Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
What If Everybody Did That?
Author Ellen Javernick
Illustrator Colleen M. Madden
Amazon Children’s Publishing, First Pinwheel Books edition , 2010
Childrens Press, Inc. 1990
(Amazon.com lists the Publisher as Two Lions.)
Fiction
Suitable for: ages 3-7
Theme/Topic: Choices, Consequences, Behavior
Opening Spread: When we went to the zoo, I fed just a little of my popcorn to the bear. The zookeeper waved his broom and said, “What if everybody did that?”
Brief Synopsis: (From the catalog summary) A child learns that there are consequences of thoughtless behavior, from feeding popcorn to a bear at the zoo to dropping an empty can out of a car window.
Resources: Discuss choices and consequences. In each spread, the boy talks about doing “one little thing.” When you study the illustration, you can see what happens when the action is multiplied by many people. A lesson plan on making good decisions.
Why I Like This Book: I discovered this book via an online search of our library’s catalog. It’s a simple idea with a powerful message. As you go through the book, you can think of all the times you’ve either told a child “What If Everybody Did That?” or maybe you have heard that said to you as an adult. While we had this checked out, Enzo asked for it many nights by name. We liked reading the text and studying all the consequences in the illustrations. I loved the final spread. I’ll share it with you: “When I came home I gave my mom a hug. What if everybody did that? … (page turn to final page) Everybody should!”
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.
Aww…hugs all around! Sounds like a winner Stacy.
Awesome conclusion and the fact Enzo kept asking for it shows me it manages to get across a cool message without being preachy. Confession-I still think this in my head when I see people littering!
This is my kind of story. Such a powerful message. Reminds me of many of Julia Cook’s books.
Oh oh oh I love this. It’s wonderful to explore our connectedness with the young, how our actions affect others and the world. I do tend to be a mismatcher and see what’s wrong, so I am really glad that you pointed out the last page. We can do positive acts -and what if we all hugged? Indeed. Thank you, Stacy!
Sounds like me talking to my son on most days. 😀 I didn’t know this one existed, so I MUST look for it! Thanks for putting it in the spotlight, Stacy!
This sounds like a sweet way to teach a good lesson. Thanks for telling me about it.
Great find, Stacy.
Sounds like this book would appeal to adults as well. Thanks for sharing, Stacy. 🙂
Sounds like a great book and one that will start some important discussions. Awesome cover! 🙂
I like the title – it makes a good point, as well as the refrain for what happens in the book.
I like the sound of this–definitely worth highlighting! Clever idea, thanks!
This is a terrific book and a wonderful example of a well-deserved book getting a second life and reaching a lot more readers (not to mention giving Ellen a few more bucks in her back pocket ). Thank you for sharing!