The reason is because tomorrow is GROUNDHOG DAY!!! (sorry - it's so hard to say that quietly! :)) and Phyllis and I will be having a special post, so since we're asking you to read and participate on an extra day, I'm trying not to talk too much today :) Maybe we'll take Monday off to give you a break. Feel free to vote in the comments :) (If you want to read about the contest so you can join in, go HERE.) (And if you want to participate but don't have a blog you can email me your photo and caption and I'll add it into my post for you! :))
Oh, but I just have one more thing - Today is the first official day of Making Picture Book Magic! Woo-hoo!!!
Okay. That's all. Really :)
Here's today's Perfect Picture Book.
Written By: Robert Kraus
Illustrated By: Jose Aruego
Simon & Schuster, 1970, Fiction
Suitable For: ages 3-7
Themes/Topics: new baby/new sibling, feeling unnoticed
Opening: "Whose mouse are you?"
"Nobody's mouse."
"Where is your mother?"
"Inside the cat"
"Where is your father?"
"Caught in a trap."
Brief Synopsis: a young mouse (whom we may assume is feeling a little unimportant due to the impending arrival of a new sibling) transforms himself into a beloved family hero.
Links To Resources: activities for Whose Mouse Are You?, make your own Whose Mouse story, discussion for Whose Mouse
Why I Like This Book: So simple. So charming. So spot on. Hasn't every child, waiting for a new sibling, wondered about his importance? And what a delightful way to show the emotion - by transforming himself into a hero, bringing his family together in time to welcome the new baby. One of the reasons I love this book so much is because, from a writer's perspective, it is done so well. A meaningful story with emotional resonance is told in only 105 words!
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
So now, if you haven't made your Phyllis action figure, there's no time like the present :) You've still got plenty of time to gear up for the contest tomorrow!
PPBF bloggers, please leave your post-specific link on the list below so we can all come see what treasures you've selected for us this week!
Have a great weekend, everyone! And if I don't see you tomorrow, Happy Groundhog Day! :)
P.S. On our school visit yesterday, Phyllis was identified as a raccoon, a beaver, a hedgehog, and a BEAR before we finally got around to groundhog :) I'm hoping to have pictures at some point :) AND, the kids made her a new crown for her collection! Her only regret is that she can only wear one at a time :)
I love your cute little mouse story, Susanna. Wow told in only 105 words. It's nice being able to comment here again.
ReplyDeleteHey Susanna, I hope you won't mind if I can't attend groundhog day events... I am so busy getting ready for my trip, only 8 more days, and I have little time to get organised. Will be thinking of you and Phyllis and hope to pop on to see what everyone is up to at some stage. Happy Groundhog day tomorrow!
What a classic story. Have a wonderful Groundhog day! Phyllis would likely be called a beaver at my house. Many things are at this point. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the book, Diane, and REALLY glad you're able to comment again! :) Phyllis is sad that she won't get to predict something in NZ, but she understands :) Hope you have a GREAT trip! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot beaver! She was called that too! :) Have a great weekend, Stacy :)
ReplyDeletePOSTED FOR CATHERINE at http://catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteWhat an imaginative story! Dialogue is similar to Perfect Home too. Will get groundhog to you asap :)
Yay! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this story! Will also be toasting to you tomorrow on what I call "Susanna's Day".
ReplyDeleteI have Phyllis colored and will cut out and add popsicle stick after school. :) I can't wait! Josie made her own Phyllis action figure too. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of this book! The cover is cute!
Erik
It looks like a nice book about awaiting a new sibling, but I like NOT YET, ROSE better :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, Iza :) They are VERY different books in many ways... ROSE is more than 105 words :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I can't wait to see what your Phyllises will have to say about spring coming tomorrow. The preschool vote was 6 more weeks of winter :(
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds ideal for new siblings and will prove to make any of them feel better about having that new baby sister or brother. I love that it is only 105 words! Each word must definitely count here.
ReplyDeleteI'll try and come back and join in the contest, Susanne but I haven't done my online course's homework for Wed or today and think I may have to pass although it sounds like so much fun. If nothing else I'll come back here and see who played.
I'm having scrambled eggs this morning and no chocolate either. If I can do it so can you. (but don't try if it hurts too bad. lol )
It is s cute book, and I admire anyone who can tell a good story in so few words! Perhaps, while you're doing your assignment, you will need a coloring break :) And scrambled eggs without chocolate? Clar, you are a monument of will power! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it Kimberley! And you're too kind :) It's really Phyllis's day :)
ReplyDeleteWho can resist a little emotional resonance? LOVE, love, LOVE! And talk about an economy of words ... sounds like a power-filled pick.
ReplyDeleteIt's very cute, Barbara! When I was little I was very fond of imagining scenarios where I could cast myself in the super-hero role, so I totally get it :)
ReplyDeletePoor mouse! This is too adorable! And maybe the readers will grow up using "whose" correctly. Bonus!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really cute book. I'm wondering how he becomes the hero! I guess I'll have to go check it out! thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove the rhyme, Susanna...it sounds like a book every young child would love.:) Best of luck with your class...your students are fortunate to have you as a mentor, teacher and guide.:) I'm looking forward to Groundhog Day...wonder if my Phyllis will see her shadow???
ReplyDeleteIt's simple and cute :) I think you'll like it :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Aruego is up to - I've always loved his illustrations, so simple, but they ad SO much! Will be looking for this mouse tail!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vivian :) Phyllis and I are looking forward to Groundhog Day too! Phyllis is planning a parade in her own honor :) But I have a bad feeling there may be shadows in the forecast... We shall see...!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, you punster :) I don't know what he's up to - this book is OLD - almost as old as me - you know, old as the Hills? I love the mouse's big ears - they remind me of my Jem dog who has disproportionately large ears :)
ReplyDeleteJust trying to have a little pun! I did find your pick in my library catalog and I have it on hold now. Will you share a pic of Jem, or is he out doing a photo-shoot for your next PB?
ReplyDeleteOne can only hope :)
ReplyDeleteI'll email you one :) I'm not sure I have any really good ones that do complete justice to the size of her ears, but I'll try :)
ReplyDeleteJulie Rowan-Zoch (unregistered) wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:
Just trying to have a little pun! I did find your pick in my library catalog and I have it on hold now. Will you share a pic of Jem, or is he out doing a photo-shoot for your next PB?
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What a very delightful book for children expecting a new sibling. It is presented in a very unusual way. Love it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a cute one, Pat. Glad you like it :) Hope you had fun in NYC! :)
ReplyDelete