The Sound Snatcher -How the Vacuum Cleaner Got Its Noise
Do you know a young child who freaks out when you turn on the vacuum? Does the noise make them run from the room in terror? Linda Bryan Sabin has the answer. In her children’s book The Sound Snatcher (illustrated by Valerie Bouthyette), Sabin writes for “the sensitive child who may become unsettled and anxious when confronted with noisy distractions.”
Her writing style is rooted in sound techniques such as rhythm, alliteration, and multi-syllabic words. A vocabulary section in the back of the book defines words that might be unfamiliar to a young child such as reverberation, truffle, and shroud. Sabin also creates her own words such as fluffle, squwurgles, and swirgles.
Readers are encouraged to look for clues in the illustrations in the “Let’s Talk About the Book” question and answer section. What is the boy’s name? Look at the back of his shirt. What supporting character appears on every page? The name of Sabin’s publisher —Peeking Kitty Books—offers a clue. Sabin encourages “curiosity, excitement of exploration, and a desire to see what comes next.”
The book’s library reinforced binding is a plus for any children’s book subjected to the wear and tear of little hands. The overall theme of overpowering, overwhelming noise is synonymous with modern family life. Details are drowned out and important moments are missed. The word “quiet” fills the last page and illustrates its inherent value.
The little Sound Snatcher is precious with his big round eyes and sticking-out tongue. His endearing appearance makes him approachable for combating a child’s fear. He is so industrious, vacuuming up everything in sight, that his belly bag nearly explodes. By completing his chore, he is unplugged and falls fast asleep.
Nicole Langan owns the independent publishing house, Tribute Books.