Wordless Picture Books

Pinkney .J (2009). The lion & the mouse.. Singapore: Hachette book group

ISBN 978-0-316-01356-7

The story is wonderful tail of what you do to others can be done to you. The lions saves the mouse in the begining, by one not letting the owl take the mouse and two not keeping the mouse when he captured her.The mouse makes it safely back to her large family, but the lion on the other hand cats caught in a net set by a hunter and is roaring for help. Amd who hears him, mouse and she comes and rescues the lion and both are free and safe and get to go back to their families.
This book is really good for 3-5 year old children because  it has good concepts that i think the children will grow to understand through exploration of the book . The children will be able to see if they help others that most likely others will help them back.

Provocations
1. Having the picture on the wall of the front cover and the back cover so children can get comfortable with the illustratuions and what will happen in the book. Even if the children pay little attention to the pictures they will still be able to connect it together when the story is read to them.
2.Have lion and mouse stuffies and toys spred throughout the room for the child to play and explore the concepts of the animals.

Three possible ways to present the story.
1. Tell the story throught puppets.
2.Get the children to give both the lion and the mouse a voice througout the book while we explore the story.
3. Use a felt board or a magnetic board to tell the story so teh children can have another visual story and a chance to make the story their own.

Three possible extensions
1.The story looks like it is set in an  african setting so the class can look at african animals like lions,zebras and elephants and make up their own safari.
2.The children can put on a play about the story and we can get them an audience of other children or even parents to see what thier children are learning. The children could have complete control of how the play changes and how the children interprete what the story means to them.
3. The children can make their own stories about animals or what they are passionate about and, then the teachers can laminate them and make them so all the children and parents have a chance to read the stories. When the other children rad the stories they can understand a bit about each and every person.

Wordless Picture Books

Fleischman. P & Hawkes.K (2004) Sidewalk Circus. Cambridge.MA. Candlewick press

ISBN 0-7636-1107-7

This story is about a circus that is suposed to be coming to town. And in the begining a young girl is waiting  and while she is waiting there is a circus going on right before her eyes with regular everyday people as the circus performers.At the end of the story when the young girls circus is finished, she leaves and is replaced by a boy, who begins to see a circus of his own.
I think this story is good for 3-5 year old children because the whole story is about imagination and creativity, which young children have an abundence of both. The way the illustrator creates wonder is very well planned and will keep the children interested throughout the story.

Provocations
1. one provocation that can be done with this book is the teacher can take photcopies of the shadows and place them throughout the room, and allow the children to explore the shadows to gain a better understanding.
2. The teacher can place admit one tickets around the room for the children to find and keep and when the time comes for the story the teacher can collect them and admit them into the circus.

Three ways to present the story.
1. Read the stroy and allow wonder on each page by asking them what they see or if they have ever been to a circus and what they enjoyed about it.
2.Make a magnetic board with people doing circus acts, like the local people in the book.
3. Have the children act out the story and become the circus performers themselves.

Three possible extensions
1. Taking the children on a field trrip to a circus to see if the book is similar to the actuall thing or if it is differnt then the book.Or we can have a circus of our own and let the children run their circus.
2.Since the book uses alot of shadows a good extension would be to explore shadows, by having the children trace each others shadows and even to create shadow creatures with their hands on the wall.
3. Another possible extension that could be done is  take the children on a walk to see if there are any circus performers on our streets or if its just in the book. The children would then therefore be able to make connections from the book and what they see.

Wordless Picture Books

Hogrogian. N (2009). cool cat. NY: Roaring Brook

ISBN-13:978-1-59643-429-5
ISBN-10:1-59643-429-5

This book is a very sweet book about a cat "cool cat" who is tired of living in a dirty barren wasteland. So cool cat decides that he will paint a paradise, so off he goes painting and throughout the book many of the other animals come to help cool cat paint the paradise,That will be for everyone who wants to live or play in the beautiful paradise they all helped to paint.
I found that the illustrator of the book really captured the story, so all the pictures look as if cool cat has painted them himself, and that is one reason I believe that this story is good for 3-5 year old children, because they can make the connection that cool cat has made the book himself. Also I believe that the book is perfect for this age group is because they get to see all the animals working together and everyone one is happy when they reached the goal they desired.

Provocations
1. Paint brushes can be placed around the room where they normally are not suposed to be, same with photocopied pictures of cool cat can be stuck all around the room so the children can see these objects and explore them.
2.A big picture of the barren wasteland can be put up in the morning before the children arrive so they can see it when they are playing, then while the children are sleeping at nap time the picture can be changed from the wasteland to the paradise so again the children can see it while they are playing. Then when the story is read to them they can make the connection between the picture and the book.

Three ways to present the story.
1. Read the story with the children and encourage them to ask questions and wonder (each page can be used for wondering)
2. Act out the story and how all the animals are working together nicely to reach their final goal.
3.I think this story can easily be done as a felt board, the characters are simple enough that they can be made by the teacher or animals can be collected from many differnt felt stories and brought into this one.

Extensions
1. One extension that can be done with the children is that we can teach them about keeping their enviorment clean and a happy place for everyone. One way this can be done is by teaching them about recycling or taking them on a nature walk to explore and taking in the beauty of our world.
2. This book is really good for doing a big group project, that involves everyone. One big project that can be done is story, where each child gets a page to decorate and when its all finished we can put them all together and then have the children each take a turn telling the story. Or the same idea of a group project the children can all do a big piece of artwork that they can hang on the wall so they can see it and the teacher can encourage the children to make a story about their artwork that they can tell their partents.
3.Because there are many animals in this story, one option is doing a theme on animals and there natural habitats. One way the children can learn about this is by going on a walk to a pet store and learning about the animals in the store, but on the way to the store they can look to see if they see any animals, and if they know what they are and anything else about them.

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.

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.

Wordless Picture Books

King, S.M (2008). Leaf. NY: Roaring Brook.

ISBN-13: 978-1-59643-503-2, ISBN-10: 1-59643-503-8

This wordless story is about a boy who is having fun playing, refuses to have any attention in grooming his hair. When his mom approaches him to comb or even cut his hair he runs away. A red bird comes along and drops a seed on his head. After awhile the seed begins to grow and a leaf appears out of his head. The boy starts to develop a relationship with the plant and learns how to nurture it by giving the plant sunlight and water with the help of his dog. One morning the mom decides to give the boy a haircut. The little boy is saddened as he is separated from plant, he then goes and plants it up on the hill. As times passes by, the leaf turns into a beautiful big tree. As the dog sitting under the tree a little red bird plops a seed on his head. 

I would use this book for three to five-year olds because it has a wonderful concept behind the story. It is a great wordless book that the kids could use their imagination on what would happen next. It may get the children to think about nature and how to take care of our earth. The illustration is outlined with black ink and the artist is uses watercolors. The colors used give the pictures a nice earthy feel to it. Also, when looking at each illustration you mind wonders to what will happen next.

Provocations:

In the morning when all the children get in or even during circle time I would present the children with a small plant. I would then ask the children how a plant grows or if they could tell me anything about it. Or during circle time I would show the children the cover of the book and ask them why the little boy has a leaf growing out of his head.

Ways to present the story: 
1.) When showing the book I would turn the pages slowly so the children can use their imagination to what would happen next. . I would stop and wonder on:

page 14 - when the leaf is growing out of the boys head. I would wonder could we grow a leaf out of our heads?

page 43 - I would stop the book here, it’s when the mother cuts the boys hair all off along with the leaf. I would wonder with the children what would happen next. I wonder what will happen to the leaf, and what they will do with it? Then after discussing with the children I would resume reading the book.  

page 49 - I would wonder if the plant would still be able to grow?

 2.) I would use a felt board and have a photocopy/laminated cut out of the main props. Putting a bit of felt on the back of the images so it can stick to the felt board. I would need an image of the boy, his hair, dog, bird, the boy’s mom, water jug, sun, tree, and a leaf. And we would tell the story as a group.

 3.) Using a cookie tin with magnetic figures to move around. Have the figures photocopied and laminated then put a magnet on the back of it. The pieces I would use as my main prop is of the boy, his hair, dog, bird, the boys mom, water jug, sun, tree, and a leaf. I would tell the story or if the children wanted to tell the story.

Extensions:
1.) Have a discussion on how to begin planting and how we are able to nurture them. What essentials are required to making a plant grow and keeping it alive and healthy. Learn about different types of leafs; their shapes, sizes and how they colors change with different seasons.

2.) Get the children to draw or paint a portrait of themselves and have something growing out of their head. The children don’t have to draw a leaf, they can use their imagination and pick whatever they like.

3.) Start a garden outside where the children can have hands on experience of how to plant flowers, vegetables, or trees. Or we can do it indoor using individual pots with soil in it and plant a lentil seed.

Wordless Picture Books

Jay, A. (2008) Welcome to the zoo. New York: Dial Books

ISBN# 978-0-8037-3177-6

This story is about a family who goes to the zoo on a sunny afternoon. They walk through the zoo filled with animals not in cages, as they walk the father takes pictures of the events going on.

I think children ages 3-5 would enjoy this book not only because of the great illustrations but also because what child doesn’t like animals. I also think even the youngest of children would catch onto the recurring items on each page. There is a game that goes along with the pictures; it has a list in the back of the book with all the items to be found. Another neat thing about this book is on the back cover you can see the photos the father in the story took throughout their walk around the zoo. 

Provocations:

-          Show pictures of some of the animals children might not already know about. Photos could just be photo copied out of the book, and either show to the children directly before reading, or by placing them in different areas around the room.

-          The children could have a discussion about different animals they may have seen or have at home as pets.  

3 ways to present: 

1)      Read and find all the items in the back of the book.

2)      Felt board: photos could be photo copied out of the book and made into felt bored pieces.

3)      Story Basket: All that would be needed would be a mother, father, two children, and some animals. These items could be found at any dollar store or toy store.

3 extensions:

1)      Taking photos: Children could be given their own cameras to use in the classroom or on a walk to the park or around the block.

2)      An animal unit could be started after reading this book, learning about each individual animal group at a time.

3)      The children could go on a field trip to the zoo.

Wordless Picture Books

Varon, S. (2006). Chicken and Cat. New York: Scholastics Press.

ISBN#: 0-439-63406-7

This story is about two friends, Chicken and Cat who wander around New York City for the day. Cat is visiting from the country; they do all sorts of things and go to all sorts of places. The two friends realize the city needs some more color, and decide to go buy some seeds.

I think 3-5’s would find this book interesting because of the illustrations and the different animals you see wondering throughout the streets in the story. The illustrations in this story are really neat because the author shows where Cat is looking through the use of simple dotted lines. I also think that this would help the younger children understand what to look at.  

Provocations:

-          A small boat and toy fishing rods could be put out in the middle of the room after nap or snack time.

-          Seed packets and flowers in pots could be placed out on the since table either when they arrive that morning or after naptime. The children could look at the seeds and flowers and talk about how they think the seeds turn into flowers.

3 ways to present:

1.      Read the story and wonder

2.      Puppets: Puppets could be hand made by using the gingerbread man pattern. ­­­­Chicken and Cat could be made that way, while the background could be made many ways. With pictures from the internet or a calendar, the pictures could also be drawn as the story is being told on large paper.

3.      Story Vine: key photos to be photo copied and laminated. Those photos would include, but are not imitated to: Cat arriving at the bus depot, Chicken and Cat arrive at Chicken’s house, Chicken and Cat riding bikes, Chicken and Cat getting ice cream, Chicken and Cat riding their bikes home in the dark, Cat laying in bed, Chicken and Cat at the fair, Chicken shows Cat a flower in the window, Cat looking in the window at the flower, Chicken and Cat buying the seeds, Chicken and Cat planting the seeds, Chicken and Cat watering and looking at the seeds, Chicken and Cat looking at the flowers.  

Wonders:

-          I wonder where Cat was coming from(p.1)

-          I wonder where Chicken an­d Cat are going? (p.2)

-          I wonder what this building is? (p.5)

-          I wonder why cat is looking at that fence? (p.6)

-          I wonder what flavor ice cream they are getting? (p.11)

o   Say to the children: turn to your neighbor and tell them your favorite flavor of ice cream  

-          I wonder if Chicken and Cat will catch any fish? (p.19/20)

-          I wonder why Cat looks sad? (p.21/22)

Extensions

1)      Project: The children could plant flowers either in pots or outside if the center has a garden.

2)      Art Project: The children could draw or paint pictures of flowers from the book, their own gardens at home or even just their favorite flower. This could also be done after the flower planting project, children could paint pictures of before and after the flower grows, blooms or has any other changes.

3)      Outside Activity: The children could bring their bikes and have a bike parade (This may not work for all centers, also not all age groups. Children should be allowed to bring tricycles, scooters, wagons or anything with wheels.)