Picture Book: The Three Little Mittens

 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.

For more Perfect Picture Book suggestions visit Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

Middle Grade Monday: The Dreamer (by Pam Munoz Ryan)

Summary of The Dreamer (by Pam Munoz Ryan)

As a young boy growing up in a Chilean village, Neftalí stands out from his peers.  His shyness and timidity cause him to spend most of his time alone with his imagination and books.  He stutters, but loves words so much that he writes them on pieces of paper and saves them.  While outside, he explores nature and collects interesting objects—shiny keys, beautiful stones, sea glass.  Stories come alive in his mind with the sights and rhythmic sounds around him of the forest, the rain, the ocean, and even his backyard.  

To Neftalí, family is vital.  He has a loving stepmother and inspiring progressive uncle who both encourage him to pursue his dreams.  His younger sister is sometimes a playmate, but always a loyal supporter.  However, his authoritarian father ridicules and often frightens Neftalí while attempting to encourage him to follow a traditional path of manhood and life. 

From harrowing days forced in the rugged ocean to an alarming fire in his uncle’s newspaper to witnessing racism toward native Mapuche, Neftalí finds his voice and path.  He grows up to become Pablo Neruda, a great poet and essayists. 

Using elements of Neruda’s biography and literary license, this story of truth and magic realism comes alive.  It is a story of compassion, perseverance, and splendor. The Dreamer, the 2011 Pure Belpre Award winner for fiction, is illustrated by the awarding winning Peter Sis.

Evaluation

The Dreamer is beautifully written. Pam Munoz Ryan does the fictional biography of a poet justice with her dreamy and vivid language.  For instance, when Neftalí first sees the ocean the author states, “He had never imagined the height of the white spray breaking against the rocks, the dark sand, or the air that whispered of fish and salt.”  

In addition, occasional poetic bits are intertwined like “I am poetry, prowling the blue, tempting my prey with fish, shell, and sky.” and “I am poetry, surrounding the dreamer.  Ever present, I capture the spirit, enslave the reluctant pen.”  These poetic elements represent Neftalí/Pablo’s calling to be a writer and poet. 

While the story is primarily realistic fiction, it floats into magic realism with Neftalí’s imagination.  For instance, he opens a window:  “A carpet of rain swept in and carried Neftalí to the distant oceans he had only seen in books.  There, he was the captain of a ship, it prow slicing through the blue.  Salt water spraying his cheeks.  His clothes fluttered against his body.  He gripped the mast, looking back on his country, Chile.”  These imaginative muses often accompany creative illustrations.  The novel is an excellent opportunity to discuss with children the difference between fantasy and reality in literature.

Most of the family relationships are positive and typical of a middle grade novel.  The only exception is the boy’s relationship with his father who is rigid and narrow-minded.  He has unreasonable expectations of his children.  Also, he is far too interested in his image than the well-being of his family.  Unfortunately, some children do have this experience. 

The majority of the book focuses on Neftalí as a boy and young teen, but readers also get a glimpse at what becomes of him when he leaves for university.  Overall, the novel is engaging to read.  Because it is so imaginatively created, it leads to many extension activities in reading, art, science, geography, and history.  

I recommend this book for children 9-13.  You can see a preview of the book here. 

Other Teaching Ideas

Art/Prediction Skills:  At the beginning of each chapter, there are 3 small simple pictures that preview what will occur in the narrative.  They are ideal for practicing predicting skills.  Show the pictures to the children and allow them to guess what might happen based on each one.  At the end of the chapter, revisit the pictures and evaluate the guesses.  I love this idea for other books as well.  After listening/reading to a chapter, students can draw 3 pictures that represent the major events that took place.   

Journaling/Writing:  Interspersed are some profound and imaginative questions which are perfect for creative or journal writing.  Like a poet, children can muse about abstract ideas like:  “What wisdom does the eagle whisper to those who are learning to fly?” and “Where will the waves take the debris abandoned in the freckled sand?”  

Poetry/History:  Pablo Neruda is a Nobel Prize willing poet.  Some examples of his poetry are included in the novel.  Older children can read additional poems by Neruda and even practice writing their own poetry.  They can also learn about his life and activism in his country.  (There is a brief overview at the end of the novel.)

Research/Social Studies: The Dreamer represents an authentic Latino voice and story to expand children’s experience of multicultural literature and lives.  Children may compare and contrast life in their communities with the Neftalí’s life in Chile.  In addition, use the novel as an opportunity to expand knowledge of Chile, other Latino American countries, the rain forest, and the ocean by doing further research to share or allowing students to do it for class projects. 

Scholastic has some discussion questions and links for additional educational opportunities.

Check out other Middle Grade Monday titles at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe. 

Picture Book: Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! (by Jonah Winter)

Summary of Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! (by Jonah Winter):

Pablo Picasso began painting around the turn of the 20^th century. At that time, art was predictable.  Picasso bursted unto the scene with an original and new approach.   He had an amazing passion and brilliant gift for painting that prompted others, much older and experienced, to watch and to learn from him.  Though he began as a poor artist, he soon became widely popular and incredibly wealthy.  After being inspired by some African masks, Picasso went back to his studio where he painted something unlike anything he had ever done.  The unveiling was far from ideal.  People were shocked and dismayed.   Of course, he was hurt by their criticism because he was proud of his work.  Everyone encouraged him to keep painting the way that made him famous.  He told them, “To copy yourself is pathetic!”  After his next revolutionary painting, people continued their protests.   Critics claimed the work did not make sense. His response was, “The chief enemy of creativity is ‘good sense’!”  Picasso continued through the next several decades experimenting and inventing new styles, offering a new way to look at the world.  Today, he is one of the most famous and celebrated painters of the 20^th century. 

Evaluation:

Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! is an engaging introduction into the artist’s early life and works.  Author Jonah Winter depicts Picasso as an artist who defied conventions despite overwhelming criticism in order to be true to himself.  Also, Winter draws a parallel between Picasso’s unpredictable and innovative paintings and the fast-paced and ever-changing world he lived in.  Artists Kevin Hawkes’ vigorous illustrations are a blend of realistic art with some elements of Picasso’s work, such as exaggerated facial features and unexpected angles.  One of the most striking pictures is of a peaceful landscape scene with Picasso jumping out of it, reflecting well the theme of the book.  I recommend Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! for ages 7 and up. 

Teaching Opportunities:

• Biography:  Research to find out more about Picasso’s life and write a short biography of his later years
• History:  Explore the inventions and changes that were occurring in Picasso’s early life, such as cars, airplanes, telephones, and bombs
• Art History:  Check out a book on Picasso’s work or find pictures on the Internet; and then, examine the various styles he depicts
• Art Project:  Try one of several ideas that allow budding artists to experience Picasso’s style like the ones found at The Art Student
• Technology:  Create a PicassoHead
• Comparison:  Compare and contrast Picasso’s work with some of his contemporaries' works
• Writing:  Write a description and critique of one of his paintings

 This post is linked up with Read Aloud Thursday at Hope is the Word and at Perfect Picture Book Friday.  

Fairy Tale Friday: The Bully Goat Grim (by Willy Claflin)

It is Fairy Tale Friday!  You may link up your fairy tale themed posts here.  Also, visit my co-host Literary Transgressions.  My post this week is on a brand new fractured fairy tale by Willy Claflin:  The Bully Goat Grim.

Story Summary:

Every full moon, the forest creatures gather together and listen as Maynard Moose shares a tale:  Once upon a time…Bully Goat Grim used his enormous size to frighten the other forest animals.  Whenever he saw a cute, little furry animal, he loved to lower his large, boney head as he charged ahead: “Gaddump, gaddump, gaddump, POW!” Over the tops of the trees the creatures flew and fell to the ground.  Bruised, battered, and broken, the animals all stayed hidden.  Under a foot bridge lived a family of trolls—the mommy (a three headed troll), the daddy (a two-headed troll), and baby (one-headed troll).   This happy family enjoyed being together—wallowing in the mud, visiting the dump, staying up late, and having rude noises contests.  After their late night activities, they slept late each morning.  On one particular day, Bully Goat Grim came trip-trapping across the bridge, which woke up the daddy troll first.  He yelled, “Who’s that trip-trapping on my bridge?”  The goat replied, “Beware, beware, the Bully Goat Grim!  Nobody better not mess with him!”  The daddy troll tried to come up with a solution, but he was not able to. The next day, the same thing happened with the mommy troll.  Finally, the baby troll comes up with a creative idea for dealing with the Bully Goat Grim which not only prevents him from bullying her family but also all the other forest creatures. 

Evaluation:

I am an English teacher and editor, so I am particular about grammar and vocabulary.  When I first tried to read this book, I stumbled over the author-created vocabulary and improper grammar (double negatives & superlatives).  Fortunately, there is an audio CD included that has a reading of the book.  After listening to it, I had a greater appreciation of the book.  I would recommend if you plan to read it out loud, you should listen to the CD first.  It is an enormous asset for catching the rhythm and appreciating the unusual vocabulary.  Of course, the improper grammar usage provides a teaching opportunity--formal or informal--and it is part of the characterization.

There are several noteworthy features of this creative narrative.  First, the author defies stereotypes.  The traditionally cute, fluffy billy goat becomes the aggressor while the typical mean trolls are a loving family.   Next, the youngest troll is the one who is able to solve the problem.  I like this aspect because it does empower children, but at the same time, youngsters need to be reassured that parents/adults can be wonderful resources to help with problem solving.  Finally, the main theme of the book is related to bullying.  While the solution in the story could not be replicated in real life, the idea of it could be.  When one person stood up to Bully Goat Grim, it gave the other victims courage to also stand tall and defuse the “power” he had over them. 

Artist James Stimson brilliantly utilizes his illustrations to capture and to extend the narrative.  Bully Goat Grim is white with black spots and exaggerated horns on his head.  These choices are significant.  First, the horns (the symbol of torture/bullying) are overstated because to the victims, the fists or person can seem larger than life.   Also, by making the goat mostly white (the color of purity and innocence), Stimson is again resisting stereotypes, revealing that outward appearances can often be incomplete or inaccurate.  Many of the scenes are colored in neutrals and greys, indicating a gloomy mood during the pinnacle of his bullying influence.  Once the animals are free of the oppression, the scenes are bright and cheerful. 

The Bully Goat Grim is a complex and interesting read, ripe with opportunities to extend and to discuss.  I recommend this book for ages 7 and up.  This title will not be released until August 16, 2012, but you can pre-order here soon..  

Teaching Opportunities:

• Literature:  compare and contrast with a traditional telling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff and/or other modern tellings
• Character Education:  use as a springboard for discussing bullying--causes, solutions, and other aspects
• Grammar:  read as you begin teaching or reviewing double negatives or superlatives (more, most)
• Vocabulary/Word Meaning:  evaluate the author-created words; identify word parts that are comparable to familiar words to the student to help predict word meaning (context clues can also be used to help)
• Language:  create your own word(s) using word parts and meanings of 2-3 words; then, write a sentence(s) showing the word(s) in context
• Writing:  write an original version of the story or an alternate ending as a class, in groups, or individually
• Social Studies:  examine the map of the forest together (such as how are landmarks and geographical features depicted); teach grade-appropriate map skills and/or allow students to create their own maps of a fictional or a real place
• Visit my Pinterest page with links to dozens of fairy tale-related activities around the web

You can link up below for Fairy Tale Friday.

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. 

Picture Book: Dreams Around the World (by Takashi Owaki)

Photographer Takashi Owaki traveled around the world, visiting multiple countries on 6 different continents.  To the children he met, he asked the question:  “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Owaki highlights 13 of the children he interviewed and photographed in Dreams Around the World. 

For each child, his/her name, age, and native country are provided.  Then, Owaki shares a little of what he learned about each one's life and dreams.   Many of the children have very different lives from the typical American child.  For instance, Udayakumar (age 6) works in his family’s restaurant while Armando (age 8) takes care of the llamas and donkeys in a traveling circus his family works in.   Others have similar experiences to many American children, like Angelica (age 6) who plays hide and seek with her friends and Sara (age 7) who goes on bike rides with her family.  American youngsters will definitely related to their occupational dreams, such as dancer, teacher, pilot, kung-fu master, police officer, ballerina, and princess.  The photographs are striking.  Each child has a full-page picture facing the information on him/her.  Underneath the text, additional pictures of the child are shown that reflect cultural and personal attributes. 

Dreams Around the World reveals that no matter where we live, children have similar interests and hobbies.  Family and friends are important.  Most importantly, children all have dreams for the future.  I recommend this book for ages 3-8.  

Teaching Opportunities:

• Geography: identify the countries represented on a map; learn a few basic cultural and geographical elements about each one (or a couple favorites)
• Writing:  instruct the child to write one or more sentences about what he wants to be when he grows up like “I want to be a ___________ when I grow up.”  OR “When I grow up I want to be a _____________ because I want to ______________.”
• Art:  allow the child to draw a picture of himself working in his dream job
• Unit Study:  use as a part of a unit on community helpers; visit (or bring in as a guest speaker) community helpers like firemen, police officers, and business owners
• Math:  create a graph of some of the most popular dream jobs from the book; allow students to vote on their favorite and create a graph together to depict the data
• Literature:  pick 1 or more countries of interest; then, find a couple fiction books (such as myths, legends, or popular stories) in the library that reflect the culture; read and discuss them together
• Comparison:  talk about similarities and differences between the children in the book and those in the class or neighborhood of the readers/listeners

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. 

Picture Book (History): Pompeii Lost and Found (Osborne)

Summary of Pompeii: Lost and Found (by Mary Pope Osborne):

Osborne begins by painting a portrait of life in Pompeii, almost 2000 years ago, before Mount Vesuvius erupted.  People were tending their homes and business, going to school and work, and enjoying leisure activities.  Things changed though on August 24, AD 79.  The sea became choppy.  Streams suddenly dried up.  Animals began acting out of the ordinary.  Then, a huge volcanic blast hit.  It bombarded the town with stones, ash, and poisonous gases until it was completely entombed.  Pompeii is unique because it is the only town of the ancient Roman Empire in which everything was “frozen” in time and untouched for hundreds of years.  As a result, historians and archaeologist have learned a lot about the era and the everyday people.  Osborne describes some of the finding about family life, houses, entertainment (gladiator contests and theater), social gatherings (in bathhouses, courtyards, cobblestone streets, and schools), shopping (a forum or outdoor market), and religious rites (personal shrines and temples).  Then, she returns to the fateful day when everything changed.  Finally, a glimpse of the present day is given where modern era people with cameras and guide books are exploring the ancient ruins.  Bonnie Christensen uses wonderful fresco paintings in muted colors to reflect the popular art form of the era and to depict life in Pompeii at the time of the devastating natural disaster.   

Evaluation:

Mary Pope Osborne is best known for her Magic Tree House series.  She knows how to write in order to captivate a young audience.  Pompeii: Lost and Found is an example of her power to engage.  The text reads more like a fascinating and mysterious narrative rather than a stiff factual account.  Christensen’s sweeping frescoes are an essential part of the storytelling (see example below).  They reveal common tools found on the site as well as some of the residence fossilized as the ash encompassed them.  The illustrations, also, depict everyday life—meals, theater, children’s games, marketplace, and so forth.  I highly recommend this book for ages 8 and up. 

Teaching Opportunities: 

• Science:  learn about volcanoes--what causes them to form and to erupt, what happens to areas after a volcanic eruption (see Gopher to the Rescue which is about an area that slowly revitalizes after a volcano erupted)
• History:  use this book as part of a unit on ancient Roman or learn more about ancient Roman after reading (see Osborne's Ancient Rome and Pompeii Research Guide)
• Comparison:  compare/contrast life in Pompeii to life in your city or another historic town
• Literature Connection:  read a historical fiction book set in Pompeii (see Osborne's Vacation Under the Volcano) or ancient Roman (like the Roman Mystery Series)
• Poetry:  write a poem describing what you think it would have been like to see and experience Mt. Vesuvius exploding
• Art:  learn more about the fresco painting technique and create your own fresco paintings

This post is linked up with Non-Fiction Monday at Gathering Books.

Picture Book (Science): Luna Moths (Sandra Markle)

Summary of Luna Moths: Masters of Change (by Sandra Markle):

The book begins with a basic explanation of how insects are different from other animals.  Then, Markle identifies differences between moths and butterflies.  A detailed exploration of the luna moth’s body, inside and out, is depicted with broad two-page labeled diagrams.  Each one has additional information about it in text boxes.  The largest part of the book is focused on a chronological study of the moth by looking at its life cycle.  The stages are described and illustrated well.   An added feature is that Markle highlights the ways that other moths—in the larva and adult stages in particular—defend themselves.  The layout of Luna Moths: Masters of Change is reader friendly.  The sections are clearly labeled with bold titles in bright orange headline boxes.  The text is primarily on the left with a full-page, close-up photograph of moths in various stages and activities on the right.  Other pages have the text on top with bold pictures below corresponding to it.   The vibrant and organized layout patterns are pleasing to the eyes. The book concludes with information on other insect life cycles, a glossary of important terms, luna moth extension activities, and suggestions for book, video, and web resources.   

Evaluation:

My two favorite parts of this book are the diagrams of the body—internal and external—and the information on the various ways moths defend themselves.  On the external diagram, the basic parts are identified and described—head, thorax, abdomen, wings—as well as others like spiracles (breathing holes), compound eyes, body texture/scales, antenna, legs, and feet.  The internal figure lays out fascinating information about reproductive organs, heart, brain, and nerve cord.  I did not even realize they had all these parts in that tiny, tiny body.  The sections on protection from predators are fantastic.   They includes pictures of moths to fit each description, adding to its merit.   For instance, some caterpillars use their looks like the hag moth caterpillar that looks like a hairy spider and the elephant hawk moth one that appears as a snake ready to attack!  Others camouflage well or use poisonous secretions.  I cannot help but to be in absolute wonderment at our Creator whenever I study science.  There is so much variety, intricacy, and creativity.  My kids get tired of me saying these words. J 

I have read many children’s book on insects, butterflies, and moths, yet I learned a lot from Luna Moths: Masters of Change.  It is more detailed than many similar children's science books, but the straightforward text is highly engaging.   In addition, the eye-catching and brilliant photographs depict a variety of views and stages. This book is part of the Insect World series from Lerner Publishing Group.  Because I am so impressed with this one, I plan on looking up additional titles in the series.  I recommend this book for ages 8 and up.  

This post is linked up with Science Sunday at Adventures of Mommydom.  

Fairy Tale Activities and Teaching Ideas

Yesterday, I posted a short study on Jack and the Beanstalk.   I enjoyed reading every version I could get my hands on, and then I spent time analyzing and comparing.  This activity is also perfect as a class or home project.  You may be surprised how much you and your children will learn.    

1.  Check out every version available at the library. 

2.  Read them together and discuss similarities and differences.  Here are some areas to consider.  Most of these are specific to Jack and the Beanstalk, but hopefully, they will spur you to consider types of areas to evaluate in any fairy tale.  Focus on both general (setting) and specific (hiding places) elements to the tale of your choice.

• Setting
• Catalyst (what starts the action)
• Protagonist
• Protagonist’s character qualities (description)
• Description of the mother
• Describe the trade
• Number of trips up the stalk
• Reason for return(s), if any
• Description of greeter at the top of the stalk, if any
• Description of giant
• Chorus (fee, fie, foe)
• Variations in chorus throughout story
• Hiding places, if any
• Items taken/given
• Protagonist’s outcome 
• Antagonist’s outcome

3.   Pick 2 or more (depending on age of children) to do an in-depth comparison. 

• Use a Venn diagram as a comparison tool (good for comparison of 2 or 3 stories).  Use a Venn diagram with lines for younger children.  
• Create a chart or excel spread sheet to explore the different versions.  On the left side list the areas in #2 and on the top put in the story titles. 
• Write a paragraph (either together or independently) discussing the similarities and differences between 2 or more versions.
• Put the versions in order of publication.  Evaluate and discuss how they have changed and how those differences reflect cultural changes.  For example, modern versions have female protagonists.  Earlier versions were more didactic. 
• Write a book review on your favorite version. 
• Draw two parallel comic strips (one from each of the 2 versions chosen).  Depict the similarities and differences with a one to one correspondence of drawings. In other words, in both strips in same place illustrate the scenes with the hiding place, the items stolen, the trade, and so forth. 
• Act out scenes from 2 or more versions.

4.   Delve in deeper to consider the significance of the story and the elements of the plot.  Why do so many cultures have their own retellings?  What might this story reveal about human nature?  Childhood?   

5.   Older children can do research on the fairy tale to write an essay or to add to the discussion on it.  The Classic Fairy Tales (by Maria Tatar) is an excellent resource as well as the website SuLaLune.  

6.   Try some other literature extension activities as well, like the ones at Primary Resources.

Most of all, children will be enjoying the different fairy tale versions and having fun comparing them.  Little will they realize, they are exercising important critical thinking skills.  

This post is linked up with Sunday Showcase at Momto2LilPoshDivas where dozens of teaching ideas are highlighted each week.   

Picture Book: Nothing like a Puffin (by Sue Soltis)

Summary of Nothing like a Puffin (by Sue Soltis):  

“Look, a puffin!  What a marvelous creature, one of a kind and amazing.  Indeed, there is nothing like a puffin.”  Not a ladder.  Not a house.  Not a newspaper.  Wait.  A newspaper does have something in common with a puffin—they are both black and white.  The narrator realizes that a lot of things have something in common with a puffin—a pair of jeans, a goldfish, a shovel, a snake, and a helicopter.  When they meet a penguin, the striking similarities can’t be overlooked. They appear to be almost identical, but there is one major difference though.  It is clear--"There is nothing like a puffin!"  

Evaluation:  

Author Sue Soltis leads readers on an amusing ride of compare and contrast, prompting children to look at things in their world in a refreshing manner.  Even though she takes seemingly random objects, a clear link is made between them.  Children will be challenged to look at how other objects are similar.  On another level, identical twins can be encouraged to look for and to cherish their unique qualities.  All children have the opportunity to ponder how they are special.   Bob Kolar, the illustrator, has created artwork that is bright, witty, and lively.   Youngsters will want to revise this stunning book over and over.  I recommend Nothing like a Puffin for ages 4-9.    

Teaching Opportunities:  

• Science:  Learn about puffins, penguins, and other arctic animals
• Comparison Chart:  Make a chart showing how puffins and penguins are similar; then, create another chart on two animals or things to show their similarities or differences
• Predicting Skills:  Before reading, list all the objects that are connected in the book; ask, “Do you see how each one might be like a puffin?”
• Critical Thinking:  Write the names of objects on note cards; allow children in small groups or independently to connect them and explain why (you will need to think through this ahead of time to make sure there is one or more connections)
• Writing:  Using the objects provided or creating their own object links, write a story that parallels Nothing like a Puffin
• Similes:  Teach or reinforce the concept of similes (because they are also focused on similarities); children can practice identifying them or creating their own
• Other Resources on the Internet: 
• Teacher Bits and Bob has a beautiful Arctic Life: Math and Literacy Centers unit 
• Other books on arctic animals are also highlighted on this blog

This post is linked with the Sunday Showcase at Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas.  Check out  this LINK with dozens of great ideas you can do at home with your kids.  

Picture Book: Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin

Summary of Hero Dad:  

As his father is leaving to go on a mission, a young boy muses that his dad is a superhero.  Instead of rocket-propelled boots and x-ray vision, his dad has army boots and night vision glasses.  He drives a super-powered vehicle—a tank.   Even though he doesn’t have an invisibility cloak, he does wear camouflage to blend into his surroundings.  There are no sidekicks or laser guns on his dad’s missions, but he does have a platoon and a rifle.  Like fictional superheroes, his dad sometimes goes on long trips.   His dad is an American soldier…and a superhero. 

Evaluation:

Hero Dad  (by Melinda Hardin) celebrates the men and women serving in the armed services.  Military and patriotic families will find this book to be a comfort and a source of pride.  Teachers can share it to remind students of the sacrifices made for their freedoms and way of life.

The bright illustrations depict soldiers in the desert and touching moments with their families.  The pictures are geared for younger children (ages 3-8).  They show some of the realities of being a soldier, but they are not at all frightening.

There are some excellent teachable moments prompted by Hero Dad.

§  Discuss heroism.  What does it mean to be a hero?  Who do the children think are heroes?  Compare and contrast real heroes with super heroes. 

§  Make a comparison chart showing a one-to-one correspondence the narrator made  between his realistic heroic father and the fantasy superheroes. 

§  Students can make their own comparison charts either related to heroes or some other topic. 

§  Students can write one or more comparisons that can be illustrated, similar to the book.

§  Incorporate a writing activity.   For younger children, demonstrate how to write a paragraph using a class comparison chart.  Older children can write a paragraph using their comparison charts.