Hello ,I've been clowning around all week! Actually, I have been dealing with sparks, fires and explosions cropping up in the last few days before our local children's writers/illustrators conference.
Here's a sneak peek at a bit of the artwork showing feet
to illustrate our circus theme Step Right Up! See more, including moi, as the ringmaster, here...
Art & Literature at its Best |
If the only picture books you've seen lately are on the shelves at Target, you're missing out. Quality picture book language is often sophisticated, with a rhythm you won't want to stop reading, the illustrations amazing.
These 32-page books convey important ideas and profound truths in a simple, but not simplex way. They are nuanced with underlying humor and deal with some of life's most painful emotions.
Teacher use picture books in middle school and high school classrooms to enhance
learning. Like Paul Hankins at Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, IN.
“I would submit that the student who can analyze a picture book like the Sophia book and make a connection back to the bigger lesson we are considering is
beginning to demonstrate those skills we want to see upon an AP exam. And certainly upon the SAT/ACT many of these students will take.”
Brianna Crowley, who teaches at Hershey (PA) High School, sees how she can use the book to teach students about why it’s important to understand point of view in a story.
“To me, it’s an easy access point,” says Crowley, who has
dedicated a shelf in her classroom to a variety of picture books that might be more common in a kindergarten reading nook.
“To them, it’s going to feel so accessible, but as a professional I’m going to know how to question to help them go deeper.”
Hankins uses a picture book with students reading John Steinbecks Of Mice And Men called Sam and Dave Dig a Hole written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by John Klassen.
He
calls it story of “starts and stops and missed opportunities."
The New York Times says, "the brilliance of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole is the interplay of the deceptively simple text, what the characters know, and what is pictured… Ending with an illustration full of subtext that makes kids think as well as laugh is classic Klassen.
Usually at this point, I would offer you a link to
something like 100 Picture Books Adults Will Enjoy. But you'd have much more fun browsing the shelves of the library or your nearest independent bookstore. Maybe just looking at the pictures. Here's a couple I love.
Apparently, the link to the Washington State Book Awards finalists I gave last week didn't connect. Due to so many of you twisting my arm (okay, one of you). I'm repeating the announcement. Pure Grit is one of four finalists in the young adult category. Reported by the Seattle Times
here...
New subscribers to this newsletter are always entered into a drawing for the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to their favorite bookstore. I'm drawing the newest winner September 30th, and making the announcement in the newsletter that
week.
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Thank you for spending a few minutes with me today. Your support means a lot to me. Have you read a great book? Tell me about it. Have a burning question? Let me know. If you know someone who might enjoy this newsletter, please forward this e-mail. Currently, new subscribers will be entered in a drawing to win
a $25 gift certificate to their favorite independent book store. If you'd like to get your hands on a copy of PURE GRIT, here's the place! If you'd like a signed copy and I'm not coming to your neighborhood soon, let me know. I can send you a personally autographed book or a signed bookplate. I will never spam you or sell your email address, you can unsubscribe below anytime with a single mouse click. To find out more about my books, how I help students, teachers and librarians, visit my website at www.MaryCronkFarrell.com. My best, Mary
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