Remembering William Steig on his birthday-try saying this title out loud without smiling:
TITLE: Pete's a Pizza
Publisher: HarperCollins, 1998
Intended Age: 3-7
Themes: Imagination, Play, Family
Opening lines: PETE'S IN A BAD MOOD. JUST WHEN HE'S SUPPOSED TO PLAY BALL WITH THE GUYS, IT DECIDES TO RAIN.
Synopsis: When rain interrupts a boy's plan to play with his friends outside, his father plays a game with him, pretending that the boy (Pete) is a pizza.
What I like about this book: This William Steig classic was published when he was 91. 9-1. Just Wow. And look at that big pizza-shaped face on the cover! Delicious. Parents are often absent in picture books. This book goes one step further with Pete's father taking the lead to help Pete shake off his gloomy mood. But it absolutely works. The father isn't didactic or heavy-handed. He has the child-like sense of creativity to carry the story. I love the tactile nature of their play. The illustrations focus on three characters (Pete, Dad and Mom) with subtle variations in changing graphic backgrounds. This is a book to be read and re-read.
Resources: You can see the story read aloud here:
There is also a cartoon animation of the story on YouTube, but for me, the artificial laugh track of the character didn't fit the vision in my head and I found it distracting. But if you want to see it, go here:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_ZlxRSHwJo
TeachingBooks.net has two lesson plans available.
Visit this Pinterest board for ideas linked to pizza. I can imagine any lesson dealing with words, colors or shapes is more fun when you make them into pizza toppings! October was National Pizza month, but I think pizza is year-round fun.
This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Thanks for stopping by!Did you get snow last night?? We did. Perfect curling up with a book weather.
Steig made such a huge contribution to children's literature. And to imagine he wrote until he was 91, probably with great joy. The kid still longed to tell just one more story. A blessing to so many. This is a great share today. Love the cover and the story. Steig reminds me of my husband's famous uncle who composed music until he was 91-92, and loved doing so.
ReplyDeleteI have an author-crush on him. He can be "deep" and playful in turn.
DeleteSo glad to have played a little part in your bringing this one to PPBF! I love when he says he can't say anything, because he's just 'dough and stuff'! Great party game idea too, eh?
ReplyDeleteYou played a big part! It's because of you I dug out this old favorite. Dr. DeSoto is great, but Pete deserves the love, too.
DeleteWhat fun to have enjoyed Julie's Steigfest and then find this as your PPBF pick! I've not actually read this one though I've heard of it, so will look for it now.
ReplyDeleteWhat you and Pat said above reminds me of the father of a friend of mine. He was the famous Elliot Carter who was composing and conducting well past his 100th year! Simply amazing, these creative types.
Here's to years of writing, Teresa! Cue music: We've only just begun . . .
DeleteLove all the Steig tributes on his bday! This was one of my kids' favorites. A classic - like a pepperoni and cheese!
ReplyDeleteKids can spot the good ones. Now I'm thinking pizza for dinner . . .
DeleteThat sounds really wacky Wendy. It would be cool if all dads were like that.
ReplyDeleteA good reminder of ways to defuse bad humor--more bad humor generally isn't it!
DeleteI've seen this one but haven't read it! Thanks for the feature!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely pick it up next time you see it, Andrea! It's a great one.
DeleteI've not read this one. Sounds like a fun one... we might replace rain for snow. We'll look for it. Inspiring he was 91 when this was published. Lots of work ahead.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer rain--and we're supposed to get some tomorrow! So I'll keep quiet and enjoy it.
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