The Panda Problem (Deborah Underwood)

Title:  The Panda Problem

Author:  Deborah Underwood

Illustrator:  Hannah Marks

Target Ages:  5 and up

Genre:  Post Modern Picture Book (Metafiction)

Publisher Summary: 

Every story needs a problem.  But Panda doesn’t have a problem.  Unless Panda IS the problem.

First Lines:

Once upon a time, there was a panda who lived in a beautiful bamboo grove.

But the panda had a BIG problem.

Nope.

Excuse me?

Memorable Moment:

BECAUSE THINGS CAN’T GET ANY WORSE!

Oh, can’t they?

What if suddenly there were…

Evaluation:

Author Deborah Underwood knows how to create a witty picture book. I became a fan after reading the Here Comes the … Cat series.  Her creative twists and turns as well as her memorable characters make for an entertaining reading experience.  The Panda Problem is no different.

Along with many readers—young and old—I love pandas. Underwood’s panda character is full of cheeky fun.  Though he is the main character (at least in theory), he does everything he can to undermine the story.  At the same time, he is creating the very story he attempts to usurp (more about that later). 

On a simple level, this picture book introduces children to the parts of a story—setting, character, plot, conflict, and resolution—in an engaging manner.  Characterization can be explored through the witty dialogue between the narrator and the panda. Suspense is craftily used to keep listeners predicting what will happen next. Underwood often subverts expectations with inventive surprises and humorous irony.  

The difference between realism and fantasy is another layer.  It is real that pandas live in a bamboo grove.  They eat lots of bamboo.  Pandas cannot live in Antartica.  However, elements like jellybean rain and a banjo-playing bear are fantasy.  The seamless blend of the two elements—fantasy and reality—is an ideal teaching opportunity for educators and parents. 

The story can be read as just a fun picture book.  However, older students can look at it more closely because it is deceptively complex. 

The Panda Problem subtly pokes fun at the cliché picture book—a story with a character that has a problem and then the problem worsens, but in the end everything resolves itself.  Like many post-modern books, it questions this plot development assumption while also sticking with it (somewhat) often including absurd elements, such as aliens and jellybean rain. 

Educators and parents can use it as an example of metafiction, fiction about fiction in which the author knowingly draws attention to the fact that it is fiction.  Older students (through college age) can dig into not only what metafiction is but what purpose it has and how it reflects post-modern attitudes about literature and life. For instance, The Panda Problem uses metafiction to epitomize the post-modern idea: Life is uncertain and truth is relative, but we might as well have some fun with them. 

Witty.  Subversive. Thought-provoking.  The Panda Problem is a must read for all ages! 

Lesson Plan Activities and Extension Ideas Recap:

• Parts of a Story: Use to introduce or reinforce the key parts of a story.  Then, identify the parts of this story.  Debate--Who is the real protagonist?
• Predicting Skills: Periodically stop to allow children to guess what is going to happen next and why they think so.
• Irony:  What are some examples of irony?  What type of irony is it?  What is the significance of each example?
• Suspense:  How does the author incorporate suspense?
• Fantasy vs. Reality:  Discuss which story elements are based on fantasy and which are on reality.
• Post-Modernism:  Demonstrates post-modern elements on a simple but complex level. For more post-modern picture books, click HERE.  (More post-modern picture book posts coming soon.)
• Metafiction:  Can be used up to college age along with novels (like Don Quixote) or short stories ("The Kugelmass Episode") that incorporate metafiction.  For more metafiction examples, click HERE.

Max Explains Everything (Stacy McAnulty)

Max Explains Everything is a budding series by author Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Deborah Hocking. Two books have been published so far:  Max Explains Everything: Grocery Story Expert and Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert.  There is a lot to love about this character and series.

Max is confident.  From the grocery story to the soccer field,  he considers himself an expert.  He illustrates that confidence can come from participation and enthusiasm in everyday experiences. 

Connect his experiences to similar ones children in your home or classroom have had.  Then, allow kids to create their own “expert” stories based on their similar or different events. 

Max is funny.  His boisterous personality is sure to make kids laugh—whether he is hiding to avoid going to the store, faking an injury, or trying to convince his mother to buy something.  Most of the laughs come from hyperbole and irony.  For example, the grocery store has 8000 aisles, and his shin guards are “battle armor on [his] legs”  (hyperbole).   Max “helps out” the soccer team by getting rid of distractions like dandelions.  In reality, he is laying in the middle of the field blowing on one as the ball wizzes past.  In Grocery Store Expert, he informs his audience that “everything tastes better when served on a toothpick.”  However, his face and body language tell a different tale as he is being offered a sushi sample! 

Define (or review) and discuss examples of hyperbole and irony in the stories.   Talk about why the author used these literary tools. 

Max is optimistic.  Even when he does not get his way, he stays positive.  For instance, him mom decides to buy two boxes of Whole Wheat Healthy Oats—instead of one of his preferred cereals.  No worries.  He remains hopeful he will get his favorite treat (cookies).   She denies that request too, but eventually he sneaks in a candy bar.  In Soccer Expert, Max is more interested in interacting with people and nature than playing the game.  As a result, he misses multiple chances to kick the ball.  As he says goodbye to his coach and team mates, he says, “Can’t wait to kick the ball again next week.” 

Point out how being optimistic—even when things didn’t go as he planned—gave him confidence and created a positive atmosphere.  Discuss ways to stay positive in disappointing or difficult circumstances.

Max is creative and imaginative.  In Soccer Expert, his mom wants to take his picture—kicking the ball.  Max has a different idea.  He poses smiling (as someone kicks the ball behind him). He gives a “serious” look (as a teammate heads the ball).  His “team” picture is of him showing jazz hands as the rest of the team is in the distance playing.  In Grocery Store Expert, he uses his imagination to attempt to convince his mom to buy something from the bakery.  He tells her it is Llama Appreciate Day, so they need a cake, and Boys Named Max Day, so they need donuts.  Then, he tries to trick her by saying it is Opposite Day, so they must get cupcakes. 

Encourage children to imaginatively respond to a situation—from the book or their own experience.  They can act it out, draw it, or describe it. 

Hocking’s gouache and colored pencil drawings are a delight!  Max’s exuberant personality spills off the pages.  Shifting perspectives add to the text and characterization.  For instance, an exaggerated wall of cereal illustrates the daunting tasking of picking the “right one” because the “fate of breakfast” is at stake.  In a later scene, only the top of his head is shown as he peeks at the various delicious baked goods.  This sheepish appearance is an attempt to convince his mom to buy one of the treats.  Parallel experiences are also shown.  As the rest of the team runs in a single file line warming up, Max stretches, twirls, and somersaults his way into preparation for the big game. 

McAnulty and Hocking have created an endearing and hilarious character that youngsters are sure to connect with.  Check this books out!

Max, kid-expert extraordinaire, will be back in 2020 with Max Explains Everything: Puppy Expert.

For more Perfect Picture Books, visit Susanne Leonard Hill. 

There Are No Bears in This Bakery (Julia Sarcone-Roach)

Title:  There Are No Bears in This Bakery

Author:  Julia Sarcone-Roach

Illustrator:  Julia Sarcone-Roach

Target Ages:  3-9

Genre:  Picture Book

Publisher Summary: 

There was a low rumbling noise in the night.

Muffin is the whiskers of this neighborhood, so she steps out to investigate.

She tracks down the usual suspects—the mice, the raccoons, the bats.

But no, this sound is new.

And the window to the bakery is open.

It’s called the Little Bear Bakery.

But there are no bears there.

Not real bears.

Not ever.

Not usually.

But maybe…?

First Lines:

Each night, the moon rises,

the bread rises, and I rise.

The air cools, and the sounds get interesting.

That’s when the night shift begins.

Memorable Moment:

Suddenly it was

LIGHTS-OUT!

Everything went dark, and I couldn’t move.

I was smooshed, like a muffin between the couch cushions.

Evaluation:

The rich language and endearing illustrations are a delicious combination.  The characters are sweet.  The setting and plot combine a sprinkle of mystery, a dash of suspense, and a pinch of humor. This light-hearted and entertaining book is delight! 

Add There Are No Bears in This Bakery to your must read list!

Also from Julia Sarcone-Roach, The Bear Ate Your Sandwich.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Similes:  Tie this book in with an simile activity or use it as a spring board to discuss them.
• Onomatopoeia:  Students can identify the sound words.  Discuss other night sounds.  As an independent practice activity, fold a sheet of paper in half.  On the front, the student can write a night sound.  Inside, draw a picture of what is making the sound.  Students can share their sounds.  Others can guess who or what is making it!
• Science:  Read about other nocturnal animals or pick one to learn about further. 
• Cooking:  At home, bake an item commonly found in a bakery.  For the classroom, bring in an baked good item to share.  For instance, bring in cupcakes.  Give the student sprinkles and small candies to decorate theirs.
• Art:  Complete an art project where the students create a bear.  Here is an adorable and easy one.  Provide paper plates in big and small to make one or both bears from the story.
• Dramatic Play:  Create or provide puppets of a cat and two bears.  Students can act out the story or new adventures with the characters.
• Irony:  Discuss examples of irony, and explain how they make the story humorous.

Visit the Perfect Picture Book Round Up HERE.

10 Terrific Picture Books (Perfect for Summer Reading)

Dino Duckling

Alison Murray, author & illustrator

When Dino Duck is born, he is different than his siblings and doesn’t quite fit in with the other lake animals.  His mother consistently reminds him, “scales or feathers, big or small, we’re a family and there’s room for us all.”  When it is time to fly south for the winter, it is a true test of their family bonds.  This sweet inversion of the ugly duckling fairy tale is a must read! 

Oh Dear, Geoffrey!

Gemma O’Neill, author & illustrator

Poor Geoffrey!  Whatever he tries to do, he is a clumsy mess!  Whether it is tripping over his long, gangly legs or bumping into a group of elephants, Geoffrey’s attempts to make friends falls flat…until, he meets a group of monkeys and a flock of birds.  Then, he realizes he is special just the way he is.     

I Am NOT a Chair!

Ross Burach, author & illustrator

On Giraffe’s first day in the jungle, the other animals mistake him for a chair.  If that is not bad enough, he is captured by a human who takes him home to be…a chair.  Just as Giraffe gets the courage to tell the others he is not a chair, he has an encounter with the most feared animal in the jungle!  The exuberant illustrations are full of humor and irony. 

Rumble Grumble…Hush

Kate Banks, author

Simone Shin, illustrator

A young boy revels in the noises of the morning—from the clitter-clatter of playing with his toys to the chitter-chatter of his parents talking. As he plays, there is a “roar” of a lion and a yell from a dragon as well as a “rumble grumble bang!”  After a while, it is quiet time. The boy's imagination continues to take flight—even in the silence of the afternoon.  ull of noise and wonder, this book illustrates the joy of a life unplugged.

Big and Small

Elizabeth Bennett, author

Jane Chapman, illustrator

Big (Bear) and Small (Mouse) are best friends.  As they spend the day together, Small often needs help. Big is always there to lend a hand.  At bedtime, Big needs “a little help, please.”  Of course, Small is happy to do it.  Chapman’s charming illustrations along with Bennett’s sweet text make Big and Small a memorable and heart-warming read about friendship and kindness!

I Want That Nut!

Madeline Valentine, author & illustrator

Mouse and Chipmunk are playing together when they spy a big, beautiful Nut.  They both want it.  They both insist on the other taking it. They both end up stealing it from the other.  After lots of hijinks, humor, and drama, Mouse and Chipmunk come to a valuable realization.

My Grandma’s a Ninja

Todd Tarplay, author

Danny Chatzikonstantinou, illustrator

Ethan’s grandma is a ninja.  At first, he loves all the fun and attention they are having.  Then, her power kick deflates his team’s ball and their escapades prevent the family from going out to dinner.  Ethan asks his grandma to stop acting like a ninja.  When she doesn’t take him to school the next morning, Ethan begins missing her and feeling bad for the way he acted.  Grandma shows up though at a vital moment.  Ethan gains a greater appreciation for his grandma—quirks and all. 

Where Is Bear?

Jonathan Bentley, author & illustrator

Where is Bear?  Under the sofa?  In the car?  On the shelf?  As the little boy looks all over the house for Bear, readers catch glimpses him.  This charming book is ideal for preschoolers who are sure to delight in telling the boy where Bear is hiding.  Also, there is a sweet, unexpected ending. 

Let’s Go, Hugo

Angela Dominguez, author & illustrator

Hugo is not your typical bird:  He prefers walking to flying. He is content living on the ground.  Lulu befriends Hugo.  She wants him to fly with her to visit the Eiffel Tower.  Hugo is afraid to admit he not only doesn’t know how to fly, but he is afraid to try.  With the help of a wise friend, Hugo overcomes his fear and learns “the sky is the limit” when he allows himself to be open to change.  

Nana in the City

Lauren Castillo, author & illustrator
A boy visits his Nana at her new city apartment.  All the noises and activities make him feel apprehensive.  However, Nana loves the bustling and booming of the city.  The next morning, she gives the boy a fancy red cape.  Together they explore the city, allowing the boy to realize the city is not scary at all.  Instead, there is so much for Nana (and him) to do there.  He comes to the conclusion it is the perfect place for her to live.