Can anyone find humor in being sick? Co-authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick did.
This book is a fantastic read aloud!
If you know anyone, big or small, who has a stuffy-head---this is definitely the book for them.
Author: Co-authors Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion, February 14, 2017
Intended Ages: 4-7
Themes: Humor, Illness, Family
Opening Line: "Little Louie wasn't all that little. It wasn't like he needed his mom every minute of the day."
Synopsis: When Louie gets a bad cold, he wants his mom, but every time he tries to call her ("Mom"), the family Dog, Bob, comes running instead.
What I like about this book: The Spoiler is printed right on the cover, and kind of revealed in the synopsis, so I guess it's okay to share it. This book is to be read as if you have the worst cold ever. You know that voice. That pitiful, muddled, croaky voice that pleads for sympathy. That voice transforms a sick day into hilarity. The illustrations amp up the family dog's enthusiasm and glee, compounding the chaos and the protagonist's frustration. The conflict is resolved with a heart-warming Awww.
Resources/Activities:
- Make a list of things that make you feel better when you're sick
- Why is the first line of the story important? Discuss how people act differently when they don't feel well
- Discuss the differences between dogs and cats. Would the story be as funny if Bob was a cat? A sibling? A mouse? A dinosaur?
- Read this book with SICK SIMON. Discuss which you prefer and why.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. I haven't read any other book like this, if you have, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Note: My review is based on a review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest
review. No other compensation was received.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I was totally won over by the book cover. I love the expression on the dog's face. I think I'll have my daughter read this book aloud. She does a great job changing her voice to sound like she's stuffed up. I have a feeling we'll be enjoying many laughs reading this one together. Thanks for a great review.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leslie! It is FUN for the reader.
DeleteI've been seeing this one a lot in conversations online lately. Will be on the lookout!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen anything else quite like it. :) Thanks, Beth.
DeleteI will see if I can find it at the Library. Thanks for discussing it.
ReplyDeletePut it on the list for your library to buy! It comes out Feb. 14.
DeleteI like Bob. not Bob, but Bob. That should clear things up. I need to check this one out. I can't recall seeing a lot of books about healthy kids getting a "normal" illness. This is a perfect read for any kid with the flu or a cold. And a dog. You need a dog.
ReplyDeleteYou always need a dog. :) Thanks for visiting, Sue!
DeleteLove that cover -- it speaks volumes! Perfect book for when you have a sick child.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's so much fun to read, you don't even have to be sick (or around anyone sick) to enjoy it!
DeleteOh wow! This looks hilarious. I'm pinning it so I can remember to read it to my class.
ReplyDeleteBetting your class will be imitating "the voice" for hours afterward. And bet the authors and illustrators would love to know what the class thinks about it!
DeleteThis looks like a great book, Wendy...and I absolutely LOVE your activity suggestions! Will definitely be snagging a copy of this one. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vivian! Another one I thought of is reading OTHER books with the sick voice. Predicting great humor ensuing.
DeleteOMG - how funny! I can TOTALLY hear my kids saying, "Bob! Bob! I want some soup!"
ReplyDeleteI even made my husband smile when I read aloud.
DeleteThis sounds great! And your post is well-timed, as there are many sick kiddos out there this time of year.
ReplyDeleteSo far, we're good here, but I have hear the rumors on TV . . .. Thanks for visiting, Jane!
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