Celebrating World Read-Aloud Day with Eric Carle

Posted on February 28, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Eric Carle Alert: A new Eric Carle book is in the works. You can visit his website for more info. http://www.ericcarleblog.blogspot.com.au/

Why do I mention this? Because Wednesday is World Read Aloud Day and Eric Carle picture books are perfect for reading aloud. With that in mind, and because today is Perfect Picture Book Friday (over at Susanna Leonard Hill), my perfect picture book choice today is an older Eric Carle story.

“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth

Written and illustrated by Eric Carle

Foreward by Jane Goodall

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. (2002)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes:

Be yourself, diversity, animals of the jungle, getting along, self-esteem, enjoy life (stop and smell the roses)

Opening Lines:

“Slowly, slowly, slowly, a sloth crawled along a branch of a tree. Slowly, slowly, slowly, the sloth fell asleep. Slowly, slowly, slowly, the sloth woke up.”

Synopsis:

In a jungle in South America, the other animals question the way of the sloth. The anteater says he is boring. The jaguar says he is lazy. The howler monkey says he is slow. Finally, the sloth answers them, giving them a dozen synonyms for slow and quiet and boring. He admits that he is lackadaisical, mellow, placid, lethargic, laid-back and tranquil because he likes to live in peace. “That’s just how I am.”

Why I like this book:

In the style of The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth celebrates our right to be who we are. Without making excuses, the sloth accepts his personna and embraces it. What a wonderful story for both parent and child to read together…what a wonderful opportunity to talk about how we are each different and how that very diversity contributes to the beauty of the world.

The illustrations are bold, a kaliediscope of color collages…exactly what we would expect from an Eric Carle book. The text is simple and effective…and the section where the sloth gives over a dozen synonyms for slow, quiet and boring is fantastic…kids will LOVE those big words: lackadaisical, lethargic, sluggish, languid…oh my, what fun…and learning all the time!

How a parent can use this book:

The story addresses friendship, diversity, pride in oneself, awareness of one’s own values and strengths. The foreward, by the famous Jane Goodall, relates some of her experiences with sloths in the jungles and rainforests of South America I did not know that sloths sleep nineteen hours out of twenty-four…and that they are basically silent creatures who occasionally comment on life with a small sigh, ‘ah-ee’. Sleeping nineteen hours out of twenty-four…that sounds like a spa vacation to me.

Related Activities:

Eric Carle is famous for his collage illustrations. Why not do a collage with your child?

Photo courtesy Melissa Iwai, author/illustrator of Soup Day and illustrator of Hush Little Monster: http://thehungryartist.wordpress.com/2010/03/24/collage-crafts-for-kids/

You will need:

One piece of construction paper, several pieces of other paper/fabric/tissue paper/giftwrap/newspaper/magazine/wallpaper swatches, glue, scissors, markers or crayons.

Let your child decide what the picture will be…a person, a landscape, a jungle filled with animals. Or, perhaps your child prefers to just cut or tear and paste his own design.
If your child wishes to make a specific picture, he might want to draw the picture on the construction paper first, before cutting or tearing the collage pieces.
Cut or tear the paper/fabric/newspaper/etc and glue on the construction paper.

More about Eric Carle here: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/slowly-slowly-slowly-said-sloth

And here: http://www.ericcarleblog.blogspot.com.au/

More collage activities here: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/collagesartscraftsideasprojectskids.html

And more here: http://www.artsandcraftsforkids.co.uk/collage-crafts-for-kids.html

They say good things come in threes.. .I just noticed that my blog has 300 followers. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO READS MY POSTS…AND TO THOSE WHO COMMENT…I REALLY DO APPRECIATE IT. Also, Tuesday, March 5, I am joining author/educator Susan Case for a #SpringintoEducation Google Hangout…we are going to be chatting about how educators can positively influence their students. And Monday, March 4, will be Michelle Obama’s first #letsmove #firesidechat Google+ Hangout. Individuals were invited to submit a video question for possible inclusion…here’s mine: http://youtu.be/7u1X8dOnpzc

Mrs. Obama’s goal is to create awareness and find answers to help our children live a healthier lifestyle. My book provides many of those answers…please check out it out…you’ll find quick and easy healthful recipes that your kids will enjoy preparing with you as well as lots of other simple activities and great picture book suggestions. Click this link to purchase a copy

Eric Carle and iPad Babies (acvoice.com)
A Call for Caterpillars (theartsroom.org)
BIG, BIG News! | GRANDES, GRANDES Notícias! (msc4art-books.blogspot.com)
Start A Library: Books for Baby’s First Year (apartmenttherapy.com)
10 Awesome kids’ books and magazines (tinytimes.com)

39 thoughts on “Celebrating World Read-Aloud Day with Eric Carle”

Stacy S. Jensen on February 28, 2013 at 10:57 pm said:

We love Eric Carle books in our house. But, haven’t read this one. Thanks for the heads up and thanks for the feedback at critique group. I’ll send you notes sometime this weekend.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:11 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Stacy! I love our critique group! You left before Jeanine did hers, right? She actually did two…a short one…and a longer one called: ‘Ms. V’s Very Big Trip’…it was hilarious…all about me and my anxiety about going to Singapore…and she even did an illustration! What fun. I’ll bring it to the next meeting so you can see it.Eric Carle is one of my favorite author/illustrators…and reading about him, I found out that when he came here, Leo Lionni was his mentor. What luck!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
tiny sartorialist on February 28, 2013 at 11:05 pm said:

I hadn’t seen the sloth book before!! My new obsession!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:15 pm said:
  
  So happy you stopped by. Yes, this was one I hadn’t heard of…you will love it! I adore how the sloth answers the other animals…maybe parents and educators can take a lesson from this and pass it along to kids…be who you are…and be proud of it!! One of the words he uses to describe himself is ‘unflappable’…that is what we must be when we submit manuscripts..or perhaps when we get the response, I think.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Krista on March 1, 2013 at 12:15 am said:

“Without making excuses, the sloth accepts his personna and embraces it. What a wonderful story for both parent and child to read together…what a wonderful opportunity to talk about how we are each different and how that very diversity contributes to the beauty of the world.” Great lesson for teens too. Thank you, Vivian.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:20 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Krista, for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment. When I first picked up the book, I didn’t realize what a powerful and important message it had. After reading through it, I feel in love with it…and plan to use it for story-time school visits next semester…I’ll bet most of the kids and teachers have never heard it. Gotta love picture books for all ages, right?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
cyclingrandma on March 1, 2013 at 5:08 am said:

I’ve always loved his work and art. Love reading these to the grandkids.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:21 pm said:
  
  Hurray for Eric Carle…and an even bigger hurray for grandkids, Lisa! Love your comment.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
readingwithrhythm on March 1, 2013 at 8:59 am said:

Eric Carle books are always favorites!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:22 pm said:
  
  Yes, I agree…I haven’t met an Eric Carle book I didn’t love.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Catherine Johnson on March 1, 2013 at 11:20 am said:

That is a great lesson for kids, Vivian. Good luck with the Google+ debate, how fun!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:22 pm said:
  
  Thanks for the encouragement, Catherine. I’ll let you know how it goes.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
julie rowan zoch on March 1, 2013 at 12:03 pm said:

I like reading the title aloud, over and over, ever slower! Thanks for recommending this one. I thought I’d read almost all the Carle books – good thing I haven’t!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:24 pm said:
  
  And now he has a new one on the way.:) Remember that Kevin Costner movie, “If You Build It, They Will Come”? Well, I guess with Eric Carle we might say, ‘If he writes it, we will read it.” 🙂 Glad I gave you a new one to enjoy, Julie!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Patricia Tilton on March 1, 2013 at 12:39 pm said:

I love th message in this book for kids and adults! And, a great discussion book on acceptance and differences. As always, you have great activities.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:26 pm said:
  
  And, as always, you leave a lovely encouraging comment. Thank you, Pat…I appreciate your words…glad you enjoyed the post.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Kirsten Larson on March 1, 2013 at 2:05 pm said:

Eric Carle is such a classic. My children enjoy him as much as I did.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:28 pm said:
  
  That’s what makes a classic, I guess…every generation in turn can enjoy it because it is timely and timeless. Maybe one day we will write those.:) Glad you liked this one, Kirsten.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Tracy Campbell on March 1, 2013 at 6:43 pm said:

It would be nice to be a slouth for just one day. I always love how you tie the book reviews to activities for kids! 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:29 pm said:
  
  You are pretty terrific at that as well, Tracy! Thanks for always stopping by and being so positive.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Tracy Campbell on March 1, 2013 at 7:41 pm said:
    
    🙂 You’re a good role model to follow. 🙂
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
    - viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 7:43 pm said:
      
      Now I am blushing…I’m happy you feel that way, Tracy.:)
      
      LikeLike
      
      Reply ↓
reshamad on March 1, 2013 at 9:14 pm said:

Great Post! we loved reading this book and its a great way to celebrate the day 🙂
-Reshama
http://www.stackingbooks.com

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 1, 2013 at 9:23 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, Reshama! I’m loving the activity on Google+ in the #parenting and #kidlit sector. When parents and teachers get excited, they communicate that passion to the kids. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
thiskidreviewsbooks on March 2, 2013 at 7:32 am said:

This sounds like a book with a GREAT message! 😀

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 2, 2013 at 12:34 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Eric! It is…and I truly love how the sloth describes himself.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Joanna on March 2, 2013 at 7:44 am said:

Oh my, I’m an Eric Carle fan and haven’t read this one. Thank you so much for pointing it out to me.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 2, 2013 at 1:30 pm said:
  
  Glad I found it, Joanna! That’s one of the things I love so much about PPBF…it’s a great way to discover new books and rediscover older ones.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Miranda Paul on March 2, 2013 at 7:54 am said:

Ooooh, fun. I love anything animal, and my daughter did an amazing Eric Carle collage recently. Thank you for sharing this one, it’s now on my reading list!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 2, 2013 at 10:31 am said:
  
  Glad you liked this one, Miranda! Collage is one of those inexpensive, express-your-creativity, I-can-do-it-myself activities for kids of all ages…and obviously, adults as well…as Eric Carle shows us.:) By the way, thanks so very much for the positive and insightful feedback on my Visitors to Deep Pool RYS entry…I shared it with my little local SCBWI critique group and they helped me see exactly what you meant about putting it in stanza format…you rock, Miranda!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
nrhatch on March 2, 2013 at 8:40 pm said:

Wonderful share, Vivian. I really like the message of that book . . . and the collage project.

Here’s to being WHO and HOW we are. 😀

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 2, 2013 at 9:28 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Nancy…glad you liked the message and craft! It’s a great book for kids AND their parents.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Beth Stilborn on March 3, 2013 at 10:27 am said:

Wonderful message in the book — so important for all to remember. And LOVE all the big words!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 3, 2013 at 2:46 pm said:
  
  The big words were one of my favorite parts of the book…like having a super vocab lesson in the middle of a picture book! Glad you enjoyed it, Beth.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
jakesprinter on March 3, 2013 at 4:30 pm said:

Amazing books and artwork Vivian ,Thanks for sharing 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Pingback: World Read-Aloud Day: Tips on Reading Aloud to Young Children | Positive Parental Participation
nrhatch on March 8, 2013 at 7:27 am said:

Susanna just did a post about another sloth book! I think the Universe is telling me to take the day off. 😉

http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2013/03/perfect-picture-book-friday-little-book.html

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- viviankirkfield on March 8, 2013 at 4:36 pm said:
  
  So funny, Nancy…and I saw she mentioned that someone else did one as well…I haven’t read the other posts yet.I agree…perhaps it is an important omen that must be obeyed. Power off! pens and pencils down! Time to just BE.:)
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Pingback: Maria’s Mysterious Mission…Hiking the Colorado Rockies with John Fielder | Positive Parental Participation