While my hubby was out of town for 10 days – in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip – I spent a couple hours at the library, children’s section of course, and checked out a stack of PBs to read and review. (Don’t tell him, but I didn’t miss him the whole time I was at the library….I guess I should have spent more time there – because I did miss him a whole bunch otherwise.)
So off the top of the stack – this was my first favorite…you’ll see the others in coming weeks…
Title: The Wonderful Book
Author/Illustrator: Leonid Gore
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2010
Genre: Fiction
Audience Age: 2 – 8
Themes/Topics: Books, Reading, Imagination
Opening Sentences: ”One sunny day, a rabbit saw something wonderful while hopping about in the forest. ’What is this?’ he asked. ’It will make a cozy little house for me!’”
Synopsis: A variety of forest animals discover a ‘thing’ in their midst. Is it a bed, a house, a table, maybe a hat? No one is quite sure until a little boy comes along and reads from the ‘thing.’
Why I like it: Of course, the picture on the cover caught my eye. Who could resist a silly bear with a book on his head? And out of the whole stack of books I brought home – this was the one my 4 yr old grandchild wanted first, because of the cover. The story is delightfully simple, but imagination is the key. Having never encountered a book before the forest animals have to imagine what it can be used for. There is a rabbit, a bear, a fox, mice, and a worm that all discover different, humorous purposes for the book. When the little boy comes along all the animals cuddle up for a sweet read. My grandgirls laughed and thought the animals were pretty silly. After the story, they tried a couple books out as a hat, like the bear. This may be a story for a younger audience, but the ending will encourage them to think about how they might tell their own story. Leonid Gore’s illustrations are wonderful. They are watercolor on heavily textured paper and almost have the feel of a collage. (there is also a sweet little kitten on the book jacket you won’t want to miss).
Activities/Resources: Click here to learn how to use this book to discuss proper book care and use and for some fun activities too, Also have fun making and writing your own story about the forest friends by clicking here.
Availability: All Major Book sellers, Barnes & Noble, Amazon
(Susanna Leonard Hill is the originator of PPBF and you can find all the other PPB recommendations and links on her blog. Also remember, Susanna is offering an online writing course- Click here for more info.)
Blessings on your day and enjoy the book!!
Laura (Grandmamiller)
We take it for granted that everyone knows what to do with a book. Now that is thinking outside the box. Good one, Laura!
You’re right, Jarm. My 1 yr old grandson still tries to eat them. Hmmm…edible books….wonder if that is marketable???
What a clever twist on “The Mitten.” And you’re right, the cover illustration makes this one I would pick up!
So sad, tho’ none of the animals ‘shared’ the book until the last page.
How cute! I bet this is great for reluctant readers (writing it down now)
Oooh, Catherine, I didn’t think about that!
I have so many beautiful pbs that my kids have little interest in
I might try and write a 12×22 draftcspecofically for the reluctants lol
What a cute book! I immediately thought he may have found a picture of another bear. Can see how kids would have fun with the imagination. Agree, I like the the author thinking outside of the box. Brilliant.
Agree with you about having fun when your hubby is gone. I do the same thing.
Unfortunately my idea of fun would bore most other people…except our group!
Definitely want to read this one. I too judge picture books by their cover!
that’s why we are illustrators!!! So we can make books pretty!
I meant to add: and I love it when I’m wrong!
We have this book! It’s one of my favorites to take to school. It reminds me of me reading with the kids! We have a fun time with this story and talking about proper ways to use books. Thanks for sharing this!
Ahh…Rhythm…I might have guessed that. My grands like reading to their beagle too. My cat will claim my lap when I read….as long as the book is not too heavy when it lands on her!
Sounds adorable and a real creativity challenge. I wonder what else a book could be used for….. Hmmmmm…..
Mmmm….doorstops, footrests….bunny chew toys…..yeah…it.’s hsppened!
Just shows the importance of a good cover! Such fun to see what we do with something we don’t know!
what was the name of that old movie where the aborigines found the can of coke??? and didn’t know what it was.
Fun choice. And don’t feel guilty about time spent at the library…or not missing hubby too much when you’re engrossed in a book.
Thanks for sharing this title, I had not read it before.
You’re welcome, Miranda. Even when my husband’s in town I lose track of time….when I say I’m going to the library he just rolls his eyes and knows he’ll see me later than sooner.
I would love this book! Thanks for sharing it with us, Laura!