Author: Cathy Breisacher
Illustrator: Roland Garrigue
Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2019
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Birthdays, Friendship, Humor
Opening Line(s):
"Caveboy and Cavegirl were born on the same day, in side-by-side caves."
Synopsis: Two friends, born on the same day, want to give their friend the perfect present - but without money to spend, they come up with a creative heart-warming bartering solution.
What I like about this book: This book may be set in the prehistoric age, but it provides kids with a fun, realistic story line. Kids do want to provide gifts for people they love, and they don't have money. At least my kiddos didn't when they were little - I saved allowance until they were old enough to do something to earn it. So, what can kids do? I loved the bold illustrations, too. I KNOW, cavemen didn't make pets out of most prehistoric creatures, but this isn't meant as a history book, it's FUN.
Resources:
- Cathy Bresiacher has a teacher's guide on her website
- Talk about how to pick a present for someone else (it's a skill to empathize with what others want, and not what you want!)
- Talk about what kids can give a friend/loved one that doesn't cost money and things or skills they could barter with if they wanted a store bought gift
- Visit a museum and look at prehistoric creatures. Which one would you like for a pet?
- Visit a professionally managed cave. (PA and VA have a lot of them) Note: Don't stick your heads into random holes!
- Throw a prehistoric/cave themed birthday party. (Google gives lots of ideas!)
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