Citation: Carle, E. (2002). “Slowly, slowly, slowly,” said the Sloth. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Ages: 0-8
Grades: Pre-K – 3rd
Description: Set in a vibrant Amazon rainforest, “Slowly, slowly, slowly” says the Sloth follows the daily activities of a sloth, as a variety of animals constantly ask him why he does everything so slowly. The animals’ questions and sloth’s responses follow a slow, rhythmic pace, until one animal asks the sloth why he is so lazy. Sloth responds with the largest section of text in the book, using a number of adjectives to describe himself as anything but lazy. The book features a preface by Jane Goodall, and descriptions of all of the rainforest animals that appear in the text. Carle’s tissue paper collages create a vibrant jungle that all are sure to enjoy.
Uses: While the pace of “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth is much slower than other books that encourage physical activity, it still can be used to encourage children to move. Carle’s bright and simple images make the book ideal for a preschool or toddler storytime. Librarians and teachers can invite the children to mimic the sloth’s movements – as slowly as possible – during the story. The slow pace of the story allows for students mimic the movements with little disruption to the flow of narration. The book can be used in a storytime about animals, the jungle, or celebrating Eric Carle. Goodall’s preface along with the included descriptions of the animals also lend the book to being used in a lesson for younger grade children.
Review Sources:
Elam, Mary. (2002). ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth. [Review of the book ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth]. School Library Journal, 48(9):181.
Roback, D., Brown, J., Britton, J. & Zaleski, J. (2002). ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ said the Sloth. [Review of ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly’, said the Sloth]. Publisher’s Weekly, 249(26):77.
Kirkus Reviews. (2002). ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth. [Review of the book ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth]. Kirkus Reviews, 70(15):1123.
Burke, Lynne. (2003). ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth. [Review of the book Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth]. Reading Today, 20(5):32.
Tags: animals, sloths, jungle, rainforest, relaxed pace