This story
is so much fun, with lots of great connections for the classroom!
Summary from the publisher:
Horse is
just an oversize dog with funny paws…according to Dog. And Dog? Just a tiny
baby horse with a weird tail. That’s what Horse thinks, anyway.
Television
comedy writer Elliott Kalan and acclaimed illustrator Tim Miller team up in
this clever comedy of mistaken species identity.
Horse Meets Dog was written by Elliott
Kalan and illustrated by Tim Miller. It was published in 2018 by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of
HarperCollins.
Opening:
Wow! You’re very big.
My Thoughts as a Writer:
A great
example of a story told entirely in dialogue, with the help of some very funny
and expressive illustrations. I really love the concept of this story! I
noticed how the author uses repetition of phrasing to add to the humor. This is
also a great story to study to see how the text and illustrations work together
to create humor and emotion.
This book
reminds me of the Mo Willem’s Elephant & Piggie stories, but in a picture
book format. Even though this story is more than the standard 32 pages, the word
count is around 400 words.
My Thoughts as an Educator:
This is a
great book to capture the attention of children while also creating opportunities
for discussions about listening to others, points of view and individual
differences. I’m always looking for books to help kids develop the ability to realize
that other people may have a different perspective on a situation—or themselves!
Ages: 3-7
Grades: PreK – 2
Themes: perspective-taking, individual
differences, listening
Activities:
Draw or
Write: What do you think happens next, when Horse and Dog meet Bird?
STEAM: What
kind of home would Horse and Dog live in? Build their house!
Think &
Draw: Think about someone close to you. Do you and that person look the same?
What is different about you? What is the same? Design a perfect toy for your
person to take on a trip.
Discuss: Is
Horse bossy? Is Dog bossy? How could Dog and Horse have avoided this big
problem? What are some ways to really notice what another person is saying?
Check out this funny trailer for the book! Do you think you would like to read this one?
This sounds hilarious! And the trailer is funny, too. You are so right to use this as a way to open the conversation about listening and responding appropriately. Awesome pick!
ReplyDeleteI love the humor. Such an interesting story about listening to each other. Love the illustrations!
ReplyDeleteThe trailer does make it seem like it channels Elephant and Piggie. I'll need to get this from my library and look at it closely. Thanks Andrea.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Great trailer! Totally makes me want to check out this book:)
ReplyDeleteOh how fun! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteLove it! I just put this one on hold at the library. I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDelete