As lovely as summer is, fall in New England is definitely glorious. And there is something special about getting back to the routines. Kids are back in school and little ones at home need activities…what could be better than reading a Perfect Picture Book?
Today I’m thrilled to feature a story by tomorrow’s Will Write for Cookies author, Ana Crespo. It’s sweet, it’s funny, it multicultural—who could ask for more?
THE SOCK THIEF
Written by Ana Crespo
Illustrated by Nana Gonzalez
Publisher: Albert Whitman (2015)
Ages: 3-8
Themes: Problem solving, creativity
Opening Lines:
“In a small Brazilian town, Felipe leaves home earlier than usual. He walks a long way to school.”
Synopsis:
From Amazon:
“Brazilian boy Felipe doesn’t have a soccer ball. So, when it’s his turn to take one to school, he uses a little bit of creativity… and a few socks. Felipe is the sock thief, but finding socks is not that easy and the neighborhood pets make it even harder. “Au, au, au!” a dog barks in Portuguese. Felipe wonders if he’ll play soccer with his friends today or if he will be caught by a tattle-tale parrot? Along the way, Felipe leaves delicious mangoes in exchange for the socks he steals. After he swipes each pair, he twists and turns them into an ever-growing soccer ball. At the end of the day, he returns each pair of socks with a note to say thank you.”
Why I like this book:
- Simply wonderful text
- Engaging illustrations
- Appeals to a child’s sense of humor
- Multicultural
How a parent can use this book:
- Wonderful read aloud
- Great opportunity to talk about problem solving – you could even play a game with your child…what would you do if…?
Related Activity:
Paper Bag Bean Bag Toss
Photo courtesy: http://www.teachpreschool.org
I couldn’t find a picture of bean bags decorated like soccer balls, but it wouldn’t be difficult to use black marker or crayons on a white lunch bag. And filling them with socks instead of beans would be fun for kids to do.
For exact instructions, please go here: http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/02/paper-bean-bags/
For more awesome picture book reviews and activities, don’t miss Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday link up.
And please please please don’t forget to come back tomorrow to meet and greet our Will Write for Cookies guest:
ANA CRESPO
She’s got a lot to share…including a yummy Brazilian dessert!
See you tomorrow! We’ll also be announcing the email subscriber winner of a copy of Show Me How!
Wow, I want this diverse book! Such a great and creative story about a boy making soccer ball out of borrowed socks — and then returning them with a kind not. This is a great classroom story!
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Thank you, Patricia! I hope you enjoy it. Ana Crespo
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I love this story. I’ll see Ana at conference today! Have a great weekend.
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I’ve read this one and loved it! Quite a creative solution to a problem, isn’t it? Thanks for putting it in the spotlight!
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Thank you, Jilanne! I am glad you enjoyed it. And here is the thing about this solution… It’s actually something Brazilian kids do, so there’s a cultural non-fiction element right there. Have a great weekend! Ana
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I love the creativity (so very kid-like) and also the diversity. Thanks for introducing me to it.
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Thank you, Andrea! If you have kids in your life, visit my website for several activities related to the story: http://www.anacrespobooks.com. Happy Friday! Ana
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Wow! I hadn’t heard about this one yet. Sounds like a great book that I should be on the lookout for. Thanks, Vivian!
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Thank you, Sandy! I hope you enjoy the book. It was inspired by my father’s childhood stories, so people in Brazil actually make sock balls. My kids love them! And later I found out Americans made them too, but to play baseball in big cities – no risk of breaking any windows! Have a great Friday! Ana
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Vivian, the book looks amazing, but I’m also intrigued by the Bean Bag toss activity suggestion. I am SO trying this with my class families in some form or fashion. Thanks!
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Thank you, Barbara! Ana
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The cover is very appealing and the story sounds interesting and fun. I look forward to reading it!
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Hello Iza- Thank you! I love the cover too. Nana Gonzales does beautiful work. I hope you enjoy the story. All the best, Ana
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I like this story… and in the past have made hacky sacks from old socks. Nothing from a clothesline, though….
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Thank you, Sue! Have a great Friday! Ana
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Will customers come innto your possession, or do you want to check out them.
Strategic positioning of content is also important. Companies such
as this are generally quite affordable.
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