Picture Book Pair for a Fun Fall Story Time

by Rebecca J. Gomez Pairing two or more picture books with similar themes can open up a world of discussion possibilities, and those discussions are great ways to connect with your children or students. It can be fascinating to see how different authors and illustrators approach different topics and themes. Pairing books with similar themes during story time will help children learn that everyone sees the world a little differently, and it's good to see other people's perspectives. Read : Leaves by David Ezra Stein and The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater Discuss :  What is the main theme in each of these stories? How are these two books different? How are they similar? What were Bear and Squirrel both confused about?  Have you ever been confused or curious about something in nature? Talk about it! What is fall like where you live? Do you see leaves changing, then falling from the trees?  What other books about fall or leaves have you read? Are any of

Snack and Story: Trail of Fruit Rings



By Mindy Baker

 

Need something fun to brighten up your day? Try this book that is a unique combination of graphic novel-like artwork in black and white combined and blended with bursts of vibrant color artwork. The story is set up as a journal that chronicles an alien’s (the unicorn) 100 days on Earth in the home of a little girl and her family. In the end he recommends that more of his kind come to Earth for a vacation!

 

READ: Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzycki

 

While you read the story, snack on some "fruit rings" cereal. Save some for a fun activity after reading and discussing the book!

 

DISCUSS: 

  • What do you think unicorns might eat?
  • Can you think of a food/fruit for every color of the rainbow?
  • In the story, the unicorn keeps a journal. What would you write in a journal about today?

DO: Trail of Fruit Rings Activity

 

Version One:

All players close their eyes and count to twenty while one player hides. The player who hides is pretending to be a unicorn. He must leave a trail of fruit rings for the other players to follow so they can find him.

 

Version Two:

Take turns hiding a unicorn stuffed animal or figurine and leave a trail of fruit loops to follow to help the other players “find” the unicorn.   

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