Here’s a story
that’s a little bit spooky – in a fun way!
Summary from Amazon.com
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—especially Crackenhopper Field
carrots.
He eats them on the way to school.
He eats them going to Little League.
He eats them walking home.
Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?
He eats them walking home.
Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?
Creepy Carrots was
written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown. It was published by Simon
& Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2012.
My Thoughts as a Writer:
I really enjoyed this book! It has a nice balance of scary
and funny, which I think is hard to achieve as a writer. I also loved how
specific words and phrasing added details to the story, e.g. how the bunny “yanked”
and “ripped” the carrots and “terrible, carroty breathing.”
The shades of gray in the illustrations really helped to
create a spooky atmosphere for the story. I really admired the way light and
shadow was used. The facial expressions on the carrots fit so well with the text.
My Thoughts as a Teacher:
This book would be a
good one for introducing a discussion about fears and fearful feelings. The interesting illustration style, with
shades of charcoal and a few bits of orange, would be interesting to talk about
with students.
Illustrator Peter
Brown talks about how he created the art work.
Themes: fears, rabbit, carrots
Ages: 3 – 6
Grades: preschool – grade 1
Follow-Up Activities:
- Make a list of “scary things”. Talk about what to do when you feel scared.
- Set up a centre where students can act out the story with small characters, paper or toy carrots, and blocks
- Talk about carrots and how they grow. Could your class grow their own carrots?
- Draw a picture or write about your favorite page in the story.
- Create some art using shades of grey or pencil drawing. Choose one colour to add to make something in your picture stand out.
To find more great picture books to read or to use in your classroom, visit author Susanna Leonard Hill's website for her theme-based summary of Perfect Picture Books posted by book-loving bloggers on Perfect Picture Book Friday.
I had to read this for CYBILS judging a couple of years ago and found it to be really creepy in a good way!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book, but haven't read the story. I like how it helps kids address fear -- in a creepy and fun way!
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing it, now I have to read it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is a book I had to read twice to really fall for - and I did!
ReplyDeleteLoved this book! Loved the twist at the end. There is so much going on in this book at some many levels.
ReplyDeleteAndrea...great choice, for PPBF, especially with Halloween just around the corner. The first time I read this book, I was not a fan...but I'm beginning to understand that these subversive picture books are very much enjoyed by kids...and they offer great launching pads for discussion about sensitive topics. I love your activity and resource section...wonderful post!
ReplyDeletescary carrots! This is such a creepy book - and perfect for reading at night when you can shine your flashlight under your chin and chuckle in a low, throaty way....
ReplyDeleteCool choice for Halloween. Scary carrots... haha so cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun selection for Halloween! And thanks for the link to Peter Brown's video. Always loved The Twilight Zone! Happy Halloween!
ReplyDelete