Read Up! And be Yourself.

In my most recent "Read Up" entry, I shared a fun book with a them of individuality, and said I'd be sharing my ideas of other books that would go well together for a "same" theme.  Well, here they are, starting with the book a repeat of what I wrote about that jumping-off book from the last-time around!




The Hueys in The New Sweater Oliver Jeffers
 "The thing about the Hueys...was that they were all the same."  All the same until one of them--Rupert--knitted himself a sweater; now he was different.  Before long, everyone would be different--in the exact same way!  It's fun to see the lightbulbs go on over many kids' heads as I share this one. At a recent storytime, I paired this book with Extra Yarn, due to the link of new sweaters popping up everywhere. 

 

The Sneetches and Other Stories
Dr. Seuss The Sneetches have a VERY class-conscious society.  The Star-Bellied Sneetches, of course, think they are the best--leaving the non-starred as easy victims to a new huckster in town.  Before long, though, everyone's out a lot of money!  They eventually do learn a lesson, though, and there's plenty of Seuss rhyme along the way!













The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater
and 
The Araboolies of Liberty Street by Sam Swope & Barry Root
I love to read these two together whenever I can!  Both begin in neighborhoods where the houses all look all the same--and when the bland uniformity is threatened, H.O.A. behavior is launched!  I love the dreaminess of Pinkwater's version, and the many opportunities to yell out "I'll call in the army" from the Swope & Root work!

 It's Okay to Be Different
Todd Parr
In a world where people are singled out for ridicule for their differences, we need more creators like Todd Parr.  The wide range of cheerful, colorful differences illustrated here can launch a parent/teacher & child off in all of the other, wonderful ways people can be different.

I'm not sure about the whole "eating macaroni & cheese in the bathtub," though.

 A Penguin's Story
Antoinette Portis
Edna the penguins world is nothing but black, white, & blue--and she knows there must be something different out there.  Edna eventually finds a little color, and it brings excitement to the entire community!  One reaches the end of the book sensing that the penguins' adventure is only just starting.

Yoko
Rosemary Wells
It's a widely-held belief that children are afraid to taste new foods.  Well, their parents are horribly fearful, too!  When Yoko is teased for bringing sushi to school, grown-ups in the storytime audience will often smile & say, "sushi is so good!  I love sushi!"  Okay, smugsters--but would you try natto?  Two things: 1) don't be afraid to try new things, and never say "yuck" about something you've never even tried; 2) if you don't like it, try it again sometime!  But in the meantime, be respectful toward people who do like it.  For instance, I hate macaroni & cheese mixes, but I try not to make a face around people who seem to love the stuff.  I do need to work harder at my poker face, but I do try.  Usually.



Check these books out! Have fun with them, & let me know what you think. Do you have any favorite books about individuality, or trying new things--or whatever? Please let me know!

Click on this link & READ UP!  I have many more great books to share with you!

Storyteller John Weaver

Check out the new book: How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling (link HERE)!

Read Up! A Few Favorites to Share

I’d love to hear that you’re already familiar with at least some of these books—they’ve all been around a while, and offer fun stories & beautiful, colorful illustrations.  Got your library card ready?  Okay, here we go:

 

Yoko 
Rosemary Wells
As an adult, it can be annoying when someone says “YUCK” at your favorite food—but for a child, it can be painful! Yoko is a sad little kitten, until her teacher comes up with a delicious idea.




The Big Orange Splot 
Daniel Pinkwater
You’ve seen neighborhoods like Mr. Plumbean’s before—all the houses look nearly identical, and you’ve got to wonder how people find their own home at night! Then something happens that gets Plumbean—and his neighbors—dreaming.




The Araboolies of Liberty Street 
Sam Swope & Barry Root
Definitely a family that would have the homeowners’ association working overtime pumping out cranky letters! Things escalate, until a sweet little girl saves the day.






It’s Okay to be Different 
Todd Parr
Is it REALLY okay to eat macaroni & cheese in the bathtub? That’s up to you (though it seems the cleanup would be a cinch)! Simple, colorful illustrations and wild flights of fancy are a hallmark of Parr’s work—and the image of a kangaroo with a puppy in her pouch is a real smile-inducer!


We’re Different, We’re the Same 
Bobbi Kates & Joe Matthieu
“We’re different. Our noses are different.
“We’re the same. Our noses are the same. They breathe and sniff and sneeze and whiff.”
Rhyme, layers of attractive illustrations, and even Sesame Street characters draw the reader into this topic which preschoolers will be very excited to discuss!



The Paper Bag Princess 
Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko
Her kingdom has just been destroyed by a dragon, but Princess Elizabeth is no damsel in distress! She has got the situation handled, and she won’t let anything get in her way. Princesses & dragons with a twist, told with typical Munsch humor.





  Check these books out! Have fun with them, & let me know what you think. Do you have any favorite books about princess, or neighbors, or lunch, or being an individual--or whatever? Please let me know!


Click on this link & READ UP!  I have many more great books to share with you!

Storyteller John Weaver