Concept Books 2

Lawler, J; Jay, A. If Kisses Were Colors. China (2003) Jacket Art.

            ISBN-10: 0803726171

If Kisses were colors is about how precious affection is in many ways; through family, friends and environment. This book is smooth and calm and portrays just enough affection for the children to understand. The pictures are delightful as well as the soft tone of colors and textures being used. The book goes in a slow motion which is very relaxing.

I would share this book with 3-5 year olds because it teaches them the importance of affection. A good example is when you associate with others and how they make you feel. Also, the flow of the story can help the children ease down and assist them when it is nap time.

The illustrations are designed perfectly for this story because; at the end everyone comes together. The illustrations are playful, calming and very accurate. The mood evokes calmness and relaxation for children and educators. Children would enjoy them because there are might be some pictures that children have not seen before and therefore many questions would be asked. Also, the size and color of the pictures evoke the purpose of the story.

Provocations:

§  Children can discuss what makes them happy and if they enjoy being kissed and hugged by their family.

Present the book in 3 ways:

§  While reading the story, there can be a pause and children can be asked “If Kisses Were…” and let them think about it and respond. They feel that they are being included in the story as well as their opinion being open and aware of.

§  Felt board- Create the answers to If Kisses Were Colors. The answers would be in felt provided by the educator. In order for the felt to go on the board, children can sit beside the teacher and offer to come up or the teacher can pause and do it herself.

§  An assortment of colors. As the book is being read, the colors are layed out and children can choose which color matches. Such as “With Flashes of Fire” could be orange, black, yellow…

Extensions:

§  Children can add on to the story through their drawings of how it made them feel. They can draw and use any materials they want. This can be added to a scrapbook that each child has of the time they are in that class.

§  Children can draw a large rainbow together. Underneath they can say, design or write the one person that always makes them happy, laugh, and smile. They can have more than one if there is. When this frames on the rainbow, it can be in the child’s favorite color which represents their individuality. The educator can have felts, pencil crayons, crayons or paint with a variety of colors for the children.

§  Children can have their own kisses portrayed on a large sheet of paper. Their favorite color can be put on their lips by using washable pain and they will kiss the paper. All of the different colors, shapes, and sizes will astound children. This can bring children together while understanding that each person will always have someone around them forever.