Sophie's Trophy by Susan Middleton Elya

A. Bibliographic Data

SOPHIE'S TROPHY by Susan Middleton Elya. Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli. Penguin Group. 2006. ISBN# 0-399-24199-x.

B. Plot Summary

Sophie a wart covered frog wants to be a pretty as her handsome brother who has many trophies. She sings the blues and a group of other toads convince her to sing at a fair. Sophie learns something about herself from this experience.

C. Critical Analysis

The character Sophie is very credible and behavior is consistant with the age of the reader. Children this age that are younger siblings do tend to have issues with feeling inadequate to their older siblings.

The plot of the story goes along with situations that young siblings would experience in everyday life so they would be able relate to the characters and story line. The story conflict and climax flow in a logical sequence with a satisfying resolution that helps readers feel better about who they are and that they each have special talents.

The real strength of this book is the theme which reveals a truth about each reader that isn't portrayed as "preachy". Readers discover that each person has a talent or uniqueness that makes them special no matter who they are.

The author uses a unique style of writing that includes creative rhymes and basic Spanish vocabulary blended with English. The simple language with easy rhymes makes it easy for early readers to read and comprehend the story. The language would make it easy for beginning readers to follow along.

The illustrations for this book are cartoonlike and fun. They are very vivid, colorful images that help the reader understand the story. The illustrations describe the story so well that a new reader could just about go through the book and know the story without even having to read the words.

The only cultural markers in this book is the Spanish vocabulary that is uniquely interwoven with English to create such a wonderful story. This is done in a creative way that gives a subtle message that cultures and languages can blend. I believe that a reader from any culture would be offended by this book. I feel that the author used a fun and creative way of teaching young children basic Spanish vocabulary as well as a book that could be used for English Language Learners.

D. Awards/ Review excerpt

Kay Weisman from Booklist reviewed the book with the following, "Sophie the wart-covered toad lives in the shadow of her cuter, more accomplished brother, Vince (the prince). Vince's trophies span the mantel, while Sophie dreams of greatness and sings the blues. Then the Toadettes convince her to sing a solo at the fair, and the judges are so impressed that Sophie wins first prize. The author of Cowboy Jose (2005) offers another picture book featuring vivid, cartoon like illustrations and humorous rhymes that seamlessly mesh English and Spanish vocabulary. Young listeners are sure to identify with Sophie's desire to be good at something, even as they giggle at her silly dreams: "Her mouth--her big boca--was too tired to smile./She was fed up with posing and strutting her style./'Well, this is no fun!' Then Sophie awoke./ 'Me, be a model? Why, I'd rather croak.'" A satisfying choice for group sharing or for lap sharing with frustrated younger siblings.

E. Connections

Another book by Susan Middleton Elya that deals with everyday childhood situations is TOOTH ON THE LOOSE. This book also offers a simple rhyming pattern with Spanish vocabulary gently interwined with English.

After reading this book, students could draw or write about a talent or special gift that they feel they have. This activity would help students with creating a healthy self-esteem.