Ernesto has a talent for making others laugh. But when a cantankerous coyotĂ© invades the bosque and threatens the quails, itâs no time for jokesâor is it? CoyotĂ© demands a funny story . . . or else. With his whole covey counting on him, will Ernesto think of a story funny enough to make CoyotĂ© howl with laughter?
Ernesto has a talent for making others laugh. But when a cantankerous coyotĂ© invades the bosque and threatens the quails, itâs no time for jokesâor is it? CoyotĂ© demands a funny story . . . or else. With his whole covey counting on him, will Ernesto think of a story funny enough to make CoyotĂ© howl with laughter?
Ernesto Joked is the fourth book in the "Henry and Friends" book series, and this installment, like its predecessors, was delightful. It all began when Ernesto and his three feathery friends got an unexpected visitor. It was CoyotĂ©. The author included the pronunciation key for this word, which I thought was pretty ingenious for independent readers. Hazel Pacheco breaks down more Spanish terms in the glossary at the back of the book.Â
Ernesto and his covey (a community of quails) face quite a predicament. CoyotĂ© is tired of the city noise and is on the prowl for a new hideaway. He believes the covey's territory is the perfect spot to call home; the quails disagree. CoyotĂ© has struck a deal with them: if one of them can tell him a story that'll cause him to laugh, he'll continue with his journey. If they fail in their mission, he shall live on their home turf forever. The resident comedian Ernesto summons his courage and attempts to tickle the intruder's funny bone.Â
I didn't find the punchline to the Roadrunner story funny. I didn't "get it." That doesn't mean it won't make a younger audience giggle. I did find Ernesto's previous jokes humorous. For instance, the nacho day pun and the play on words with "state of misery" and "Missouri." Now, a few more one-liners like that, some cheesy jokes, or a couple of riddles would've made me laugh out loud. Possibly harder than the animals.Â
Ernesto did make CoyotĂ© howl with laughter, so everything worked out in the end. HOORAY! As with the other three books in the series, Kim Sponaugle did a smashing job with the illustrations. I did chuckle at the nacho packet stuck to CoyotĂ©'s back.Â
You can't go wrong with a book by Hazel Pacheco; their creations are always entertaining! Stick around after the glossary because you don't want to miss out on the "Seek and Find."
I recommend this story to grade schoolers, first grade through third.Â