About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like a fish out of water or struggling to fit into a specific mold. It is perfect for the little dreamer who uses play and alter egos to navigate social anxieties like starting a new school or joining a group activity. The story follows Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese cat with a big imagination, who decides he is actually a Chihuahua so he can attend dog obedience school. While the book is high-energy and full of linguistic play, it deeply touches on themes of identity and belonging. Through Skippyjon's 'Los Chimichangos' adventures, children learn that while they may look one way on the outside, their inner world is a powerful tool for building confidence. It is a whimsical choice for ages 4 to 8, especially for kids who love to dress up and transform their reality through pretend play.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
Identity is handled metaphorically through the cat-as-dog trope. The book uses 'Spanglish' and Mexican cultural tropes which some critics find stereotypical. It is a secular approach to self-acceptance where the resolution is a happy return to the status quo of being 'both' a cat and a Chihuahua.
