Title: Shh! We Have A Plan
Author / Illustrator: Chris Haughton
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Year: 2014
Word Count: 108
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Summary
Four friends creep through the woods, and what do they spot? An exquisite bird high in a tree! "Hello. birdie," calls the littlest friend. "Shh! We have a plan," hush the others. They stealthily make their advances, nets in the air. Ready one, ready two, ready three, and go! But the littlest friend shows how kindness works better than surprise attacks.
Story Element: Theme
This picture book is day and night different from Grandfather Gandhi (yesterday's PB review), except for the theme. Both book are about Peace. In fact Shh! We Have A Plan is based on a quote by Albert Einstein. "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."
Story Element: Pattern
On the surface, Shh! We Have A Plan is a fun read aloud.
This picture book is day and night different from Grandfather Gandhi (yesterday's PB review), except for the theme. Both book are about Peace. In fact Shh! We Have A Plan is based on a quote by Albert Einstein. "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."
Story Element: Pattern
On the surface, Shh! We Have A Plan is a fun read aloud.
LOOK! up there
hello, birdie
shh
SHH!
we have a plan.
In the next layout -
climbing slowly
climbing slowly
now stop. SHH!
ready one
ready two
ready three . . .
Next -
GO!
When plan 2 fails, the pattern continues as the friends try to paddle.
No surprise to readers - this plan fails too. Will the friends ever learn?
(Post #2 for the 14:14 Picture Book Blog Review Challenge created by Christie Wild of Write Wild. http://christiewrightwild.blogspot.com)
This sounds like a cute read! And you're right, there are so many different ways of representing a single theme. I'm glad there are so many about peace!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Laura! Peace is a wonderful theme.
DeleteI love how you took two different types of story to show how one theme can work in both. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, on the surface this story is fun. I wanted to share how PBs can have deeper layers.
DeleteI think my third graders were too captivated by the repetition and hilarity to see any deeper themes in this book, but it is certainly a favorite!
ReplyDeleteHi, Katie, Thanks for sharing your students' response to this story.
DeleteCute cover! I love the quote by Albert Einstein. I imagine this book may have some good patterns to emulate as well, such as, "Shh! We have a plan." And at only 108 words, that pattern/repetition is probably a strong component of it. Does it repeat a few times? If so, how many? I am so curious. Please share!
ReplyDeleteHi, Christie, I agree. I will add pattern/repetition to my post.
DeleteManju, I have been searching for this book since I learned about it last year. Sounds great! Your review really points out the thematic element. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDamon, this PB is a great mentor text. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteDamon, this PB is a great mentor text. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteI love how you compared this to yesterday's post. Isn't it interesting how different writers approach a common theme?
ReplyDelete