Each Peach Pear Plum

The Creative Play Group children read Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. This rhyming romp through story land has a hidden picture element that preschoolers just love.

J.J.: I like it when he [Tom Thumb] hides in the tree. Finding the pictures is a little hard. And I like it when I see the bears. I liked the bear part. I like the part where she [Bo Peep] was looking for the sheep and they [Jack and Jill] were tumbling down the hill. I like the whole entire thing!

Aria: The mouse was going to eat the pie. Snow White [Cinderella] was dusting. It's [Baby Bunting's basket] floating in the river. [Starts reciting.] Jack and Jill went up the hill to get a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. The cat said, "I'm just a cat!"

Ryan: I like when the witch screamed. Look at her face! I like when Robin Hood said, "Ha, ha, ha! I'm going to get her!" I like when you could only see one leg. It was hard and easy to find the pictures. I'm smart! I like when the baby went, "Me! Me!" He was happy. I like when the baby bear thought he was the Dada, but he's not. The Dada's right there.

Brady D.: I like this part. They [Jack and Jill] fell down the hill. I like this page. [The last illustration.] They were all there.

John: I like when Robin Hood was trying to shoot the witch and the cat said, "I'm going to hold on tight!" I like when they all hided in the picture ready to get out and eat everything, and when they all jumped out they ate and ate and ate until they were too full.

Maeve: I like the wicked witch. She wanted all the stuff from her friends. He [Robin Hood] was shooting that [arrows] at the witch's broom stick.

Arthur:  I like this because they were all hiding. It's a hard time finding them.

Lipstick on a Fish: You Have to Love Leo

The Prekindergarten children read Fish is Fish by Leo Lionni today. I love Lionni's work. When I want to read a story about friendship or acceptance to my students, Lionni's books are always at the top of my list. Fish is Fish engaged the children with humor and suspense, and with illustrations that stretched their imaginations.  

Emelyn: I liked it when the fish is not in the water. He wanted to go see his friend Frog. He couldn't breathe. The frog throwed him back in the water.

Katherine: The fish wanted to see where the frog went and the frog throwed him back in the water when he went on land. He wanted to see what all the things were like that the frog saw. He thinked all the people they looked like they were fish and they were all riding on a cow that looked like a fish.

Camryn: I like when the fish was on land and he was upside down. He wanted to see his friend again. His friend helped him jump back into the water.

Mack:  The tadpole turned into a grown-up frog and I liked it when the fish was out of the water. He wanted to see everything in the world 'cause the frog told him. My favorite part was when he thought everything was like him.

Acadia: I like the one with all the birds because I like all the colors. They look like a fish, but with those. [Points to the gills.] I don't know why it's like a fish. I like it because all the colors are like a rainbow.

Summer [Who has been listening to Acadia.]:  Me, too!

Kaitlyn: I like when the frog was a baby. I like this [illustration] because she's wearing lipstick and she's a fish. And she's wearing clothes! The fish doesn't know what they look like. My second favorite one is where he was trying to like get out, and he couldn't breathe. In the last part the frog picked him up and put him back in the pond and he sat with his fish friend.

Christel: I like the pretty fish that look like birds. And I really like the cow because it has a funny cow/fish tail. I love that there's beautiful flowers and the mom and the beautiful birds and the beautiful butterflies.

Yellow Jackets, Wind and Fire

Last week, New Hampshire experienced a windstorm that left more than 300,000 folks in the dark. Those of us without wood stoves or fireplaces were also left in the cold. I decided to read Fire Race, A Karuk Coyote Tale retold by Jonathan London and illustrated by Sylvia Long to the EK and PK children. It retells the Karuk tale of how fire came to the people. The story opens with a group of shivering animals huddling together for warmth. I couldn't help but think of the thousands of people who ended up doing much the same thing last week after the storm.

Fire Race is retold with such intense drama that you are sucked right into the story. One of my students actually covered her eyes and peeked between her fingers at the pictures depicting the evil Yellow Jacket sisters. (I've watched parts of my favorite Quentin Tarantino films that way myself!)

A few of the children wanted to blog about the story and about their storm experiences. Thankfully, there were no yellow jackets to add to the chaos that was the Great New Hampshire Windstorm of 2010.

Hayden: The animals were cold because there's been no fire. The bees had the fire. I liked when the frog got fire in his mouth, when the frog got a branch with fire on it. I liked when the bee stinged the turtle. I think the bees have been naughty.

Leah:  The animals lived in a dark wood and it was cold. And then the wolf knocked on the bee sisters' door. And then he said, "If you close your eyes, I'll make you more prettier." And then he took the fire and he ran off. And then he tripped and then the eagle caught the fire. And then the mama tiger got it. And then the fox got it and jumped up and ran off. And then the bear got it. And then the caterpillar got it. The turtle got stinged and then the frog got it. The frog ate the fire. I thinked he was going to catch on fire. He didn't. He was under the water holding his breath and the fire. And then the bee sisters gave up. And then the frog hopped out and put the fire log on the branch. And then everybody asked if they could get warm. [Windstorm discussion.] While I was driving I saw a lot of trees on the wire. And guess what! When I drived back, I saw a tree on someone's house!

Daniel: The coyotes were pretty cold and they needed to eat their food raw. I liked when he went to steal fire from the yellow jacket sisters. When their eyes were closed he took a charcoal from the fire and ran away. When the yellow jacket sisters opened their eyes they chased the fox and the eagle caught the fire. Then jaguar thought they were going to sting him, then they went after him. Then the ant got the fire, then the turtle got it and the turtle got stung and then the frog came in and swallowed it. He hopped in the water and the wasps flew around in a circle one, two, three times and flew away. And the frog hopped out and spitted out the fire. Then one of the frogs asked the old and wise one how to make fire, and then it was the end.

Brooke N.: I like when the wolf got into the bees' house. He was stealing the fire because he wanted to make himself warm. And then he was playing a joke and then he stole the fire. [Windstorm discussion.] The winds were starting to make the trees fall down. We didn't have no water when we lost power. We went to Nana's house. Daddy stayed at home because he had to go work.

John: The animals didn't know that you could make fire from bark, so they wanted to get the fire from the yellow jacket sisters. The sisters wanted the fire all to themselves. I like when the turtle's tail got stung because he went into his shell. [Windstorm discussion.] It was really, really windy, and I bet my Dad got confused when the power went out because his computer went out. The power went out when the TV was on.

A Good Book is Timeless

The Creative Play Group kids talked about a book published 75 years ago. Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack is every bit as appealing to the 2010 child as it was to the 1932 child.

Aiden R.: My favorite animal was the hen because I liked the hen.

J.J.: The little boy needed a present for his mama. He asked all the animals if they would give him something for his mama's birthday party. My favorite animal was the cow.

Lindsey: It's his mama's birthday. I like the chicken one. A cow! Moooo! A hugging bear. [Looking at illustration of the boy giving his mother a bear hug.] He's so silly.

Olivia: He wants to give something to his mom. The hen said to give an egg to his mother. [I ask what he gives his mother.] Maybe a big bear hug.

Arthur: This is my first favorite page because it has a chicken. The chicken said, "Could I give you some eggs?" And then the little boy said, "My mom already has eggs." And then they gathered along and then they saw a goose. The goose said, "Could I give you some feathers to give you a pillow?" And the boy said, "I already have a pillow." And then they gathered along again, and then they found a goat. And the goat said, "Could I give you cheese and milk?" And the little boy said, "We already have cheese and milk." And then they gathered along again, and then they found a sheep. And the sheep said, "Could I give you some fur?" And then they gathered along again, and then they met the cow. And then the kid said, "Do you have anything for my mom for Valentine's Day?" "Yes, I do," the cow said. And then the cow said, "You should go to the bear." And then one person gathered along and it was the kid, and then he was running. And then he finally got to the woods and saw him, and then the kid said, "Do you have anything for my Valentine?" "No, but I could show you what I could give you for Valentine's." And then he whispered in his ear. And then his mom guessed all of those things that they wanted to give them, and it was a bear hug.

Carter: Carter didn't really like the book much. [I'm sure he wouldn't have liked it much as a 1932 child, either.] He said, "Nothing happened." He did like the boy, though.

Alec: Here's the bear and here's the little boy. I don't know what his [the little boy's] name is. He was a friendly bear.

Aidan C.: I like the part where the little boy said to his mother, "I got something to show you." It was the part where he gave her a hug.

Aria:  He's sad because he don't have anything for his mother's birthday. He saw a chicken. He runned with the chicken with him. Then they saw the goose. He saw a goat. And he saw a sheep. And they saw the cow. And then he ran up the hill. Then he saw the bear. I like the bear! And the bear whispered in his ear and said, "Give your mama a great bear hug."

Lions and tigers and boats. Oh, my!

The CPG children read and discussed Toy Boat by Randall de Seve and Loren Long. As you read through their comments, you'll see the children were delightfully scared by the boat's misadventures. It's obvious that de Seve and Long have written the perfect "thriller" for the preschool set. They've given their readers just the right scare factor, with the happy resolution coming soon enough to diffuse the tension.

Aria: I like this part in the tub. I like the boy and the boat. I like this part, but he let go of the boat. The boat got lost. I like this part, 'cause he said, "Boat! Boat!" I like this part 'cause it's pretty scary. The weather blowed it away. I like this part, cause he [the big boat] said, "Move!" He's sad 'cause he misses his boy.

Alec: The [tub toy] shark looks happy. The boy's in the tub with his boat. [Flips to illustration of a speedboat with flames and teeth painted on its sides.] It's scary! Those are bad boats! [Flips to illustration in which the boy and boat are reunited.] That boy said, "Boat!" The end.

Teagan: [Flipping to illustration of a speedboat with flames and teeth painted on its sides.] I'm going to the shark one. The boat shark. It maked me freak out. The speedboat's yell did. When he said the thing. ["Move along!"]

John: I liked the picture with the speedboat. The speedboat had flames and some teeth and lots of yellow on it and a white cover on the top. The speedboat zoomed by and kicked up a lot of water and the speedboat went really, really fast. The toy boat got wet. The speedboat screamed, "Get out of my way!"

Maeve: [Flips to illustration of a speedboat with flames and teeth painted on its sides.] I like when the scary boat was shooting by. The boat's scary. My favorite part was the teeth.

Aidan C.: The toy boat escaped from the boy. I like the part when it was scary. The part when it was dark. The toy boat got lost and he couldn't find his friend. They were together in the end.

I wish I was in this book.

This week the EK kids are blogging about alphabet mystery written by Audrey Wood and illustrated by her son Bruce Wood. And, yes, I meant to write the title all in lower case letters because that's the way it appears on the cover.

Hayden: When the Big "M" said he was going to eat the little letters he was going to put them in his soup. He was yelling at the letters. I like when Little "x" flew on the pencil and got to the castle.

Brooke N.: Crooked "I" said, "If you wake up 'M' he's going to throw you in the soup!" It was funny. And then the flewed off and then they goed in the castle.

Sophie: I liked the end because it had a birthday cake. It said, "I love you Mom."

Bella: Little "x" floated away on one of the pencils. He ran away because nobody wanted to work with him. And then all the other little letters took one pencil and they floated into the night sky. They goed right here. That's a castle, and there's the pencil Little "x" took parked. Crooked "I" was so crooked because he crooked hisself by hisself.  Maybe. Big "M" had paint and beads on him. He was a little bit naughty, but then he started crying because he missed his Mommy. Look it. That's Big "M's" shadow. He made the little alphabet shake because he wanted to make them alphabet soup and they were sad because they were going to miss their mommy. And then the Big "M" misseded his Mommy, too. See? Now he's crying because he misses his Mommy. The big tears are falling on the little alphabet. And look it. They're all picking things for all their moms. My favorite was the beads. They flied off, and Crooked "I" and Big "M" flied off on a pencil with all the other little letters. They made a birthday cake and then they put kisses on the cake. It was little "x."

John: All the letters were sleeping in their beds, but little "x" wasn't because he drove in one of the pencil cars to a castle. He left because the kid who had the whole alphabet didn't use him. And there's something funny about when they went out the window -- "z" was in front and "a" wasn't in front. They went backwards not forwards. And there was a castle with lots of different color flags. And little "b" was the bravest and said, "We're looking for little "x." And Crooked "I" said, "Come in, but don't awake The Master!" And when the Big "M" said, "I'll cook you in the alphabet soup," the letters shivered. Little "x" told him M also stands for mother. Big "M" cried because he hasn't give his mother a present in so long. Big "M" told them they could each pick one present for the kid's mother. My favorite present was the "j" jack-in-the-box.

Arthur: The best part was when all the letters picked out things. My favorite was the "t" because it had a Teddy Bear. I like the pictures. I think the artist used crayons to draw the pictures. I like to draw stuffed animals and animals. I like Star Wars and one more thing. Actually two more. I like to draw cars and I like to draw Super Heroes. 

Annalee: I like when the "x" flied away. I like this picture. He's (little "x") singing a lullaby to the big "M." He's kind of mean. He was going to put the little letters in the soup. The little letters were shaky.

Leah: I really like the abcs in it. I think the artist made the letters so beautiful because he used colorful ink. And I love that they took home the "I" and the "M" 'cause they love them 'cause the "M" was going to make them into alphabet soup but then they made him into nice and then he was getting to put on the cake. It said, "I love you Mom." It was so cool that they took off on the pencil. It was so beautiful on the ground. I wish I was in this book.

You say goodbye, and I say hello.

This past weekend I went to Kindling Words (KW) in Vermont. KW is a retreat for published children's authors, illustrators and editors. Because so many folks want to attend, the retreat spots are awarded in a lottery.

The Picture Book Project actually came up in conversation over the weekend. A couple of the attending authors are regular Picture Book Project readers, and they had a few suggestions. (After scolding me for being such a blog-slacker last month.) They suggested if I keep each post to just a few kids, it will be easier for the reader to follow, and for me to manage.

As you read on, you'll see I took their advice. Each blog entry will include contributions from only a few of the children. I'll keep track of who has blogged, and encourage all of the children to blog at least once each month.

Today the PK kids read the 2006 Caldecott Medal Winner The Hello, Goodbye Window written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Chris Raschka. Chris Raschka was at KW this year, leading the illustrator thread. It was a complete kick to sit in on two of his illustrator sessions, and I couldn't wait to get back to school to read this book to the children.

Acadia:  [Looking at the dinosaur-in-the-window illustration.] It's not real! They're extinct! I don't know why she saw the head of a dinosaur in the window. I don't know why she saw the pizza and the queen. How come did she see these in the Hello, Goodbye window? [I ask, Were they really there?] Noooo! She was just pretending they were there. I like to pretend I'm a Princess Fairy.

Christel:  I liked that the Poppa was squirting the hose at the little boy. The little boy liked it. I liked that the Mommy and Daddy were going to work. I like that the Grandma has curly hair. I like that there's so many stars up in the sky so-o-o-o-o big. It's kind of cool how the artist did the circles in the sky. I like that she said the cat was a tiger. If I was there, I would just walk near the tiger. I want to show the Grandma that it's just a kitty. I like that he took a nap. I wish they were making so fun things and being noisy.

Camryn: I like it when the medal [Caldecott medal on cover] is gold. I like blond, pink, silver, purple and gold. I like that the end papers look like mustard. I like the very big house. I liked it when the Grandma said don't touch anything under the sink because it's chemicals. I liked when the Grandma thinked it was a tiger but it was a kitty. I call my grandmother my Grammy.

Eva: I liked the part when she stayed over at her Grammy's. I like when the Grandfather was chasing the little girl with the hose. He was being tricky and he was having fun.

Arthur: They were saying goodbye to their parents. Sometimes I stand on a chair and wave goodbye to Mommy and Daddy and blow them hugs and kisses.

John:  Sometimes when my Mom goes to work, I go to my Mom's work at her daycare. If we get there early, we get to go to her desk and we get to color whatever we bring. When it's time for Mommy to work, we go into the daycare. There's toys. At lunch, Mommy meets up with us and we have lunch then she goes back to work and we go play. And then after we go play, it's the end of work and we go home. The book made me think of it.

Interested in learning a bit about Chris Raschka and his work process? Check out this video.

'Twas Eight Days After Christmas . . .

I had wanted to get this entry written and posted before Christmas, but being the good teacher I am, I waited until vacation to get really sick. I'm recovered and ready to return to class tomorrow, and thought I'd sneak this in before the children and I get back down to blogging business later this month.

The EK kids participated in the Hogarth School's 8th annual Vote for The Night Before Christmas. I read three different versions of Clement C. Moore's poem The Night Before Christmas illustrated by three different artists -- Corinne Malvern, Cheryl Harness and Jan Brett.

Malvern was the winner with 7 votes, Harness came in second with 5 votes, and Brett came in last with 2 votes. Corinne Malvern tied to win one year, and flat-out won the other 7 "elections."

Now, don't start crying, Election fraud! I do my best to assure a fair result every year. I try to remain impartial and not give any hints as to which is my favorite. The children vote privately, and do not receive a ballot to mark until they physically pick up the book for which they wish to vote. That way, they don't simply mark off the first box on the ballot.

I love this curriculum unit, and am intrigued that Malvern wins year after year. Although her version was originally published smack in the middle (almost) of the 20th century in 1949, those very traditional renderings of Santa and his reindeer still hold enormous appeal for a 21st century audience.

Last year, I found it interesting that my 11 and 13-year old nieces were appalled that Jan Brett was not the clear winner. In fact, Brett's illustrations have come in last 7 out of 8 elections.

My nieces are fantastic artists, and Margaret (the 11-year old) is an aspiring illustrator. We talked about what Brett's problem might be (at least with the preschool set) and determined that you could never put a red nose on a Brett reindeer. We think it's as simple as that. Kids just can't fit a realistic-looking reindeer into their existing reindeer schemata. I think Brett has the same problem with her Santa. That guy would never live at the North Pole. Which is kind of what New England is feeling like these days.

See You in 2010!

Happy Holidays to all of The Picture Book Project followers! The children and I are taking a break until after the New Year, and will be back with weekly posts starting the week of January 11th.  We'll see you then!

Frozen Antlers and Cold Snorts

This week the PK children talked about Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas written by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Elizabeth Fuller. I met Joy several years back when she was my mentor at the week-long Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua. She was as delightful as Mrs. Wishy-Washy!

Katherine:  I like when all the snow was down. I like when they all didn't want to go in the tub. I like the part when she poured the cold water in the tub. I like the part when Mrs. Wishy-Washy went away and they went upstairs to take a bath. I like the part when he's [the duck] standing on [the edge of the bathtub] right there. I like the part when they got in the tub with the pink bubbles. I like the part when she came back and she yelled. I like the part when they're in the living room with the presents. I like the part when she brought all the animals in the living room. I like the part when she picked the duck up. I like the part when she gave them presents and she ate some treats with the duck. And I like the part when she shared the cookies with them. It was a fun story.

Acadia: I like this part. They're taking a bath -- a duck, a pig and a cow. I didn't know if Wishy-Washy liked that. She said, "Don't go in the bathtub again!"

Summer: She cleans the pig and the cow and the duck. The animals went up the upstairs bath because it was too cold in the outside tub. The duck has bubbles on his head. She screamed because they weren't in the outside tub. She took the presents and she give them back to Santa.

Camryn: The cow and the pig and the duck were cold in the tub 'cause they were in the snow. They got mud all over the floor. They take a bath in the bathroom. The cow jumped in the tub. Wishy-Washy screamed 'cause she saw mud all over the floor. The pig and the duck and the goose and the cow did it.

Kaitlyn:  She was trying to wash the pig and cow and duck in the cold water. They had a plan and then they got in the bathtub. And they scrubbed and they made bubbles. She came home and it was a mess. There was a Christmas tree and they standed at it. She said, "Don't ever do it in the bathtub 'cause they would get all fur in it."  She was not that mad, and then she said, "You can get into other." And she made cookies.

Eva:  Mrs. Wishy-Washy said, "Time for a bath!" The animals yelled, "No! No!" Because they didn't want a bath because it was too cold. The water turned into ice. The duck said, "I have a good idea!" They opened the door and got mud all over the floor. They went to the bathroom. It has cream and shampoo and it also has bubbles. And then they scrubbed in bubbles and shampoo. Mrs. Wishy-Washy said, "Someone's using my bathroom!" She said, "I know!" Then she found them and their faces nodded. She was going to take away their presents, but then she said, "Okay." She gave all them presents. She put her Santa hat on and gave all them presents. And she made cookies for them.

Mack:  I think when the snow was falling down on the barn and the animals gotta get clean and they were too cold to get in the bathtub. And the duck had an idea and they were doing something that they weren't supposed to do. And they were going in her bathtub room. She said, "Someone was using my bathtub room!" And the animals were nodding their heads, and that was my favorite part.

Christel: It's snowing, and I really like snow. The animals were getting covered with snow. They were freezing! The duck said, "Oh, no! My beak's going to get cold!" Then Mrs. Wishy-Washy poured a big bucket of water, and the duck said, "Oh, no!" My beak's going to get covered in rain!" And then the pig said, "Oh, no! My snort is going to get covered in cold ice!" And then the cow said, "Oh, my antlers are going to be freezing cold covered in ex-ice." That's ice that will freeze you. But then they went upstairs to get a bath. "That is warm steam," said the duck. And then the cow jumped in and said, "That was good soap!" And then Mrs. Wishy-Washy ran to get the animals. And then they said, "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Wishy-Washy." And then they were happy to have a warm bath. The end.

Mikayla liked the illustration in which the animals are bathing in Mrs. Wishy-Washy's tub.

Brady L.: The duck had a good idea and the cow and the pig came in the bathtub. And then she screamed. And then she gave the duck a big hug.

Arthur: Mrs. Wishy-Washy wanted them to go in a cold, cold bath. They didn't want to go in there. They followed the duck and goed in Mrs. Wishy-Washy's bed. No! What is that thing? A tub! She [Mrs. Wishy-Washy] screamed like a fire alarm. I like this part with all the presents. The pig got shampoo, and this cow got a scrub with a rope on it, and the duck got a bar of soap.

John: I like when Mrs. Wishy-Washy came home and she said, "Tub thiefs!" And I like the picture when all the animals were near the tree and all the presents. And I like that the animals could kiss their presents goodbye because they thought that Mrs. Wishy-Washy was going to shake her finger and tell them to go back to the tub out in the snow and the cold. And I like when Mrs. Wishy-Washy made cookies. That's it!

Emelyn didn't feel like talking about books today.

EK Kids See How the Woods Stack Up

Don and Audrey Wood have created some of my all-time favorite picture books. Their 1986 Caldecott Honor Book King Bidgood's in the Bathtub is, in my opinion, close to picture book perfection. I've been reading this story to my students for 20+ years and it never fails to delight. It has all the elements necessary to capture and keep a preschooler's attention.

Visually, it's stunning. The costumes are lavishly detailed, and the medieval setting rings completely true. The characters' facial expressions and body language leave no doubt as to what's going on in the story. It could almost be a wordless picture book, but I wouldn't lose one syllable of text.

Audrey Wood knows how to tell a story that preschoolers want to hear. She knows that this young audience needs a storyline that can be summed up in one short sentence, like this: King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out. The scene is set for the hapless little page, who has to haul the water and mop up the mess. He looks to the adults in the book for help. "King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out! Oh, who knows what to do?"

The queen, duke, knight and the rest of the king's court are all sure they can coax Bidgood out of the tub, but of course they can't. They can't because Audrey Wood knows Rule Number One of picture book writing. If you're going to have a child hero, that child hero must solve his or her own problem. So the page is left to deal with Bidgood, who proves that it really is good to be king as he battles with his toys in the tub, eats lunch in the tub, fishes in the tub, and holds a masquerade ball in the tub.

Finally, with the king's court dripping wet and calling for help, the page takes matters into his own capable hands and pulls the plug. The problem is solved by the child hero, and the king is left fleeing the draining tub wrapped in a towel that reveals just a hint of royal behind. Do Don and Audrey Wood know their audience, or what?

We actually read three books by Don and Audrey Wood in EK last week. In addition to King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, we read The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear as well as Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear!

EK Kids Respond to Don and Audrey Wood

Brady K. talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear:  We didn't see the Bear. He [the Mouse] hided the strawberry under a blanket from the Bear. I like the book 'cause the Mice ate the strawberry.

Dev talked about King Bidgood's in the Bathtub : This guy [King Bidgood] was still in the bathtub. He was keep on eating some stuff. They [the king's court] called for help. He [our hero, the little page] pulled the wire [plug] out and he [King Bidgood] ran away.

Daniel talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear: It was about the Mouse carrying the ladder to pick a big ripe, red strawberry and the narrator on the radio or us, I don't remember, we said, "What about a big hungry Bear? He can smell a ripe, red strawberry from a mile away. Especially picked ones. No matter where it is or who's guarding it or where it's hidden. Or only if it's cutten in half and shared with the big hungry Bear." And that's the end!

Arthur talked about Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear:  I like when the Bear gave the Mouse the present. I think cheese is in the present.

Keegan talked about King Bidgood's in the Bathtub while looking at the illustration in which the Knight and King battle in the tub:  Is this a real story? [I tell Keegan this is a work of fiction.] But were the real ships like this? Like the toy ones? I mean are these like the toys back then? [I said that possibly kings would have had such grand toys.] I would like to have all the men [toy soldiers] and that bridge. And I don't even know what that is. It looks like a cannon. And by the way, I have karate tonight. This is my favorite page because it has all the toy ships. And this is the Knight! He's going to get rusty in that water. And look at that ship. It's sinking. There were bridges like that back in the day.

Sophie talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear: Well, the Bear really wanted that strawberry because he really sniffed it and he really wanted it. The Mouse guard it and hide it, and there was one thing to do. Split it in half and eat it. He shared it with the big hungry Bear.

Brooke B. talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear: I liked it because when the little Mouse said, "I'm going to pick this red, ripe strawberry." "Little Mouse, have you ever heard of the big hungry Bear? Oh, how he loves red, ripe strawberries. Even ones that just got picked." The red, ripe strawberry got ate by the little Mouse.

Bella talked about King Bidgood's in the Bathtub:  He's [King Bidgood] putting his hand out because he wants to get this guy [the Knight] in the bathtub so he can fish [battle]. Then he got wet. Then the Queen came. She wanted the king to eat. Then what happened then she got wet 'cause in the bathtub. And then these guys came then they got fishing. They fished in the bathtub. And then he [the Duke] got all wet. And then all these guys [the King's court] came. They danced in the bathtub. And then that guy's [our hero, the Page] just sweeping the mop. Look it! Everybody's saying, "Help!" He [the Page] pulled the drain then all the water came out. He [King Bidgood] just had a face and he got out of the bathtub. Finally!

Leah talked about Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear! "because Christmas is coming up!":  The Bear really likes presents and the Mouse didn't know the Bear liked presents. And then he looked out his window and he saw the big cave and then he wrapped all the presents up. He put them in the blanket because he was guarding it from the big hungry Bear. And then he was scared of the Bear. He was crying because he didn't want the presents away. Then he dressed up like Santa so the Bear wouldn't get his presents and then he put a little bit of presents in the blanket and then he took off to the cave with the presents. He was sharing his presents with the Bear so the big hungry Bear wouldn't see the Mouse's Christmas presents. And then he ran super fast so the Bear wouldn't eat him. Guess what? I have this book [Red Ripe Strawberry book] at home.

[I love the fact that Leah interpreted the Mouse's actions not as an altruistic gesture toward the bear, but as payment to leave him and his presents alone. Maybe that bear's last name is "Soprano."]

Hayden talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear because "I love strawberries.":  A hungry Bear almost is going to eat the strawberry so the Bear and the Mouse are going to share it. The Mouse got a ladder to get the strawberry.

Brooke N. talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear: The Mouse got a ladder and he was trying to get the strawberry and he was trying to pick it down in his door and he was trying to dig it but he locked it up and he hided it. He thought the Bear was going to eat it. And he [the Mouse] eated it.

Allison talked about Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear!: He [the Mouse] puts the star on the top. He puts decorations on the door. Santa bringed presents. The Mouse put bricks on the door because of the big Bear. He was going to go inside of Mouse's house and take all the presents. He [the Mouse] locked up the presents. He was sitting on the presents. He was crying because Santa won't come. Santa put on his boots and his hat and he put a red suit on and Santa was going to the Bear's cave and then he bringed presents.

Annalee talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear: The big hungry Bear he wanted to eat the big ripe strawberry. He [the Mouse] dressed the strawberry up. I think he hid it because I think he got it first because he wanted to eat it because he got it first. He [the Mouse] ate it.

John talked about The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear. He actually started his discussion at the end of the book, and then flipped around through the illustrations as he talked: I liked when the Mouse split the strawberry in half and shared it with the big hungry Bear. And I liked when the Mouse was shivering with fear. And I liked when the strawberry and the Mouse were in disguise. And I  liked when the little Mouse was guarding the strawberry. He locked the strawberry up in chains and he put tacks on the floor and put wood on the door. And I like when the little Mouse was going to bury it. And I like when the little Mouse was taking the ladder out of his house and was going to pick the strawberry. And I like when the little Mouse was running with the strawberry above him. And I like when the Bear went BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! And that's it!

Run, Turkey, Run!

EK and PK children discussed Run, Turkey, Run! written by New Hampshire author (and my good friend) Diane Mayr and illustrated by Laura Rader.

I first heard this story several years ago when Diane brought it to our critique group to read. Because I've talked about this story so many times with my adult writer friends, it was great fun hearing what the children, Diane's intended audience, had to say about Run, Turkey, Run!

EK Kids Respond:

Sophie: The farmer was chasing the turkey because it was Thanksgiving and he really, really wanted turkey. The turkey keeped on trying to get away from the farmer. He goed in the pond, he rolled in the mud, he sticked his head in the bucket, and he hid in the trees and the farmer couldn't find him. On the end the farmer had grilled cheese and peas. I liked it because the turkey rolled in the mud.

Arthur: I liked it because this thing is upside down! [The cover of our copy of RUN, TURKEY, RUN! is upside down, so we needed to turn the book around and read from what appears to be the back. The kids loved it when I opened the book after we talked about the cover art and endpapers only to find we were looking at the upside-down last page of the book.] When he said, "Could he think I'm a pig when I'm in the mud?" And I liked when he saw he wasn't a pig. And I liked when he said, "Would he think I'm a duck when I'm in the water?" But he found he wasn't a duck. And when he said, "Could he think I'm a horse when I'm in this bucket?" When he said, "Would he think I'm a tree when I'm in the branch?" And he thought he was a tree! And that's all I like.

Keegan: How old is it? [I told Keegan the book was published in 2007 so it's two years old.] I'm way older than this. I'm almost five, so I'm way older than this. There's no such thing as a turkey that has a whole red neck. I did not like the book because there's no such thing as animals peeking out from a tree and talking. I don't know how old the barn is. It looks like it's red, so it's a red barn, so I think it's new. I like old barns. Up to camp there's a barn that was there before the barn that was there now. It got burned down. Hay burns once it's not dry. The year after that they built the new barn.

Leah: The turkey was sad because he was going to get cooked. And then the farmer was walking down the stairs and the turkey started running. Next the farmer was trying to get him and he went in the duck pond and then he saw him and then he went into the barn and stuck his head in the horse bucket and then he was running and his friends said, "Run, Turkey, run!" The farmer was chasing after the turkey. He was hiding behind the branches and the farmer didn't see him and then he danced along with his bunny friends. And then when they were going to get a Christmas tree they saw the turkey. And then they were going to have him for Christmas dinner and the kid said, "Run, Turkey, run!" And do you know what I liked the best? I like that the endpapers were the same.

Bella: I like how he was saying, "Pacock!" in the window. And then he got all muddy. He was trying to hide from the farmer. He was running and then he was swimming, but the farmer still knows where he was. Look it! He's sticking his head in the bucket. I'm done.

Allison: The farmer didn't know he was there [in the window]. Then the farmer was going downstairs and the turkey was running and he got mud on him because he splashed into the pig mud thing. Then the farmer was chasing after the chicken, and then he was swimming in the water. And then he got wet and he got wet, and then the chicken put he's head in the bucket, and then he was running again. And then his friends said, "Run, run!" And then he's hiding from the farmer behind the tree. Then the chicken and his bunnies were dancing. Then he was running away 'cause the farmer saw him.

Brooke N.: I liked it because he feeleded sad and the farmer went outside to get the chicken and he went in the mud and he went out of the mud and he went with the duck pool and he felled off and then his [the farmer's] shoes were all wet. And then he went in the farm and he said, "Go, Chicken! Run, run!" And then he screamed 'cause he found him in the tree.

Annalee: I liked it because the man was standing by the window. He was drinking coffee. The turkey was outside. Then the farmer whistled and he was going to catch the turkey. He ran. He went in the mud and the farmer didn't think he was a pig. They ran. He swam in the water like a duck. He went splish, splash out of the water. He went into the farm. He hid like a horsey. Then he [the farmer] had this one [the bucket] stuck on his boot. He hid like branches. He had a stick in his hand.

John: I think I have this book at home. The problem was that the farmer kept chasing the turkey and he never stopped. The turkey thought he could pretend he was a duck. And he pretended that he was a horse. And I like when all the animals said, "Run, Turkey, run!" And I like when the animals said, "Run from the farmer!" I like it because when it became Thanksgiving and they didn't have any turkey to eat the farmer was sad. And I like when the turkey was jumping around in the leaves with his bunny friends. And I like when the kid said, "Run, Turkey, run!" because they might eat him for Christmas dinner.

Brady K. said: I liked this story 'cause the turkey kept running from the farmer 'cause he was going to get eaten. The farmer didn't see him when he was hiding in the trees. That means he didn't get eaten.

Brooke B. didn't feel like talking about books today, but she did like Run, Turkey, Run!

PK Kids Responds

Kaitlyn:  The turkey had a bad day because the farmer was going to catch him. The turkey ran. The farmer looks mad. I thought it was a kid. Is the farmer a kid? He's in the mud! He got all muddy. A duck is in the water and even that turkey was in the water.

Acadia:  The farmer was going to cook the turkey for Thanksgiving. And they said, "Run, Turkey, run!" And then he was trying to get the turkey. I'm all done.

Christel:  It was crazy! He was going to get eaten by the farmer. What happened is he went downstairs and the turkey went, "Aaaah! Run. I'm going to run and run around all the way home to the woods!" He couldn't see the turkey hiding in the trees and he said, "At last! Am I safe? YES!" They find the chicken. They were looking for a tree for Christmas. "Run, Turkey, run to another tree!"

Summer:  The farmer was walking to the turkey and they said, "Run away, Turkey!" He walked down the stairs and he was coming to get the turkey. He couldn't find the turkey because of the trees.

Camryn:  The book was upside down! That was the funniest part! The farmer was chasing the turkey 'cause he wanted to eat him. He couldn't catch the turkey. He was run, run, run! They turkey hided and he got mud. He slide down in the water then the farmer went down. 
 
Katherine:  I like when the turkey was looking sad because he had a bad day because they're going to eat the turkey for Thanksgiving. I like the part when the farmer went down with the bag and he was chasing after the turkey and the turkey ran. I like the part when he was all muddy in the mud. I like the part when the pigs were yelling at the turkey and saying, "Run, Turkey! Run, Turkey!" I like the part when he was in the water and the ducks looked under the water. I like the part when he jumped right out of the water and started running again. I like the part when he was running down the hill and stuck his head into the box and the horsies looked at the turkey and said they know that he was a horse. And I like the part when the turkey ran out of the barn and the farmer was chasing after him and he was running and said, "Clinkety clank. Clinkety clank." I like the part when the turkey put the bucket on his head and his friends said, "Go, Turkey! Run, Turkey! Run, Turkey!" I like the part when he ran into the forest. I like the part when he was look at the farmer and the farmer went back home and the turkey was safe at last. I like the part when he sat down at the rectangle table. I like the part when the turkey did the dance. I like the part when the family came and the little girl looked at the turkey and said, "Go, Turkey! Go, Turkey! Go!"

Emelyn: I like this part! [In the pig pen.] I thought the farmer thought this was a pig 'cause this had mud on it 'cause pigs have mud on it. He got out! He chased him! I like the farmer thought he was a duck.

Eva: I like the part when he ran through the mud. That was silly! I like when he got in the boat and the chicken was in the boat [pond] and he [the turkey] had this thing [goggles] on his face and he [the farmer] fell out of the boat and he was all wet. And when the chicken went in the barn. He put his head in the food bucket and the farmer saw his back. That's silly!

Mack: He was going to get eaten by the farmer. He was drinking some coffee and then he went out and had a bag to catch the turkey in and he chaseded him and then he started chasing him again. The turkey was in the mud so he couldn't see him. And then the farmer started chasing him again and then the farmer looked and see him in the water and he was in the horse one and then he went in the woods and then he didn't get eaten and then the sister said, "Run, Turkey, run!"

Brady L.: The farmer was going to get this turkey for dinner. And this farmer is covered in mud because he was trying to catch the chicken, but then the ducks said, "Go, Chicken, go!" Then the chicken stucked in the bucket.  And then the farmer stepped with the bucket on his foot. And then the pig said, "Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!"  That's all I know.

Mikayla: He's going to eat the turkey. That thing went in the mud. He was chasing that turkey again.

Emmett didn't feel like talking about the book, but he liked it. He said, "I'm too busy playing!" Playing is the most important thing we do here, so I agreed that he needed to keep at it.

Feeling Thankful

Children in all classes read Feeling Thankful written by Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly, Ed.D. and illustrated by Shelley Rotner. After, they reflected on the things in their lives for which they are thankful.

EK and PK Children commented on November 23rd.

Keegan said, "I'm thankful for steam trains, old army airplanes, old cars, old steam boats, and old steam cars, but those are a hundred dollars."

Brooke B. said, "I'm thankful for my Mom, Dad, cat, and brother. There's two more things. I'm thankful for my cousin and my Mimi and my Papa."

Bella said, "I'm thankful for my dogs, Wigel [rhymes with "Nigel" -- I'm guessing at the spelling] and Gertie."

Leah said, "I'm thankful for my Mommy 'cause she helps when I need help. She pushed me on the swing set sometimes. She puts on a show when I get home from Ellen's. I'm thankful for my flowers that I have in my garden."

Allison said, "I'm thankful for my dog, Hunter. I love him. I'm thankful for my Mommy and my Daddy.  They let me play games."

Hayden said, "I'm thankful for my family 'cause I love them. I'm thankful for the breeze 'cause it might be nice and warm. I love to color trees and houses and bats and pigs. I'm thankful for animals 'cause I want to go to a party with animals because I'm invited to Tess's animal party with baby kangaroos and skunks. And I'm going to go to Papa's party and there'll be real presents. Santa's going to bring one present and I really want Handy Manny's workshop for Christmas. My birthday is after Santa. Why are you having a birthday? You're not going to have a pinata. That's only for kids. I'm going to have a pinata because I'm a kid."

Brooke N. said, "I'm thankful for my family because when Leah comes over she just takes off her shoes 'cause she always wants to get in my house first. I love to go to the park.  I like going to Storyland and go to Santa's Village."

Annalee said, "I'm thankful for my doggies, Rocky and Lady. Lady runs real fast. I'm thankful for flowers. I like to paint. I like to run."

Sophie said, "I'm thankful for Mommy because every school day she lets me watch TV and then have a snack. I'm thankful for my sister Alexa because she makes me laugh."

John said, "I'm thankful for my family because my Dad gives me treats once in a while and my Mom always says goodnight to me and because my dog Litunga when I go upstairs to do all my nighttime chores before I go to bed my dog comes up with me. And Arthur because sometimes he shares some of his animals with me. I'm thankful for my animals. Nanny gave me a few of the animals. Most of them my Mom just buyed for me. I'm thankful for that I have toys and I'm thankful for that I have a great family."

Arthur said, "I'm thankful for a lot of animals. A lot of people gave them to me. And I like being with my Mom and my Dad because at the end of our dinner we get our treat and a show. And if I ever go outside just with Litunga I like being with him. And if we go at the hotel for a sleepover I can bring three of mine animals. And I like to play computer games and print out stuff and I like when Litunga licks me. And I like my family -- Mommy, Daddy, John, Litunga, you, Nanny. I just like the end of the day when we could print out stuff and that's all."

Brady said, "I'm thankful for my house because it's big and because I have a radio in it. I'm thankful for my family -- Ryan, Kevin, Tess, Mama, Daddy, Remmie. They take care of me."

Daniel said, "I'm thankful for having a family that loves me. I'm thankful for having nice friends. We play and I think we read books, too. I can't read but I think in one book I can read, but not all of the page. When Dad comes home and Lightning's outside she barks. I'm thankful for having fruits and vegetables."

PK Comments

Mikayla said, "My Daddy because he picks me up and gives me a big hug."

Kaitlyn said, "For my Mom because she feeds me everytime when I need to eat. She tucks me in when it's nighttime. She takes care of me."

Brady L. said, "My family, my dog, and I'm thankful for my Grandmas and Grandpas and I'm thankful for my friends."

Mack said, "I am thankful for my Mom because she has candy for me. She does good things for me like read stories to me and make cakes and set up birthday parties. I'm thankful for you because I like you. Everyone likes you, you know." [Note: Mack just "made" my entire holiday season!]

Emmett said, "I am thankful for my toys. I'm thankful for my Superhero toys and I'm thankful for my sister and you." [Note: Emmett was not influenced by Mack as he didn't hear her dictate her blog entry. My holiday season is getting better by the minute!]

Camryn said, "I'm thankful for myself. I'm thankful for water, soap, numbers. I'm thankful for Nantay. I play with her a lot. I'm thankful for John. [Note: John happened to be standing and listening to Camryn dictate her blog entry.]

Christel said, "I'm thankful for the zoo and the zebras. I'm thankful for the sink 'cause I like to wash my hands and it's really fun at Mimi's house. I use the big tub soap, kind of like tub soap, it looks like a tub, and I put some water on it and I wash my hands. It's really fun. I'm thankful for you because I like your glasses and your shirt. I'm thankful for pianos at Mommy's school. I get to play with the cymbal at Mommy's school." [Note to self: Wear that shirt and those glasses more often.]

Emelyn said, "I love my cousins. J.J. and Ethan. I'm thankful for pizza. I'm not thankful for anything else. Only pizza."  

Acadia said, "I like my Mommy because she lets me read books at night. She gives me healthy food. I like to jump and play."

Summer said, "Mommy because she gives me gum. She snuggles me. I'm thankful for Daddy."

Eva said, "I'm thankful for being The Mystery Kid. I like my Mommy tucks me into night and she kisses me and I love her kisses. And I love to be The Mystery Kid."

Katherine said, "I'm thankful for my Mama because everyday Lily likes us and everyday she just wants to eat with Mommy. I'm thankful for my Daddy coming here to bring me here." 

CPG Children commented on November 20th.

Alec said, "I'm thankful for my toys. My favorite is little, tiny diggers. Little dump trucks. I'm thankful for animals like bugs and hornets. Oh, I don't like hornets! I like bugs."

Aidan C. said, "I'm thankful for my Mom because I love her. She turns on the TV for me and she lets me wash dishes."

Lindsey said, "Turkeys!"

Aiden R. said, "I'm thankful for my house. My family lives in it. I play with my toys."

Olivia said, "Turkeys! Pumpkins! The playground! Dogs and cats! Zebras! Elephants! Cows!"

Aria said, "Mommy! Her makes stuffing and cranberry chicken and rice. I like plain rice. Maggie bite my hand and Mommy said, 'Go outside!' When I was coughing her take me to my hospital. I love Mommy!"

Ryan said, "My family because Mama has long hair and I like to snuggle with her. Because Dada plays X-Box. My Grammy says, 'Okay. I'll ask Santa if you can buy the Wii for Christmas. But be a good boy because he's watching you right now.' Because Brady's my friend and I wish he was my family. And Jasmine bites bad guys, and kitty can scratch the bad guys and he can jump on the bad guy's head and claw him and he can rip his hair. Because Tommy says, 'Oh, you can come up to watch me play X-Box 360 the new Call of Duty when I finish my homework.' Because Shannon makes the cat try to scratch me and I go, 'Aaaah!' She's teasing. Me and Nenah went on a hunt on night, but we didn't see any grizzly bears. The car door shut and went, 'Aaaah!' I said, 'Something may be following us.' And Dad was like, 'Aaaaah!' He screamed. And I went, 'Dad, don't tease me!'  It was funny."

Brady D. said, "For my family because Jake let me watch him play 3XD. Because Tommy Boy lets me in his room. Darby says, 'Don't come in here!' Then her says, 'Go away!' I'm thankful for my cats because I feed them and because they like me. They lick me. One of the cats had a tick on her head. Shannon took the tick off and it dropped on my Mom's upstairs table and the tick opened up and all this stuff came out. I'm thankful because my Mom likes me. And my Dad. We went hunting for deer."

Maeve said, "I'm thankful when Noni gives me presents and movies. I'm thankful for books. My favorite is Racecar Driver.  I'm happy when Mommy brings presents.  I'm thankful for Daddy when he gives me phones."

J.J. said, "I'm thankful for all of my stuffies. I like to play with them. My favorite is the multi-colored cat. I'm thankful for my Mama and my Daddy because they're nice to me when I'm good. Because I love them and they let me sleep with them when I'm scared. Because they give me stuff that's hard for me to reach."

Teagan said, "For my door and my house. I'm thankful that I'm going to get a playground. I'm thankful for Lisa.  I'm thankful for the whole, wide world."

EK kids talk pigeon. PK kids talk turkey.

The EK kids extended the Mo Willems conversation started by the PK and CPG children last week.

Brooke B. discussed Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!: I liked it because, "Hi! I'm the bus driver. I'm leaving for a little bit, but don't let the pigeon drive the bus." I liked it when the pigeon said, "I thought he'd never leave." When he said, "Can I drive the bus?" "No!" "Please?" What did all that say again? [Brooke is looking at the double page spread in which the pigeon pleads, whines and lists several reasons why he should be able to drive the bus.] The bus driver came back before he could get a chance to drive the bus. The pigeon said, "Hey!" And then he was thinking about driving the truck.

Bella discussed The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!: I like how the duckling marched onto the page. I like how the pigeon was getting mad. He was just being goofy. The duckling was just asking that he wants to have a hot dog. I like how he was writing down all the stuff. I like how the pigeon just yelled at the duckling. Look. There's two words. The duckling was just laying.

Leah discussed The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!:  The pigeon wanted a puppy. And do you know what was the funniest part? The puppy page because he was afraid. He said, "I want a walrus!" That was so funny! And you know what? Some of the pages are funny. And you know what? He was scared and he jumped out of the page. That was the funniest. I laughed at that part!

Brooke N. discussed The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!:  He said, "I want a puppy! I will feed him one thing of water." What does this say again? He wanted a puppy. He heard barking and then he freaked out and he jumped out of the page because the dog was huge. And then he wanted a walrus.

Hayden discussed The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!:  You know I love hot dogs! And look! A little chick is peeking out at the hot dog. He found a hot dog and he jumped out of up there and then he flapped his feathers and he's so glad to have a hot dog. And then he hold the hot dog and he flapped his feathers and he can't wait to eat it. Then the pigeon got so mad because the chickie wanted the hot dog and he didn't know what kind it is. He don't know what a hot dog is for. The duck wrote HOT DOG, CHICK PET, and BIG DOGGY on his list. The chick had an idea. The chick said to the goose, "Let's share that hot dog!" And he thought, "This is my hot dog!" And on the next page, on the back of it says, "Split it!" The goose holds the hot dog up in the air and the chick can't get it. Then they split it and then the goose and the chick really like the hot dog. He thought he didn't like a hot dog, and he did! He loved the hot dog!

Allison discussed Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!:  The pigeon couldn't drive the bus. The bus stop man walked away. I'm done.

Annalee discussed The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!:  He found a puppy at the end. It scared him. He wanted a hippopotamus.

Sophie discussed The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!:  The pigeon is so excited. He found a hot dog, but he didn't want to share it. He screamed and shouted and he saw a duckling and he didn't want the duckling to eat it all so in the end he gave the duckling a part of the hot dog. The duck said it needed a little mustard. That is funny!

Brady K. discussed Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!: When the bus driver walked away the pigeon was sneaking into the bus. He said, "I thought he'd never leave." He wants to drive the bus. He can't drive the bus. He's thinking about driving the truck.

Dev discussed The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!: The pigeon wanted to get a puppy. He was hiding from the puppy. He changed his mind. He wanted these. [Points to walrus crate on endpapers.]

Daniel discussed The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!: The pigeon and the duckling. I think the duckling's really cute. The duckling was being mean of bugging about the hot dog. The pigeon didn't want to say anything, so he had black stuff above his head. This page was kind of silly. I don't know what those letters say. That's an A and that's an S. The duckling thought about splitting the hot dog, and he said, "Hmmm. This needs mustard." The hot dog needed mustard. And on this [endpapers] one there was a bunches of full hot dogs and one split in half.

Keegan discussed The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!: That's ridiculous! Somebody dropped a hot dog and it's probably dirty. He must be one dumb pigeon. The duckling was trying to take it. It wanted to steal the hot dog 'cause he wanted to steal it. It's dirty! That's it.

John discussed The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!: The pigeon went flap, flap, flap and said, "Oooooh! A hot dog!" And I like that he said, "Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!" The pigeon didn't want to share his hot dog with the little duckling. The duckling wanted the hot dog. And the pigeon didn't want him to have the hot dog. And the pigeon was relaxing and going to eat the hot dog. He got really mad because the duckling was annoying him. The duckling said, "Does it taste like chicken?" And I like when the pigeon said, "Can you believe this guy!?!" And then he said, "It just tastes like a hot dog, okay?" And I like when he said, "Finders keepers, that's what I say! What does a hot dog even taste like? Blah, blah, blah." The little duckling said, "I have an idea." They they splitted the hot dog.

Arthur discussed The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!: My favorite was when he said, "The slobber and the teeth and the claws and the wet nose."

PK kids discussed This is the Turkey written by Abby Levine and illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye.

Kaitlyn: The turkey went flying. It landed in the fish tank. They ate other stuff. They made pumpkin pie.

Katherine: I like the part when Max picked out the turkey. I like the part when the sister was making bread. I like the part when the Grandma when she bringed the beans. I like the cousins and the cookies and the brownies. I like the part when she tripped over the little boy and I like when the turkey went flying. And I like the part when it fell in the fish bowl. I like when Grandma came back. And I like when Grandpa said, "I'm hungry. Let's eat!" I like the part when they all sat down.

Mikayla: The cat jumped over there because the water splashed. The turkey got wet.

Emelyn: They throwed the chicken in a fish tank. They got fish poop on it. They don't like fish poop. They ate everything else.

Brady L.: The family came. The girl tripped over a boy and then the turkey went in a fish pond.

Emmett: I want to tell you the silly part. The mom tripped over the kid and the kid tripped over the car. The turkey went flying. It landed in a fish bowl. And look! A fish is flying!

Mack: The sister tripped over the little brother. The turkey fell in the fish tank. They had plenty more to eat. And then all of the customers leave and they had a happy Thanksgiving Day.

Camryn: The chicken just falled into the fish tank 'cause the lady just tripped over Max. That was funny!

Christel: The turkey fell in the fish tank. The sister dropped it and tripped over the boy. They had all the other stuff. It was salad, famous green beans, cranberry sauce, bread, pumpkin pie, and maybe some squash, I guess. They played games, looked at family in pictures, and the fishies were all back in their safe home. They had a good time. And then all of them went to the door and the boy was the one that said, "I think we had the best Thanksgiving ever!"

Acadia: I can't know what the story telled. I liked it, but I can't know what it says. [Acadia picked out her favorite page. It was the one in which the turkey went flying into the fish tank. Who'd a thunk?]

Summer: The turkey went in the fish bowl. They couldn't eat it. They ate salad. They ate green beans. They looked at pictures. And that one still's eating dinner!

Eva: She tripped on the child. "Yikes!" The turkey fell in the fish tank. They had lots of vegetables and no turkey. They look happy. Even Max, like my brother Max! That one's sleeping on the couch. You're not supposed to sleep on the couch! You're supposed to sleep in bed. Here's the fish tank. Hey, I don't see any turkey in the fish tank anymore. Maybe they threw it in the trashcan. He's blowing on the coffee. You're not supposed to blow on the coffee! And these two are playing a game. And those two are looking at the family pictures. Hey. They're coming in here. Everybody left to go home. Max said, "This is the best Thanksgiving that is sold out!"

What Did He Say There??

Typically when I sit down to write this blog with a student, I'll ask the child to tell me what happened in the book. If that doesn't elicit much of a response, I'll ask the child to talk about his or her favorite part. Either way, the child will usually leaf through the book, sometimes talking about each page, sometimes choosing a favorite illustration to discuss.

His or her commentary is usually driven by the illustrations, which presented a bit of a dilemma when we discussed the pigeon books. You see, there's not a lot of action or change of scene in the pigeon stories. With a few exceptions, most of the pigeon-book illustrations depict the pigeon standing in a scene devoid of scenery and other characters. It's just a pigeon on a blank page. Granted, the pigeon is emoting all over the place, but a child has to be able to "read" the pigeon's body language and facial expressions in order to "get" what's going on in the story. That's a pretty tall order for 3 and 4-year olds with only one or two readings of the story under their little belts.

When we sat down to write the blog, the kids looked through the pigeon books, asking over and over, "What did he say there?" Without the visual cues more detailed illustrations typically provide, many of the children simply did not know how to go about retelling the story. They could all pretty much get the set-up for the story, and the final resolution, but what happened in between was a bit of a muddle for many. I found it interesting to hear the responses to the pigeon stories, and I hope you find those responses just as interesting to read. (I think you'll be able to determine which children have these books in their own libraries.)

Last week, the Prekindergarten children read the following Mo Willems books: my copy of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, John and Arthur's copies of The Pigeon Wants a Puppy and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, and Katherine's copies of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity and Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct. The PK kids voted for their favorite Mo Willems book, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy was the winner with 6 out of 14 votes. Many thanks to Katherine, John and Arthur for sharing their Mo Willems books with us!

PREKINDERGARTEN RESPONSES

Kaitlyn talked about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: They're all my favorites so it's a hard decision. I'll talk about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. It was a good book.  I liked the first page. The bus driver had to go out for a little while and he said, "Can you watch things for me? Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo." He walked away. "I thought he'd never leave," the pigeon said. "Hey, can I drive the bus? Please? I'll be careful. I tell you what: I'll just drive." What's his cousin again? I forget that one. [Me: Herb.] "My cousin Herb drives the bus almost every day. True story. Vroom-vroom! Pigeon at the wheel." He was going to drive the bus, but he couldn't. "But, I'll be your best friend. I'll give you 20 bucks. No fair! I never get to do what I want! Please? Double please? LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!! Hi, I'm back! You didn't let the pigeon drive the bus, did you? Oh, no! Bye! Hey . . ." That was a funny part. It was a good book!

Katherine talked about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: I like the part with the endpapers where the pigeon is thinking about driving the bus. I like when he's peeking out right there. I like he was walking to see he was going to drive the bus. I like when he was telling his friends he wanted to drive the bus. I like the part when his friend told him not to drive the bus. I like the part when he ran and his friend didn't like the pigeon to drive the bus. I like the part when he was look what else he could drive. I like the part when he said he would give him twenty dollars. And I like the part when the driver came back and said, "I hope you didn't let the pigeon drive the bus." I like the part when he drived away and the pigeon was real sad. And then I like the part when he saw the big truck. I like the part when he was thinking about he could drive the truck.
 
Mack talked about Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct: I like the endpapers because the cookies. There was one kid that didn't like her and then they were in the class and then this page came next and the teacher said she might make cookies now and then he left out in the class and then the page with Edwina again. And then he went out of school and brushed his teeth and went to bed. And then this page when he handed out the paper. And on this page he was sad and sat down and cried. And then Edwina came and he brought her to school, and then this page, and then this page is where she didn't care and it was the part where he didn't care either and then she made chocolate chip cookies for him and then the same endpapers.

Emmett talked about Knuffle Bunny: I like the page with "Aggle, kaflaggle, snurf!" He got in the washing machine and her dad couldn't find him.

Emelyn talked about Knuffle Bunny:  I like there 'cause these guys went over there that baby noticed that he didn't see Snuffle Bunny. He forgot that he put the Snuffle Bunny in the washing machine. He wanted to go back and get it.

Camryn talked about Knuffle Bunny Too: That girl's mean. She had a Knuffle Bunny, too. The teacher took the Knuffle Bunnies away 'cause they took it away from someone. They returned them. She had the wrong one. She woke up and that wasn't her Knuffle Bunny. She marches in Mama and Daddy's room. She said, "That's not my bunny!" They had to call them. They had to run in their jammas outside. Now they got back together again. Now they're back where they belong. They're hugging with their Knuffle Bunnies.

Brady L. talked about Knuffle Bunny: They were going to wash the jeans. And then he got to put the money in then they walked home. Then he forgot his bunny. Then he started to cry. And then he said, "No!" He's crying. Mommy said, "Where's Bunny?" Then they go back to the washing machine. Then they find him.

Acadia talked about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus:  The pigeon wants to drive the bus. I liked that part. I'm finished.

Summer talked about Knuffle Bunny Too:  I like the girl Knuffle Bunny. [Summer, as did Brady L. and several other kids, thought the original Knuffle Bunny story featured a boy character, which it does not. The main character is a nearly bald baby girl. Knuffle Bunny Too takes place a few years later, and the baby character is now a preschooler and very obviously female, which is why Summer declared that she liked "the girl Knuffle Bunny."]  They had the wrong one. He had to switch in the night.

Christel talked about The Pigeon Wants a Puppy: The pigeon said, "I want to drive a bus. I want a hot dog. I want a puppy." He got scared and surprised when the puppy came.  And he wanted to lick him. He was scared. "I want a walrus!"

Mikayala liked Knuffle Bunny best.

Eva talked about Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct: She was extinct. She ran out of the building. The boy went out. [Eva spotted Knuffle Bunny in an illustration.] Hey! Knuffle Bunny!  And look at this part. The boy doesn't like Edwina because she is extinct. He didn't like her, and then he did like her.

John talked about The Pigeon Wants a Puppy:  He's going to play tennis with it, and he's going to have a piggyback ride on the puppy. And I liked when he said, "Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!" And I liked when he said, "A puppy!" And I liked when he said he wanted a puppy at least since last Tuesday. And I liked when he said, "Oh, I got it. You don't want me to be happy, do you?" And I liked when he said, "I'm a puppy-lovin' pigeon!" And I liked when he said, "You just don't get it." And I liked when he said, "Puppies!" And I liked when he said, "I WANT A PUPPY! HERE RIGHT NOW!" And the puppy said, "Woof!" And he said, "What was that?" And the puppy went, "Woof! Woof!" And I liked when he said, "Have my dreams finally come true?" And I like when he said, "The teeth! The claws! I mentioned the teeth, right? Really, I had no idea!" I liked it because he was afraid of the puppy. And I like when he said, "I change my mind." I like when he said, "I want a walrus." That was the silliest page I thought it was on.

Arthur talked about The Pigeon Wants a Puppy: The pigeon wants a hot dog, but that's not my favorite part. My favorite part was he said, "Aaaaaagghh!!!' because the dog was big. He said, "The slobber. The teeth. And did I mention the claws?"  He said, "I want a walrus!" It will be much bigger than the puppy! 

The Creative Play Group children read my copy of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Arthur and John's copies of The Pigeon Wants a Puppy and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.

CREATIVE PLAY GROUP RESPONSES:

Olivia talked about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The pigeon said, "I want to drive the bus." Then he wanted to drive the big truck. That's so funny! That was so funny!

Alec talked about The Pigeon Wants a Puppy:  The pigeon wants a puppy. He screamed. [When the puppy came.] It was funny!

J.J. talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog: The little ducky -- I liked that! And the hot dog! He [the pigeon] was surprised because he saw a hot dog. And I liked because the ducky came. I liked the new, little character.

Aiden R.: talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog: He's keeping his hot dog. He doesn't want his duck to get it because he wants it so much. [Turns to last illustration.] The pigeon's sharing!

Lindsey liked The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.

Aria talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog: He found a hot dog. He said, "Oh, my! Oh, my! I found a hot dog!" The duck said, "Can I have a bite of your hot dog?"  The pigeon said, "It's my dog!"  The little duck keeped talking to him. The pigeon said, "It's my hot dog!" [Looks at last illustration.] He shared it.

Ryan talked about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: He said, "I want! I want! Please, please!" He couldn't drive it because he's not allowed to. He said, "I don't care! I'll do it right now!" [When the driver came back he said,] "Aw! Thanks for watching him! Bye-bye!" At the end the pigeon decided to drive a truck.

Brady D. talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog:  He didn't share his hot dog with a little duck. Then they shared.

Teagan talked about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus:  Uh-oh! The pigeon's in a bus! Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! There he is, sneaking in the bus. There he is, looking at the bus. [Flips to last illustration.] He's dreaming about a truck.

Maeve talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog: He ate the hot dog from the duck. The duck wanted a hot dog with him. He wanted to share with him. They split it.

Aiden C. talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog: The duck wanted the hot dog when the bird ate the hot dog. The bird shared it.

John talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog: I liked it when the pigeon said, "Aaaaaaahhh..." And I liked when he went flap, flap, flap.  I like when he said, "A hot dog!" And I like when he said, "Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!" And I like when the little duckling went, "Squeek, squeek, squeek," into the page. And I like when he said, "Who are you?" The pigeon wanted his hot dog all to himself and the duckling wanted to know what it tastes like. I like when the little duckling was writing down everything. And I like when the little duckling said, "What does it taste like?"  "Not A hot dog, MY hot dog." That's what the pigeon said that I liked. And I like because he said, "What does it taste like? Is it chicken?" I like because at the end cover of the book one hot dog been aten.

Arthur talked about The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog:  My favorite part was when he saw a  hot dog. And mine other part when he flapped, flapped, flapped and when he holded the hot dog and my other favorite part was the little duckling peeking out of the page and when he walked, walked, walked so fast. The duckling said, "Is that a hot dog?" That was my favorite part. The pigeon is holding the hot dog and the duckling is writing everything down. My favorite part is he's holding the hot dog and he's mad. And the other holding the hot dog and another holding the hot dog and the duckling said, "Enjoy!" And mine other favorite part when he said, "Does the hot dog taste like chicken?" And my other favorite part when the pigeon said, "Could you believe this guy!?!" And my other favorite part was he was tapping his foot. And when he was so mad. And he was thinking dark and when he put his hand on his head and when the bird was flying. And when he was very mad and my other favorite part was when the duckling fell down on his head. And when he said, "I have a idea!" And when they split the hot dog. And my last favorite part was when I saw this -- the hot dog was broken apart on the end papers. [When Arthur speaks of "thinking dark" he's referring to the wordless double-page spread pictured above. While we were reading the story, one of the children wanted to know what the "scribbles" above the pigeon's head meant. I said that maybe the pigeon was thinking dark thoughts.]

EK CHILDREN will add their 2 cents next week.

We Want More Mo!

This week and next, prompted by the book John brought in to share, we are reading several Mo Willems books in all classes. The children will share their thoughts next week, but in the meantime I thought you might enjoy reading a related blog post I wrote at The Write Sisters today. It's entitled Rethinking the Pigeon, and your children's reactions to Willems books inspired me to write it.

You and your children might enjoy watching this video of Mo Willems talking about many of the characters he has created.



I just had an idea! If any of your kids have any Mo Willems books in their personal collections, send the books into school next week. (If you want to, of course!) We'll make a book graph with the books and count how many Mo books the kids collectively own. (I'll stick a post-it note in each book with the owner's name so we don't mix up the books.)

I'll be back next week!