Round (Joyce Sidman)

Title:  Round

Author:  Joyce Sidman

Illustrator:  Taeeun Yoo

Target Ages:   3-6

Genre:  Realistic Fiction 

Publisher Summary: 

Look closely—

how many round

things do you see?

The sun?

The moon?

A rock?

A raindrop?

A seed?

Here is a charming, lyrical

look at why we love round

things, from the small

details of everyday life to

the vast and ancient forces

that shape our world.

First Lines:

I love round things.

I like to feel their smoothness.

My hands want to

reach around their curves.

I love to see round things grow.

Some start out round….

like a seed

or an egg,

waiting to hatch.

Evaluation: 

The soft, textured illustrations are calming and inviting.  Along with the poetic text, they celebrate the wonders of nature and the joy of exploration.  The most endearing part is the sweet relationship between father and child as they explore their world in all types of weather and times of day.

Round is the perfect read-aloud book for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. 

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Nature:  Go on a hike or walk.  Together, look for round things.  Older children can bring a notebook and draw pictures of what they see. 
• Writing:  Write out a simple sentence with a blank.  Example:  “Two round things are _______  and ________.”  OR “My favorite round thing is _______.”  Allow children to draw the items or write the words (with adult help).    
• Science:  Ask children why they think circles/round shapes are so common.  Information at the end of the book provides six insightful reasons.
• Art:  There are many circle art projects.  A few that look like fun are from the Artful Parent, Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, and Reading Confetti.    
• Math:  Read this book when discussing shapes.  Chalk Talk has many excellent extension activities with shapes.
• Reader's Guide from the publisher. 

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