Spinky Sulks, William Steig
Spinky Sulks, William Steig
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Spinky Sulks

Author: William Steig

Narrator: Meryl Streep

Unabridged: 16 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/01/2012

Categories: Children's Fiction

Synopsis

William Steig's Spinky Sulks is a 1988 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year.

Spinky is convinced that his family hates him and goes off to sulk in his hammock. His brother and sister try to make amends. His mom even brings him a beautiful tray of food. But nothing can get Spinky to stop sulking—not even a circus passing by on his street! Will Spinky ever cheer up? Spinky Sulks is another delightful tale from the incomparable William Steig that will leave readers of all ages smiling.

About William Steig

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. Steig was born in New York City. Every member of his family was involved in the arts, and so it was no surprise when he decided to become an artist. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig’s work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Steig's books have also received the Christopher Award, the Irma Simonton Black Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and the American Book Award. His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy), the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands), and the Prix de la Fondation de France. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing. Steig also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, beginning with About People in 1939, and including The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and Our Miserable Life. He died in Boston at the age of 95.

About Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is one of the most celebrated and award-winning actresses in the history of film.  She holds the record for the most nominations for Academy Awards--earning her 16th nomination for her role as Julia Childs in Julie & Julia--and has won twice, for Sophie's Choice and Kramer vs. Kramer.  She has also garnered two Emmy Awards, seven Golden Globes, and six Drama Desk Awards. In 2004, she was awarded the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.  She recently appeared in the films Julie & Julia, The Devil Wears Prada, Doubt, Mamma Mia! and It's Complicated.  Meryl narrated the Grammy-nominated The One and Only Shrek! by William Steig for Macmillan Audio.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Deanna on July 24, 2009

This is not a book for modeling proper parenting and child behavior. I think that might be why I like it. Polarizing.......more

Goodreads review by Josiah on April 26, 2010

It's easy to be injured by this world, even by those closest to oneself, and to feel the powerful pull to respond by withdrawing from the source of that pain. Spinky encounters exactly this in Spinky Sulks. Spinky really is an especially sensitive boy who feels that he can't abide the slights that......more

Goodreads review by Elayna on April 30, 2014

I enjoyed this book a lot because it showed two different sides to Spinky. He is a very sensitive person yet also has a sometimes careless side. The comments made by his siblings and parents are very funny and the ending is humorous. They illustrations are great conversation starters with preschoole......more

Goodreads review by Ilana on December 02, 2012

Love this book! As an especially sensitive person (ahem), I sympathize with Spinky's plight. Yet I also see his unreasonableness in failing to forgive his "tormentors." I liked how the author presented both sides of the story--sensitive Spinky versus his sometimes careless family. Readers will laugh......more

Goodreads review by Meredith on July 18, 2014

An honest to G-d masterpiece. I would be suspicious of anyone who doesn't like this book.......more

Quotes

“Mr. Steig may be a chronological octogenarian, but he knows exactly what children think is funny.” —The New York Times Book Review

Awards

  • Horn Book Magazine Fanfare List
  • ALA Notable Children's Books
  • The New York Times 10 Best Books of the Year
  • NYTBR Notable Children's BOTY
  • Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
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