If you have spent any time in an elementary classroom or a children’s library lately, you have likely heard the infectious laughter that erupts during a read aloud of Skippyjon Jones: Snow What. This wildly imaginative picture book by Judith Byron Schachner takes the beloved Siamese cat who thinks he is a chihuahua and drops him into a snowy, Rapunzel-inspired adventure that kids never forget.
Why “Skippyjon Jones: Snow What” Works So Well as a Read Aloud
The first reason teachers keep returning to this book is pure energy. Skippyjon Jones doesn’t just talk; he babbles in a gleeful mishmash of English, nonsense words, and “Spanglish” style exclamations. Lines like “Oh, my gosh, I think I’m gonna faint!” and “Holy Guillermo!” practically beg to be shouted dramatically. When you read this book aloud, you don’t just tell the story—you perform it.
Language that Sparks Joy and Confusion (in a Good Way)
Schachner’s playful language can throw off an unprepared listener, but that confusion is exactly what makes story time electric. Kids lean in because they don’t quite know what will happen next or what Skippyjon will say next. As a reader aloud, you get to:
- Pause after exaggerated exclamations (“Holy Frijoles!”) to let the anticipation build
- Whisper when Skippyjon tiptoes past the “snow what” (the book’s clever spin on “snow white”)
- Let the multiple voices in theLos Chimichangos gang talk back and forth in silly accents
A good performance here is less about perfect pronunciation and more about matching the chaos in the text with enthusiasm and rhythm.
Plot Summary for Parents and Teachers
In Skippyjon Jones: Snow What, Skippyjon imagines himself as a masked hero who must save his mother (Mommy) by following the trail of a mysterious snow what. Along the way, he battles a goofy gang of chimichangos, meets a magical snow what character who Rapunzel-style needs rescuing, and ultimately learns about courage, creativity, and listening to what’s really important. The whole narrative is framed as Skippy’s overactive imagination run amok.
Classroom Moments That Come Alive
A strong read aloud turns this story into a classroom event. Common moments teachers highlight include:
| Moment in the Story | Read Aloud Tip |
|---|---|
| Skippyjon introducing his silly Spanish style phrases | Exaggerate syllables and pretend to “forget” the right word, then blurt out the funny one |
| The “mirror, mirror on the wall” snow what scene | Slow your voice, add echo, and let kids chime in when they guess the joke on “snow what” |
| Skippyjon trying to be suave and heroic | Mimic a movie trailer voice, then undercut it with his silly pratfalls |
Building Lessons Around the Read Aloud
Once the laughter dies down, Skippyjon Jones: Snow What becomes a surprisingly rich teaching text. Because the story is packed with playful language, visual gags, and emotional themes, you can pull out literacy and social-emotional lessons without dimming the fun.
Language and Vocabulary Fun
The book is a goldmine for discussing how writers play with words. You can use the read aloud as a springboard to:
- Spotting made up words and inventing your own
- Talking about how changing just one letter or sound can create a joke (“snow what” vs “Snow White”)
- Exploring how tone changes when Skippyjon gets nervous, excited, or serious
Kids often start mimicking the style, adding their own over the top phrases to everyday sentences, which is a great outlet for oral language experimentation.
Imagination and Story Structure
Another natural discussion point is the role of imagination. Skippyjon turns himself into a hero in a fantasy that echoes fairy tales, but everyone on the page (his sisters, his toys) can see he is just a kitten in a living room. After the read aloud, ask:
- Where does the “real” story happen and where is the imaginary adventure?
- Which parts do you think are “true” in his world?
- Do you ever pretend you are someone else in a story?
The way Schachner splits reality and fantasy is subtle enough for kids to argue about, making this a great text for critical thinking and comprehension questions.
Tips for a Great Read Aloud Performance
To keep your Skippyjon read lively without losing control, focus on a few simple rehearsal tactics. A minute of practice is worth more than rereading the whole book.
Rehearse the Big Moments
Skippyjon’s antics are the emotional core of the book. The scenes where he:
- Takes on the role of the “masked hero” or dashing adventurer
- Meets the mysterious snow what character
- Shows unexpected bravery
- Has a moment of doubt where he secretly needs his “Mommy”
These readers should be read with BIG gestures, BIG expressions, and BIG voices. The contrast makes the quieter, more tender lines hit even harder.
Pacing and Audience Participation
Pacing turns average story time into unforgettable read alouds. Try:
- Repeating signature phrases (“Aye yi yi yi!”) so kids can shout them with you
- Slowing down before major reveals so suspense builds
- Speeding through action scenes to hint at Skippyjon’s whirlwind personality
- Pretending to mispronounce silly words and “correcting” them with gusto
When children realize certain lines will come back, they start performing with you instead of just listening, transforming the classroom into a shared stage.
Using “Snow What” Alongside Other Skippyjon Books
If your students fall in love with this read aloud, the good news is there are more Skippyjon Jones adventures waiting. You can build a mini unit where kids:
- Compare how Skippyjon’s “Snow What” adventure echoes or parodies fairy tales
- Track how his personality changes across books
- Create a “Skippyjon Dictionary” of his favorite silly phrases
- Write and perform their own short “mask hero” stories
Each Skippyjon book invites different read aloud challenges and humor, but Snow What remains a standout because its snowy story structure and clever twist on classic tales give kids so much to discuss.
Extending Activities After the Read Aloud
To keep the energy going, try some easy follow-up projects:
- Have students draw their own “Skippyjon mask” and give it a ridiculous name
- Invite small groups to act out a short scene in the style of the book
- Encourage kids to retell their favorite moment using at least three silly made up words
- Pair the book with other imaginative “hero” stories so they can compare how different authors handle fantasy inside everyday life
When you finish a read aloud that has the entire room laughing, breathless, and predicting what ridiculous line will come next, you have more than entertained. You have opened the door to rich discussions about language, creativity, and the way stories can be both wild and meaningful. Skippyjon Jones: Snow What is a reminder that the best read alouds do not just tell a story; they let both the reader and children play heroes in it.
