Today is Perfect Picture Book Friday where I link up with Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic group of writers who contribute a picture book review and related resources every Friday.

But first,I want to announce the February PPP Reading Challenge picture book winner.  It was lovely to see what some of you were reading to your children.  I know how difficult it is to find the time to post your comments.  And the winner is….AngelaMarie…she is a very talented poet and artist as well as a mom.  Please take a minute and visit her beautiful blog: One-In-Creation.

And now, on to my Perfect Picture Book Friday selection.

When I first read this story several years ago, I decided to use it as one of the hundred picture books that are recommended in Show Me How! I followed the same procedure with One of the Problems of Everett Andreson as I had with all of the other books so that I could write to the author and illustrator and let them know how highly I regarded their book.  I searched the internet for contact information and found out that Lucille Clifton was a professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, in addition to being Maryland’s poet laureate.  Unfortunately, by the time my letter was routed through the proper channels, Ms. Clifton had passed away.  A copy of Show Me How sits on the shelves of the library at St. Mary’s College…a section of the dedication page reads: “Lucille Clifton (June 27, 1946 – February 13, 2010) American poet, writer, educator and author of One of the Problems of Everett Anderson.  She was a voice for children who had no one else to speak for them.”

One of the Problems of Everett Anderson

Written by Lucille Clifton

Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi

Publishers: Henry Holt and Company

Ages: 4 – 8

Themes:

Child abuse, helping others, friendship, boys

Opening:

“Everett Anderson sits at home wondering what he should say or do.”

Synopsis:  

Here is the summary from the Parents’ Choice Awards website:

–        This is author Lucille Clifton’s eighth book featuring a thoughtful, small black hero facing the everyday problems of growing up in a complex world. Here, sotto voce, she confronts the problem of child abuse as Everett Anderson makes a new friend at school and worries because, daily, Greg arrives with a new scar or bruise mark on his leg. Everett could tell his teacher, but “I’m afraid in case he asks me what I mean and I don’t know exactly.” He also doesn’t want “to make it bad for Greg or for his mom and dad.” Everett’s mother counsels her son to listen to Greg “and hug and hold his friend.” And the listener to this affecting tale has the feeling that Everett’s mother may try to help Greg in other ways. This is a book that could prove invaluable in initiating classroom discussions of a widespread problem that deserves wider recognition and attention.

Why do I like this book:

The illustrations are soft and compelling.  The text breaks your heart and makes you want to go out and save every unfortunate child who has to deal with abuse.  This is a widespread problem in our society…here is a book that can open the door to discussion and honest revelations.  We can empower young children, not only to speak up for themselves, but also to reach out and help others.

Related Activities:

Children love making their own books.  An activity like this one builds reading readiness skills in very young children and develops stronger literacy skills in older ones. 

You will need: One piece of construction paper, two or more pieces of white copy paper, markers or crayons, stapler or hole puncher and ribbon.

1.      Fold the construction paper in half…this is the cover for the book.  Help your child write the title of his book on the cover.

2.      Fold the pieces of white copy paper in half…insert into the cover and staple along the folded edge or use the hole puncher to make two or three holes through all the papers and string a piece of ribbon through and tie to hold the pages together.

3.      Your child is now ready to make his own storybook of friends.  Encourage your child to draw pictures of his friends on each page.

4.      Ask your child to tell you his story.

Children really get a thrill out of making their own books.   You can use this bookmaking activity in many other ways…have your child cut out pictures from magazines of foods he or she likes, animals, etc.  Your child will have a collection of handmade books that he or she can read to you.

Other activities:

Puppets definitely lend themselves to role-playing and could be used for a follow-up discussion of the book.

Young children love flannel board stories…teachers or counselors can encourage children to discuss this issue using flannel board figures.

This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susanna Leonard Hill.  Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities.

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