Perfect Picture Book Friday - The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot!

Well, folks, I don't know about you, but here on Blueberry Hill we've been told to expect some snow!  Down at Stop & Shop the cashiers are delightedly making dire predictions, based on the fact that, "Pawling School District is already closed and Pawling NEVER closes!" and people are buying batteries and toilet paper like crazy... because goodness knows, you can't have too much of either in a snowstorm :)) I admit we're getting a bit of a kick out of the headlines, for example: "Historic, Crippling Blizzard Ahead!"  (And no, I did not make that up!... although it sounds like something I might make up :))

I'll believe it when I see it, but don't you worry.  Our hatches are battened, the dogs are in readiness should any wild snowy romping patrolling of the perimeter be required, and we are well supplied with chocolate should we be forced to hole up for a day or two :)

Given the weather I feel like I should be doing a picture book about snow today, but I couldn't think of a good one quickly that hasn't been done already, so you're getting this one instead :)

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot!
Written & Illustrated By: Scott Magoon
Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman, February 2013, Fiction

Suitable For: ages 4-8

Themes/Topics: imagination, telling the truth, consequences, unexpected friendship

Opening: "This is the story of my friend Ben and how we first met."

Brief Synopsis: Ben likes to tell stories... so sometimes he makes them up.  All that storytelling practice makes him pretty good at it, but after a while people figure out that he's not telling the truth... or is he?

Links To Resources: Bigfoot For Kids, Bigfoot Facts For Kids.  You could read this book along with Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella to compare Bigfoot stories, or along with The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Boy Who Cried Ninja to compare different retellings of the same story.  Discussion topics could include the difference between a story and a lie, and the importance of telling the truth.

Why I Like This Book: I always enjoy a good retelling of a familiar tale, and this one is fun and fresh.  The text is snappy, and you will be surprised by the ending (well, if you're an adult you might not be THAT surprised, but your kids probably will be :))  This is a great example of what a picture book should be - a perfect marriage of text and art.  The art in this book is fabulous - perfect for the story, very expressive, and full of funny details (I'm especially fond of the dog's expressions and Ben's unhelpful little sister :))

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Just a quick word before we all rush off to see everyone's great books and head into our weekends.

It's such fun every week getting to see what books everyone chooses - always wonderful, special books that have so much to offer.  I am extremely grateful to everyone who participates and makes Perfect Picture Books what it is.

Not chronologically (because we took a break in the summer) but technically, this week is the start of Year 2.  We have over one thousand books on our list - quite an accomplishment and truly a wonderful resource.  And it exists because of all of you!  So thank you, thank you!!!  You make PPBF what it is!

I'd like to just remind some of the newcomers that what Perfect Picture Books is - what makes it different from other review sites - are the resources.  Not only to we only list terrific books that we highly recommend, we hand busy parents, teachers, home-schoolers, day care providers, librarians, etc. ready-made options for expanding on the use of those wonderful stories through nature activities, arts and crafts, cooking, role playing games, and much, much more.  Therefore, it is critically important that resources be included.  Please make sure your review contains an extension of some kind so that it will be easy for people to see how they might make further use of the books at home and in the classroom.  Also (because it is a bear of a job to update! :)) please make sure your links are post-specific and not just general links to your blog.  (If they're general, they're only correct until your next post goes up and then the PPBF link doesn't work anymore.)  Thank you all for everything you do to provide this wonderful resource!

Oh, and BTW, on a completely unrelated topic, lest you be wondering, I have not forgotten about voting on Phyllis's contest, I just haven't had a good spot to put it in.  Yet.  But I will.  Soon.  How about Monday?  Okay.  Monday it is!

Now.  PPBF bloggers, please add your post-specific link below - I can't wait to see what makes the list this week!  If you don't hear from me Monday, you'll know we lost power and it hasn't come back! :)  If you're in the path of the "historic, crippling blizzard" stay safe and warm and make sure you have chocolate :)  Have a great weekend everyone! :)