Written by: Bob Staake
Published by: Schwartz and Wade Books, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-87037-8
This was a surprising book for me. It is about a little boy who gets bullied and has no friends. Until one day he happens to meet a little bluebird. The surprising part comes at the end but I won't give it away! You definitely want to read this book to see what it is.
This book is really good and tackles some hard issues in childhood. My only concern is that the book is illustrated with only black white and blue pictures. As an adult I can still appreciate it, but as a child I fear he or she would grow bored and not be able to stay focused since the pictures are a little dull.
I would give this book a 4 out of 5 just because I worry about the colors in the illustrations. This is definitely one I would keep in the classroom though because it could definitely help with some hard issues.
This is one of the potential Caldecott books we looked at two years ago when we tried to pick the winner. It is such a touching story that it had some students in tears at how sad it was. Others were a little taken aback by the subject area/topic.
ReplyDeleteI like that you found a book that was unique and had an interesting concept. That is a shame that the pictures were in black and white. Do the pictures start having color as the book progresses? Just curious.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that would happen too! But no, it stays with the same color scheme until the very last page where some other colors come in.
DeleteI absolutely loved this book when you brought it into class. The ending is very mature, but I think that with the topic of death being brought up in such a sweet way makes it easier for young children to handle.
ReplyDeleteMarissa I completely agree! Bri I lvoed when you brought it in, and very carefully explores hard topics to discuss with kids.
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