If Waffles Were Like Boys

If Waffles Were Like Boys

by

Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

If Waffles Were Like Boys
Written by Charise Mericle Harper
Illustrated by Scott Magoon
Balzer+Bray, 2011
Suitable for: ages 4-8
Theme/Topic: Comparison, Adventure


Opening Spread: If waffles were like boys … [page turn]
breakfast would be a BATTLEFIELD!


Brief Synopsis: From Amazon.com description—
What if everything were just like boys?


If shopping carts were like boys . . . grocery stores would be racetracks!
If pillows were like boys . . . bedrooms would besuperhero hideouts!
Perfect for bedtime, this funny and tender celebration of boyhood will have everyone seeing their world in a whole new way.


Resources: Create your own story with different objects. Use the construction like in Charise’s story: If ____ were like boys/girls … _____(what would happen). It’s sort of an if … then construction. For example… If zombies were like boys … brains would be fast food. (Or something silly like that.) Several books with a similar format include:  Miranda Paul’s book Water is Water (we discuss this a lot on foggy or wet days), Jim Averbeck’s Except If, and Sean Taylor’s When a Monster is Born (which offers two possibilities for every scenario). Lots of possibilities to compare and contrast with this book. You can also discuss whether you agree with the ending of each line or not?


Why I Like This Book: We found this book while researching a publisher. The side benefit is that Enzo and I had a fun time exploring the different scenarios in the book. “If shopping carts were like boys …  grocery stores would be RACETRACKS!” The story obviously generalizes some boy behaviors. And, many of them fit into my boy’s mindset, so he liked the book.  Since we read this book, we’ve added several more of Charise’s books on our library list. She has a really cool FAQ – kid focused – on her website.


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.



 

Hoot Owl Master of Disguise

Hoot Owl Master of Disguise

by

Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

Hoot Owl Master of Disguise
Written by Sean Taylor
Illustrated by Jean Jullien
First U.S. Edition, 2015, Candlewick Press
Text and Illustration copyright 2014
Suitable for: ages 3-7
Theme/Topic: Diligence, Failure, Confidence, Predators


Opening Spread: (Appears before Title page) Watch Out! I am Hoot Owl! I am hungry. And here I come!


Brief Synopsis: (from the jacket flap) Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl. He’s a master of disguise! And he will use his skill at camouflaging himself to trick his unsuspecting prey.


Animals of the night, beware!


But, somehow, Hoot Owl’s prey keeps escaping. Will he ever succeed in catching himself some dinner?


Hilarity, ridiculousness, and costume changes abound in this wildly inventive new title from author Sean Taylor, paired with illustrator Jean Jullien.”


Resources: With Halloween fast approaching, children can dress up to be their own Master of Disguise. If there are any questions about animals being predators, this book could be paired with Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds and Illustrated by Dan Santat (2013). A lesson plan on learning through mistakes. Activity Kit from Candlewick Press.


Why I Like This Book: I found this one via a search of recent owl books. Enzo loved it. An owl, who dresses up to catch his prey? Yes! Hoot Owl is a character — a full blown character. He faces failure, but remains confident. Hoot Owl reminds me of a certain diligent five-year-old who says, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” Just like Hoot Owl, some five year olds don’t succeed, but he tries again.


If you are able to find this, I hope you can. Just like a real safari where lions attack zebras aren’t for everyone, some children may not like thinking about Hoot Owl eating a rabbit. This Candlewick book has 48 pages!


For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.