Picture Book Pair for a Fun Fall Story Time

on
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
0

Summer Challenge Week 8: Night Time!

on

It's week eight of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge, and this week it's all about night! Summertime is a great time of year to spend a little time out at night. There is so much to see and hear that doesn't happen during the day. Stars shining, owls hooting, bugs buzzing around in the glow of street lamps. We hope that this week's challenge will encourage you to do some night time reading and have some night time fun, even if you stay inside to do it!

Ideas for books to read:

  • If You Were Night by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Kelly Pousette. This beautiful book, illustrated with cut paper dioramas, is a lyrical exploration of the natural world at night. 
  • The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes. A quiet, lyrical book about sources of light inside and out.
  • While You Are Sleeping by Mariana Ruiz Johnson. This is a wordless book that takes the reader on a night time adventure while a child in the story dreams.

Ideas for things to discuss:

  • What are some things you can only see at night?
  • Are you afraid of night or of the dark? If so, why?
  • What is something you like to do at night?
  • How many nocturnal animals can you name?

Ideas for things to do: 

  • Go for a walk at night and look for things that are featured in the book you read.
  • Sit outside and star gaze. Try looking for constellations and planets. Use a telescope if you have one!
  • Visit your zoo's nocturnal exhibit if possible. Otherwise, watch a documentary about nocturnal animals.
  • Create some night-inspired art. Try a style based on one of the books, such as a cut paper diorama (If You Were Night) or scratchboard art (The House in the Night). 
  • Play a game of hide-and-seek in the dark.
Do you have a favorite book about night time? Let us know in the comments or on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.



Comments

Post a Comment