“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

I Need My Own Country! - Perfect Picture Book Friday

I'll admit it. The title got me. As I was perusing the picture book shelves at my local library, this book jumped out and grabbed me - and wouldn't let me go. Cuz who hasn't thought this at some point??

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.

Title: I Need My Own Country!

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.
-this picture book offers a hilarious lesson in junior civics that shows every budding future-president exactly how he or she can create a very special place all their own.

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

14 comments:

  1. So much fun and I remember doing projects like this at school.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, Joanna. This book is lots of fun. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. Creating 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, Patricia - especially with four brothers LOL. A "no boys allowed" country LOL.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. Ha ha. Your synopsis cracked me up! I'm definitely going to check this out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you'll love it, Joanne - the synopsis, if I recall, is from the inside book jacket. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. What a clever concept! Thanks for sharing this one, Joanne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, Wendy! I'm about to type it up and probably dummy it (and take copious notes :D). Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  5. What a great book for social studies lessons for kids. I am going to have to find this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely - and with FUN. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did, Joyce! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  6. Great review - and yeah, I want my own country, too. Definitely putting this on my to read pile.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sue - this one is definitely a keeper. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  7. This 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you will love it, Susanna! Too much fun - thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete

Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear your thoughts - please share them!

My One Word: 2016 and 2017

Most who know me know I am a very goal-oriented person (in fact, I already shared my goal wrap-up for 2016 and my new ones for 2017 on this...