Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
This is NOT a Pumpkin
Written and Illustrated by Bob Staake (If you get a chance, visit his website and on the left hand sidebar click on the “quick bob” link. It’s a slideshow “about me,” and I enjoyed his description of moving into digital work and his normal style.)
Little Simon, 2007
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Theme/Topic: Similarities, Differences
Opening Spread:
This is NOT a pumpkin.
Brief Synopsis: From back cover: It may be round like a pumpkin and even orange like a pumpkin, but this is NOT a pumpkin! If it’s not a pumpkin, then what is it? Preschoolers and toddlers will love knowing the answers and enjoy the fun, “unexpected” ending!
Resources: Play a game with objects and talk about how they are or are not the same thing. Is it a sock or a sock monkey? Read a copy of Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (that’s an optical illusion book), as a companion to this one. Draw a pumpkin and create your own Jack-o’-lanterns. Here’s a craft to make a 3-D one that doesn’t look like a pumpkin.
Why I Like This Book: I love the simplicity of the text and the art. It’s a fun book for little ones, because they will be saying, “BUT, it IS a pumpkin!” until the last page.
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.
The pumpkin book looks like fun, Stacy. I haven’t seen it yet. And I look forward to Salina’s book. Glad to know it’s an Enzo thumbs-up!
I’m going to post several concept books in the coming weeks. Yes. Salina’s book is really great. Sweet, touching, and a real connection for kids.
I can imagine the humor in this book and the fun kids would have reading this book at home or at school. I’m curious. Great share for young children.
On the walk to school this morning, my husband spotted an apple and he said, “Someone lost part of their lunch.” When we got closer, it was clear it was half eaten and was discarded. It made me think of this book. Because This was NOT Lunch. lol
I haven’t seen this book yet. I love the idea of seeing things differently than they are. It’s quite imaginative. I’m going to have to check this book out.
Hope you can find it. It’s a quick read and clever concept.
This sounds quite intriguing! Now I must see for myself! Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoy it Lindsey.
Thanks for sharing this. I so appreciate getting to hear about picture books that I haven’t come across yet. Yay!
I love introductions to new books too.
This looks like a fun book. I will definitely check it out. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for stopping by Rosi.
Sounds like a fun one, Stacey. I love the approach from the “not” angle, a twist that often yields surprises. Thanks for putting this book in the spotlight!
I love twists. I’m still working on my execution of that in my stories.
I love the cover and the question it asks obviously in contrast to obviousness. I will put this on hold at my libray and get it. I Love concept books.
Hope you enjoy it.
Now I wonder about the ending. It IS a pumpkin? Love to you and family on this Friday <3
Jack-o-lantern. 🙂
Staake’s humor is riotous and he pitches books perfectly at the age group her targets.
So true.
Less is more…and simple is good. I love the interactive nature of the book as little ones will try guessing what it could be…great pick, Stacy…I’d not see this one before.
And thanks for giving us Enzo’s take on the new book that just came out..you’ve definitely got the inside scoop on what kids love. 😉
We read one last week that he called creepy. :-/
Sounds like a fun read, putting it on my list. Love hearing Enzo’s critiques!
He loves making videos, so he might really give reviews if I became his production assistant.
Sounds like a fun book! I love looking at concept books. I have a few ideas so studying them is essential! How fun that Enzo is giving reviews, too 😀
It’s a fun one.
I’m past the time of picture books (mostly) for my kids, but I like to gather ideas for gifts for my nieces and nephews. This one sounds cute.
It’s got a jack-o-lantern… it’s as close as I get to any horror type work. 🙂
I’m guessing there is no picture book biography of Rene Magritte that we can pair this with! 😉
Perhaps you should write it!
Great review! 😀