We have a winter wonderland here in New Hampshire. I’m sure the Presidential candidates aren’t thrilled with having to stump around in all of this snow in preparation for the primary…but it sure is pretty to look at.

Photo courtesy: David Lane – http://www.unionleader.com

With the Presidential debates a nightly news item, the subject of leadership has been on my mind. And when I came across The Rooster Prince of Breslov, I knew it would be my Perfect Picture Book Friday choice this week.

The Rooster Prince of Breslov

Written by Ann Redisch Stampler

Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

Publisher: Clarion Books (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – 2010)

Ages: 5-8

Themes: Leadership, humor, Jewish folktale

Opening Lines:

In Breslov, there lived a prince who had more than he wanted. When he was hungry for a scrap of bread, he got a slice of cake dripping with honey. When he asked for a raisin, he was given a silver bowl of candied plums.

Synopsis:

From School Library Journal: “When the prince rips off his clothes and insists on crouching naked on the floor and crowing like a rooster, the king and queen offer a bag of gold to anyone who can cure him. The doctor, the magicians, and the sorcerers all fail. Yet a frail old man with a very peculiar plan turns the rooster prince into a real mensch (thoughtful person), full of compassion and ready to become a wise and benevolent king. Stampler’s witty retelling and Yelchin’s imaginative, graphite and gouache illustrations bring to life this well-loved Yiddish folktale from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810).”

Why I like this book:

• This is an exceptionally funny story…with a wonderful lesson.
• Children will enjoy pointing out the clues to what is going to happen next.
• The lyrical language had me from the first sentence. And the illustrations are quirky, colorful, and exceedingly awesome!

How a parent can use this book:

• There is a lot going on in each picture…have your child retell the story to you, just from the illustrations.
• The story can be a springboard for a discussion about what we really need, having too much, and the importance of verbalizing how we feel.

Related Activities

Make a Rooster

Photo courtesy: http://learncreatelove.com/printable-rooster-craft/

For detailed directions, please visit: http://learncreatelove.com/printable-rooster-craft/

If you are looking for some more wonderful picture book reviews and activities, please visit Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.

And if you are looking for a fun-filled writingw contest with lots of great prizes, join in Susanna’s First Annual Pretty Much World Famous Valentiny Contest…entries must be 214 words or less, appropriate for kids ages 12 and under, contain a character who is grumpy. The deadline is next week…click on the link to hop over and find out all the details: http://susannahill.com/2016/01/18/oh-boy-were-going-to-have-some-fun-now/

By the way, I wanted to let you all know that this month we are having a special treat…TWO…that’s right…TWO Will Write for Cookies posts!!!

On Sunday, February 14^th…VALENTINE’S DAY, we’ll have the incredible Dianna Aston, picture book writer extraordinaire and love in a bottle activist, gracing our page…with a special GIVEAWAY of one of her books!

And then, at our regularly scheduled 3^rd Saturday of the month spot, we are honored to have as our guest the multi-talented, multi-cultural singer-songwriter Daria Marmaluk Hajioannou who shares music with children all around the globe.

There will also be a special post on Monday with my entry into Susanna’s Valentiny Contest. I’ll be working on it this weekend.

Any special plans for you all this weekend? Hope it is a joyous one!