Wordless Picture Books

McDonnell, P. (2008). South. NY: Little, Brown and Company.

ISBN-10: 0-316-00509-6, ISBN-13: 978-0-316-00509-8

This story is during the season of fall showing that suddenly a flock of birds are departing, leaving behind a member of the group. After the final leaf drops, it lands on the birds head. Suddenly awaken and overcomes with feelings of abandonment. Mooch the cat, an unlikely companion offers to help the bird and set off on an adventure. After a short journey and a significant change in weather just in time the cat and the bird stumbled upon the singing birds. The bird finally reunites with its family and says his goodbye to the cat.

I would read this book to three to five-year olds because it shows how to give a helping hand to ones in need. And that it’s ok to ask for help from your friends and strangers. Also it teaches how to be compassionate to others and build friendship. The book is printed on recycled paper which gives the illustrations a softer look. The images are done in watercolors outlined with black and gray making the main character’s and objects stand out. What drew me towards this book was the cover; a bird and a cat are holding hands and looking at a sign that says South on it. The illustrations were simple and easy to understand what was happening on each page.

Provocation:

When children enter the room there will be leaves on the ground and I would give each child a cut-out of a paper bird. The four corners of the room will be labeled: North, East, South, and West. We would then move to the corner where its labeled South. I would then ask the children what they know about birds and the season. Also, ask where birds go when seasons change. After discussing with the children I would then show the book. 

Ways to present the story:

1.) I would read the book by turning each page slowly and pointing at the pictures. Asking the children what they think will happen next. I would stop and wonder on:

page 4 - where all the birds are going?

page 8 - why they didn’t wake up the bird.

page 13 - if a bird and a cat can get along?

page 41 - what will the cat do now?

2.) Making a play stage: I would create a stage out of a shoe box by cutting out the front . I would have the scenery change in the background by using recycled seasonal calendars. I would only make the main characters which would be the bird and the cat out of plasticine or even get little toy figurines.
 

3.) The children and I would do the story as a play. We would act out the scenes as a group. 

Extension:
1.) We can discuss what the four seasons are and what happens in spring, summer, fall and winter. We can also learn the months and what seasons they fall under.

2.) We can go gather leaves from outside and do art work with them. You will need a white piece of paper, paintbrush and paint. Painting the leaves different colors, then sticking them on the white paper to see the imprint of the leaf as you lift it off.  Set aside to dry when finish.   

3.) We can get a book on the different types of birds that are around the world. Go on a nature walk and see if we can spot any birds that we might have learned.