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 Time: HEY BRUCE! and Bear Paw Cookies


Hey Bruce! Picture Book and Snack 
by Mindy Baker

Hey Bruce! written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins is a humorous interactive picture book
that is truly special. As explained in the front flap, an interactive books means the reader will make things happen inside the book. Kids will love tapping Bruce to wake him up, rocking the books to get him back to sleep, playing a melody on the piano keys…and many more creative interactions along the way. The mice in the story narrate and tell you, “the reader,” what to do.

My favorite part is when the mice tell the reader they can see up his nose. I also loved Bruce’s
bunny pajamas and when Bruce rode his unicycle on a tight rope over the mud. This is the perfect book for some light-hearted fun.

Read: Hey Bruce! written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

Discuss:

1. Who wakes you up? Do you use an alarm clock or wake up on your own?
2. Is it easy for you to wake up? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever had to wake anyone who was sleeping? How did you do it?
4. What was your favorite part of this book?

Do:

Fun Snack Ideas for the book Hey Bruce! (Or any bear-themed book)

Idea #1

Teddy Grahams are an easy snack for any bear-themed book. Have a bowl of Teddy Grahams while you read this story.


Idea #2

Make your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe. I love the traditional peanut butter blossoms by Betty Crocker that I make every year at Christmas. Or purchase a Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie mix. When you roll the balls, press down with a fork. Then flip upside down so that the side with the ridges does not show. Bake according to the recipe directions.

Once baked, use a Hershey’s chocolate kiss. Trim off the top so that it is a flatter piece of chocolate, and turn upside down as you place it into the cookie. Add three upside down chocolate chips to create paw prints. Delicious and so cute!

Comments