Today's Picture Month Theme was bears, so I read Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin Stead. I shared Erin Stead's website and the process she uses to create her pictures. The kids were really interested, and it helped them appreciate all the ways an artist can create illustrations. If you're interested, too, go to her website: http://erinstead.com/. She also has a YouTube video of her describing her process:
Here is the book trailer for Bear Has a Story To Tell:
After I read the picture book, the kids wrote short summaries and reviews, and we shared what we thought. Here are some of the kids comments:
"The way the illustrator matched the first picture with the last was neat. She was able to make the pictures tell a story."
"The animals had a huge amount of facial expressions. In the beginning I actually felt tired."
"I think this book might win the Caldecott because the illustrator is really good at making the animals' expressions."
"I could tell what was happening without the words."
"I love the texture of the illustrations."
"I like the pictures because they help me know if Bear is alone or with somebody. I love this book!"
"The pictures show that Bear is lonely."
"Bear is a giver, not a taker."
"I really like the illustrations because they show the mood in the characters and they change your mood."
"The animals Erin Stead drew were cute. I liked the picture where Bear was alone at night."
"The beginning made me feel sleepy."
"When Bear was alone in the beginning of winter nothing was there in the background. It looked lonely."
"You can see the woodblock markings."
"Her pictures look 3-D."
"It's a circle story!"
"The circle of life!"
We will be reading another book illustrated by Erin Stead later - And Then It's Spring. Tune in tomorrow; the theme is imagination!
Would Stead be the youngest to have 2 Medals if this book wins?
ReplyDeleteMy class LOVED this book! SO charming.
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee