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

Book-inspired Art: Buried Bear

on

 

It's the middle of March, and for many that means spring is nearly hear. But that doesn't necessarily mean that winter is going to let go so easily, as we see in the lovely picture book SO MUCH SNOW by Kristen Schroeder, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby. SO MUCH SNOW is about a snow storm that brings a lot of snow, blowing it around, piling it everywhere, until everything and everyone seems to be buried in it. This book, with its simple, yet lyrical, text and repeating "OH" sounds, will delight readers as they follow along, watching the snow piles grow and grow. This book captures well a sense of wonder about snowy weather that will delight readers, especially those who enjoy a good snow day. 

Read: SO MUCH SNOW by Kristen Schroeder, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby

Discuss: 
  • What kind of winter weather do you experience where you live?
  • If you've been around snow, do you like it? Why or why not?
  • If you've never experienced snow first hand, would you like to?
  • What do you think you would do with "so much snow"?
  • How do the animals seem to feel about the snow in the beginning of the story? How about the end?
Do: Make a "buried bear" painting inspired by the book's cover.

You will need:
  • Blue card stock or construction paper
  • A round sponge brush (or cotton balls)
  • Brown and white tempera paint
  • A marker
Directions: 
    1. Use the round brush or cotton ball to make the bear's head. It should be a rounded triangle shape, pointed upward. Add an ear to the left side.

      2. Again using the round brush, dab on the snow so that it looks like the bear's head is poking out of a large drift.

      3. Dab on a few fat snowflakes in the blue sky!


      4. Use a marker to draw an ear, the nose and mouth, and eye. Then, use the edge of the round brush to add snow to the bear's ears and snout.


      And now you have your own "buried bear" painting! 

      Looking for more snow-themed book fun? Check out this story time idea for SNOW MUCH FUN! by Nancy Siscoe, illustrated by Sabina Gibson. 

      Comments

      Post a Comment