I’m
continuing to read and study over 100 picture books for Reading For Research
Month. It’s amazing how much you’ll learn if you read like a writer. In this
post, I wish to focus on three picture books with low word counts, yet their
themes go deep. For me, these books are perfect read aloud, mentor texts.
written by Kwame Alexander
illustrated
by Daniel Miyares
Pub by NorthSouth Books 2015
This
dialogue driven story shows frog friends, Bro and Dude, on a sunny day near the
ocean. Bro wants to finish reading his book. But Dude wants to go surfing.
Alexander uses fun language to entice readers to turn the pages and keep reading beyond the last page.
The story begins -
Alexander uses fun language to entice readers to turn the pages and keep reading beyond the last page.
The story begins -
SURF’S UP, BRO!
Not yet, Dude.
Not yet, Dude.
WOWIE
KAZOWIE!
WHOA, DADDY-O
WHOA, DADDY-O
THE RACE
written & Illustrated by Édouard Manceau
Pub by Owlkids Books 2014
Caribou line up for a high spirited race. It doesn't take more than a page turn for some caribou to play unkind tricks in order to win the race. But as they battle for victory, one caribou stops to
question what the point is to outrun the next guy. What does it mean to win?
The story begins -
It
begins with a guy, a can of paint, and a paintbrush.
A few pages into the story, most of the caribou are in the race to win.
Quitting
is not an option!
Once they're patched up,
the banana-peel survivors hit the ground running.
the banana-peel survivors hit the ground running.
GREEN LIZARDS VS. RED RECTANGLES
written & Illustrated by Steve Antony
Pub by Hachette Children's Books 2015
With far fewer words, this story is reminiscent of "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss. One group is at war with another group for no reason. Us VS Them. Nothing more.
A few pages into the story, one brave lizard asks:
WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?
The story begins -
The Green Lizards and the Red Rectangles were at war.
A few pages into the story, one brave lizard asks:
WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?
But he was SQUASHED, and this led to
THE BIGGEST WAR EVER.
Until . . .
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! said one Red Rectangle.