Wordless Picture Books

Aruego. J & Dewey. A (2006)The Last Laugh. NY: Dail Books for Young Readers

ISBN 0-8037-3093-4

This story is about a bully who has finally met his match. In a unique and creative way it is shown how a simple duck has put up a fight against a terrible snake in a funny and comedic way. Throughout the story the snake is doing childish pranks. Sneaking up to scare his victims and having a good laugh. When the snake hisses at the duck, he goes straight into the snake’s mouth and down his belly. Being inside the snake, the duck takes this opportunity to play a prank on him by quacking every time the snake opened his mouth. This led to everyone laughing at him including his own friends. When the duck flies out of the snake’s mouth he then sneaks up behind him and quacks as loud as he can, frightening the snake.

This book is great for all ages but it would work best for three to five-year olds due to the concept of the story what it’s trying to provoke. It shows that when you bully someone it can back fire. The book uses vivid illustrations that cleverly tells the story and keeps the children's minds engaged while building a repertoire of independent play activities.

Provocation:

At circle time I would discuss how ducks differ from other birds. Hand out a printout of a snake with the main parts label and ask the children to color them.

Ways to present the story:

1.) Use of simple sound effects to create the setting for the story and develop the events leading up. This will also help children to identify vocabulary that can be used for building transitions within a story. Asking the children what kind of a sound a duck makes, etc. I would stop and wonder on:

Page 5 - what animal will be next that the snake tries to scar?

Page 9 - how will the duck come out? Or will he be able to come out?

Page 19 - what will happen next?

2.) Have hand puppets prepared ahead of time helps children understand the basics of storytelling. It also adds more dimension to the storytelling and helps children in remembering the details in the plot which is helpful with retelling the tales.

3.) Incorporate musical instruments to make storytelling fun and creative. Gives the children a chance to learn different instruments while using their imagination.  

Extension:

1.) The book can lead into some interesting discussions about birds, snakes and bullying.

2.) Having the children observe what is happening in the book and listening to what the other students have to say will help strengthen the children’s' acquisition skills.

3.)Asking the children key questions such as who, what, where, when and why will help them generate more details from the plot.