Today is Friday – I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go here.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner – I’m thankful to be closer to family and those I love. This year, my daughter and I will share the joy of cooking the family meal together.
My picture book choice echoes that theme.
LITTLE PIG JOINS THE BAND
Written and illustrated by David Hyde Costello
Publisher: Charlesbridge (2011)
Ages: 4 and up
Themes:
Self-esteem, family togetherness
Opening Lines:
“Sometimes Little Pig did not like being little, or even being called Little Pig.”
Synopsis:
From Amazon: “Little pig has trouble keeping up with his older–and bigger –brothers and sisters. When they get out Grandpa’s old marching-band instruments, Little Pig is too little to play any of them. But when the disorganized band has a pig-pile mishap, Little Pig has a BIG idea: They could use a leader.”
Why I like this book:
- Great read-aloud for younger children…older kids will enjoy reading it themselves
- Wonderful message about self-worth and being able to do important things even though you are small
- Fabulous illustrations
- Full of humor
How a parent can use this book:
- Great read-aloud
- Fun easy reader
- Opportunity for discussion about how each of us is of value
- Plan a family activity…a marching band, prepare a meal, do a craft project…and find a job for each member of the family, no matter how small.
Related Activities:
MAKE A DRUM
Photo courtesy:http://spoonful.com/crafts/coffee-can-drum
Your family can have their own marching rhythm band even if you don’t have ‘real’ instruments. Spoons clicked together (castinets) make a great sound as do two aluminum pie plates or pot covers (cymbals). Here’s a simple project from my book that will produce a great drum.
You will need: 1 cylindrical container with lid (oatmeal box or coffee can), construction paper, glue, markers, scissors.
- Let your child draw designs on the construction paper.
- Cut to fit around the box.
- Glue in place.
- Get a wooden spoon and let the music begin!
PLEASE STOP BY TOMORROW, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES #2
INTERVIEW WITH SUSANNA LEONARD HILL (and one of her favorite cookie recipes!)
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- Video: Ohio State Marching Band Conducts Stunning Movie-Themed Choreography (chicago.cbslocal.com)
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
This sounds like a fun one and we need to make a drum. I have a drum I picked up in Zimbabwe and Enzo likes to play with it. Looks like we can make one for him! Can’t wait for Susanna’s Cookie interview. I’m tied up most of Saturday, but will check in for it. Glad you are close to family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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I always look forward to your picks and the activities that follow. This sounds like a wonderful discussion book about every one has something important to contribute. Sounds like a fun read!
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I missed the opportunity to cook with my kids when they were small. I was too busy teaching them! Sounds like a fun book and activity, Vivian!
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Great activity and story, Vivian.
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I’ll have to get this one for my son who’s just taken up drum lessons. Thanks Vivian!
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Yea for Little Pig! Keeping up with older siblings is tough!
I’m going to get this for my great-niece, the youngest of four very talented girls.
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That sounds fun, Vivian. I’ve just recently got King Pig another great pig story. I love ‘pig pile mishap’
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Cute! Next year, at school, I *think* I’ll be joining the marching band. 🙂
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This sounds like a good one! Pig pile-up indeed! You are sure going to have a fun Thanksgiving this year! Yay!
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This sounds like a very sure book, Vivian! It’s hard to be the littlest 🙂 So glad you’re closer to your family for the holidays this year – it will be so wonderful! 🙂
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oops… that was supposed to be cute – I don’t know how it turned into sure 🙂
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This is so cute. I can’t believe I haven’t heard of it.
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This looks adorable. I have to read it. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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What a fun story! I’m so glad you brought it to our attention at Booknificent Thursday!
Tina
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