Title: The Three Little Mittens
Author: Linda Bailey
Illustrator: Natalie Shaloshvili
Target Ages: 3 and up
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Publisher Summary: “Matching means that someone always gets left out. But when the mittens hear a BIG voice asking a BIG question–why do you have to match? – their little minds are blown. If they can just be themselves, everyone can belong.
First Lines: “Once there were two little mittens. Dotty and the other Dotty. They were fluffy and wooly and cozy and warm, and they looked exactly the same. But there was also…a third mitten. Stripes.”
Memorable Moment:
“Why do you have to match?”
Evaluation:
I love modern, creative retellings of popular fairy tales. When I picked this book, I thought it was a retelling of The Three Little Pigs. However, this book is completely different. In the best way!
The soft, acrylic and watercolor pencil illustrations are animated and charming. They both reflect the text and add another dimension to it.
The Three Little Mittens is a story about relationships. The matching mittens leave out the solo ones. Even after they experience being left out, they are quick to do the same. Also, the mittens originally are friends only with those who are like them. It shows the reality of many peer friendships and interactions among children.
The story becomes something much more though. The little girl who owns the mittens embraces the inclusive and unexpected. She begins wearing un-matching mittens every day. In doing so, the young girl shows her quirky and fun side. Soon other children follow her example. The girl also teaches the mittens some important lessons through her actions. They learn to adapt and to accept each other. In addition, each mitten begins to feel “appreciated for its true worth.”
As you might have guessed…the socks and shoes join in! Because, who needs matching shoes anyway?
The Three Little Mittens reads like a fun, creative picture book, but there is much more there that parents and teachers can use as a springboard for important discussions. The plot elements show the importance of embracing change, inclusivity, individuality, and the unexpected. The story teaches children about relationships and themselves. All these elements make this a book you should check out today!
Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:
Art: Give the children a mittens’ printable. Have them each color (or design with craft supplies) 2 different mittens to act as a pair.
Writing: Students can rewrite the story with another pair (like shoes or socks). It can follow a similar pattern as the original or they can create their own story of what might happen.
Dialogue: Together, study a page of dialogue. Students should identify how dialogue is distinguished from other text. Then, instruct them to write their own dialogue either as an extension of the book or their own original dialogue between 2 characters.
Community Outreach: Have students bring in or collect mittens that have been outgrown or are unused. Donate them to a local shelter or charitable organization.
Character Education: Discuss how the protagonist’s BIG question and choices cause a positive change.
I hadn't seen this book. I love the illustrations and the concept. Will have to check it out. Thanks for the rec!
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