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

Review and Craft: D IS FOR DROOL: MY MONSTER ALPHABET

by Mindy Baker

D is for Drool: My Monster Alphabet, written by Amanda Noll and Shari Dash Greenspan and illustrated by Howard McWilliam, is an adorable and very monsterly alphabet book! When a little boy can’t sleep, he decides to say his ABCs. A is for arms, B is for belly, C is for claws. You get the idea. The illustrations make this book truly special. This is sure to become a family favorite and is a fun way to help your child learn his letters and letter sounds. 

READ: D is for Drool: My Monster Alphabet

DISCUSS: 

 

  1. What is your favorite monster in the book?

  2. As you read, when you say a body part such as the monster neck or nose, have your child point to his/her neck or nose.

  3. Have you ever had a hard time getting to sleep? What strategies did you try?

  4. What letter does Neck/Nose start with?

  5. Can you think of any other words that start with the N sound?

  6. Repeat for other letters.

 

 

DO: Make monsters that can be used to practice letter shapes! 

You will need:

  • 1 package craft sticks (colorful ones make it fun)

  • Markers

  • Glue gun

  • Googly eyes

  • Variety of “bits and bobbles” for the hair and accessories of your monsters.

  • Chenille stems (so you can twist to make the rounded letters)



Directions:

1. Twist two different colored chenille stems together or use a craft stick.

2. With a glue gun, attach the googly eyes.

3. Use bits of yarn, fabric, sequins, chenille stems, or other bits and bobbles to make the monster into a unique friend.

4. Decorate with markers (optional).

5. Using your monsters, practice forming your letters.




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