Explore Poetry with SINCE THE BABY CAME by Kathleen Long Bostrom

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  We are excited to have guest post by Kathleen Long Bostrom, author of Since the Baby Came: A Sibling’s Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems , talking about the process of writing the book and sharing some ideas for discussing and poetry writing! Read : Since the Baby Came: A Sibling’s Learning-to-Love Story in 16 Poems by Kathleen Long Bostrom, illustrated by Janet Samuel I love poetry and rhyme, and always have. I grew up with a mother who often recited poetry and I learned to read with Dr. Seuss books. It’s no wonder I turned to poetry when I began writing picture books for children.  At a children’s book conference one day about 12 years ago, I asked my friend, an editor for an educational publishing house, “What are the areas in early education where more good books are needed?”  Without hesitation, she replied, “Poetry.”  Many of my published books were written in poetry, but what could I write that was unique? Aha! I thought. What if I wrote a story using a variety of styles of
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CAN I BE YOUR DOG? Letter Writing Activity

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In Can I Be Your Dog by Troy Cummings, a dog writes letters to various people on Butternut Street, hoping that one of them will be his forever family. Then, after a series of rejections, he receives a surprise note from someone who thinks he would be the perfect partner! This is funny and heartwarming, and it's the perfect book to pair with a letter-writing activity. 

Read: Can I Be Your Dog

Discuss:

  • Why was Arfy writing letters to people on Butternut Street?
  • What are some reasons why Arfy may not have had a family?
  • Have you ever seen a stray dog? 
  • What would the perfect dog for your family be like? If you have a dog, what makes him or her a great pet?
  • Were you surprised when you saw which person wanted to adopt Arfy? Why or why not?
  • When was the last time you wrote a letter or note to someone?

Do: Write a letter of your own. Choose one or both of the following options:

  1. Imagine that you are a dog in need of a home. Write a letter to someone who would be a good person for you. Try to think of ideas that are different from what's in the book. What makes your imaginary dog self special? How might you convince someone to adopt you?
  2. Imagine that you are a person who really wants a dog. Write a note to Arfy explaining why you  would be a perfect fit.
Bonus activity: Put your note in an envelope and address it with a made-up address. Then design your own postage stamp. Look at the end pages in the book if you need inspiration for your stamp.


Comments

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April 25, 2023 at 11:55 PM
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