Review - Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back?

Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back?
by Jory John
illustrated by Liz Climo
Date: 2018
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 22
Format: e-book
Source: library

A hilarious take on helping others and self awareness from New York Times bestselling author Jory John and comic artist sensation Liz Climo

Persnickety Elephant has an itch--a big one--and he can't reach it! While he isn't above asking for a little help, no one is up to the task. Turtle is too lazy, Snail is too slimy, and Alligator... well, Elephant isn't sure he wants his assistance. Does Elephant have to do everything himself?

Jory John's signature deadpan humor pairs perfectly with Liz Climo's oh-so-innocent-looking animals to create a slyly ironic read-aloud that will leave kids and parents in stitches.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was actually more amusing than I expected. Elephant has an itch that he can't scratch. He goes around to all the other animals to ask for help, but nobody ends up being very helpful... until he encounters a hedgehog.

I didn't see the ending of this one coming, and it made me smile. Though the story may be simple and repetitive, it somehow still works. The basic illustrations are clean and uncluttered, leaving plenty of room for the story to shine through.

I've had some hits and misses with Jory John's picture books. But I think this is one of the stronger ones I've read.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5