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Patch the Porcupine and the Bike Shop Job

by Scott Nelson



      Scott Nelson's Patch the Porcupine and the Bike Shop Job is a delightful tale about Patch the Porcupine and his ability to fix anything. His enterprise propels him to take a job at the local bike shop, but he soon runs into trouble. His quills keep popping the inner tubes on the bike tires he fixes. Thinking that he'll be fired because of some part of himself that he can't change, Patch worries but dreams of a wacky solution to his problems: marshmallows on his quills! But it isn't until he meets his friend Benjamin Bear, a construction worker, that he comes up with a solution.

Nelson's whimsical watercolor paintings bring to life Patch and his workplace dilemma. The silly picture of Patch with a million marshmallows on his quills is simply hilarious. And, the picture of Patch and his solution is a delight.

This story, showing how Patch did some problem solving and found a solution to his dilemma himself, is a wonderful model for children to help them become independent and take pride in their own work. It also shows how Patch's mother helped support her son's resourcefulness.

This book also addresses the issue of problems innate to one's person, physical things that can't be changed, and ways to accommodate for them in the workplace. This is a good discussion point for parents and teachers to talk about accommodations for students and workers who have disabilities of various kinds.

Included at the back of the book is a bonus. Nelson has a two-page illustrated guide to repairing a flat tire on a bicycle.

The Book

KRBY Creations
April 2005
Hardcover
0974571539
Children's literature, picture book [Ages 4-8]
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Janie Franz
Reviewed 2005
NOTE: Reviewer Janie Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid!, Relaxation Techniques for Children, Relaxation Techniques for Adults; Co-author of The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book and The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book. Coming Soon: The Ultimate Wedding Workbook, Get Rich on Love, and Sacred Breath (a sound recording of relaxation meditations).
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