston at the age of 95.

Reviews for Spinky Sulks

[jfe16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Spinky’s family hurts his feelings, he heads outside to sulk. His sister, Willamina, and his brother, Hitch, try to apologize, but Spinky is too busy sulking to care. Despite all of the family’s efforts to get Spinky to end his outdoor sulk-fest, Spinky remains stubbornly disappointed in his family. What will happen? Will Spinky continue to sulk or will he forgive his family?=========Young readers will be able to see both sides of the matter in this interesting tale. Yes, children’s feelings can be hurt, and, yes, they even sulk. But by showing Spinky’s reluctance to forgive his family, even after they’ve made multiple attempts to apologize, the young reader will recognize the need for everyone to have understanding . . . and to be forgiving.Colorful pictures accompany the text and truly capture the essence of a sulking child and provide adults with an opportunity to discuss family relationships, feelings, and acceptable behavior with the young reader.Recommended.

[mamazee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've got seven children, and even my "biggies" come and sit down to listen when this one comes out. William Steig is the perfect children's author because he remembers exactly what it feels like to be out of sorts, know you're wrong, too proud to back down - and he takes that and makes it perfectly ridiculous... Spinky's family is a collection of saints, and if we say, oh so sweetly and gently "Spinkalink..." our children know exactly what we mean, and usually can't help but grin...

[altesschwein · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love a private sulk, but this book is about a very public one. One of my favorite read-a-loud books from my daughter's childhood.