The best part? Reading (and looking at) the book kept me in that zone. Absolutely.
And so, I present to you another fabulous book to add to Susanna Leonard Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday list.
Author: Rick Walton
Illustrator: Wes Hargis
Publisher:Bloomsbury USA, 2012, fiction
Age Range: 4-8 years
Theme/Topics:civics, humor, sibling conflict
First Page: There comes a time in all kids' lives when they need to create their own country.
Synopsis: When in the course of childhood events, it becomes necessary for one (small) person to create a separate and equal hiding spot to which the laws of growing up entitle them, the truth will be self-evident: they should declare their very own country!
Full of tongue-in-cheek instructions-
- Make your own flag.
- Your own currency.
- Your own laws.
Resources: There are some great ideas for creating a country and other related topis at the International Literacy Association page for this book.
Why I LOVE it: First of all, it is EXACTLY the kind of book I would LOVE to be able to write. The words and the illustrations absolutely, positively depend on one another. It isn't a comprehensible book as only illustrations - or as only text (at least, you wouldn't get the whole message). I am ABSOLUTELY studying this one as a mentor text. Plus, it's quite funny - both the illustrations and the text. And it's super creative. And it is a VERY fun way to introduce young kids to government.
Hope you'll give this book a look - and check out the OTHER perfect picture books for today at Susanna's blog - and Susanna's ever-growing list of wonderful picture books.
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
So much fun and I remember doing projects like this at school.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Joanna. This book is lots of fun. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteCreating your own country is a fun idea for children -- a step up from the tree houses, forts, hiding spots etc. that we had as a child. Like the humor. I would have loved this as a child.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Patricia - especially with four brothers LOL. A "no boys allowed" country LOL.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Ha ha. Your synopsis cracked me up! I'm definitely going to check this out.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll love it, Joanne - the synopsis, if I recall, is from the inside book jacket. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat a clever concept! Thanks for sharing this one, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Wendy! I'm about to type it up and probably dummy it (and take copious notes :D). Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat a great book for social studies lessons for kids. I am going to have to find this one!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - and with FUN. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did, Joyce! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGreat review - and yeah, I want my own country, too. Definitely putting this on my to read pile.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue - this one is definitely a keeper. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis sounds terrific, Joanne! I too am sold on the title alone! Thanks so much for adding this one to our list - I will have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will love it, Susanna! Too much fun - thanks for stopping by :)
Delete