I’ve often said that the best learning and most meaningful experiences with children happen unexpectedly. And, it happens all the time, especially with picture books. You just have to seize the moment and be ready to let go of the scripted text, the one that’s in your head.
I’d like to tell you about two outstanding books where this happened, each with very different experiences:
The First Book
Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La… and Gaston. Yes, reading those words from Gaston, by Kelly DiPucchio to the children started it all. They cracked up (it really was funny), so I read it again. More laughing, and I laughed, too. The words in the text repeated the dogs’ names. I paused, looked at the children, and read the names again- this time with a voice and an accent. Well, we roared, together. I couldn’t stop laughing. My tears blocked seeing the words in the book.
Was this planned? Of course not. It just happened. Why was this important? It made their teacher (me) more human. It was a class bonding moment. If anyone was having a bad day, they weren’t any longer. Laughter is the best medicine. Next, we finished reading the book, and we learned a few impromptu words in French. Oui, oui.
The story is about Gaston, who is clearly not at all like his sisters, Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, and Ooh-La-La. The dogs meet another family, Rocky, Ricky, Bruno, and Antoinette, who is not like her brothers. The two mother dogs discuss what appears to be the obvious, a dog in each family that doesn’t belong:
It seems there’s been a terrible mistake. Whatever shall we do? I guess we’ll let them decide.
What happens next is a story of diversity, belonging, and love. Laced with humor, the book appeals to children and adults. It certainly appeals to my children! Belly laughing made it a memory. Oh, we now sing “Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La and Gaston” as a catchy tune.
The Second Book
Sometimes a simple text can be powerful. I discovered just that when I read aloud Life, by Cynthia Rylant. The book starts with these words:
Life begins small. Even for elephants. Then it grows. Beneath the sun. And the moon. Life grows.
Powerful, indeed. I read the words slowly, taking time to stop and let the words sink in, and show the illustrations. Children were silent. The story depicts not only the elephant, but many other animals. In a matter-of-fact way, it tells the tale of how things are not always easy. Life. Yet, there is always hope and wonder ahead as we go through life. The book ends with these words:
And it is worth waking up in the morning to see what might happen. Because life begins small. And grows.
When I finished reading to this silent group, I clutched the book to my chest and paused. I said, “I love life. What do I like the most?”
Long pause and thinking.
“Singing! I love singing. Everyone knows Jennie loves singing.”
And then I looked at all those little faces, looking at me. I knew what I needed to do; I asked each child what they love about life. I was stunned. I never expected to hear these answers:
- Allie: “Hearts and love.”
- Emmett: “Legos.”
- Lincoln: “Trees.”
- Tessa: “The moon.”
- Ella: “Dancing.”
- Lucca: “Santa.”
- Savannah: “Hearts.”
- Alex: “Rainbows.”
- Quinn: “Big hearts.”
- Kate: “My big sister.”
- Jayden: “Playing with Alex and Hunter.”
- Will: “My big brother.”
- Adam: “My Mom and Dad.”
My goodness!
No wonder this book has been recommended as an alternative to Dr. Seuss’ book, Oh the Places You’ll Go, as a graduation gift.
If you think books and words and stories aren’t powerful, think again. When you seize the moment as you read a book aloud, and follow your instinct and heart, you will make that book far more meaningful for children. Whether it is filled with humor or worldly advice, it really doesn’t matter. You will make that book come alive. You will make a difference.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Yes! My kids loved the dogs names too! Life is on my TBR list.
Wonderful! It is one of the best books I have read. I hope it wins the Newbery this year.
How wonderful it is to make the space for listeners to respond to words read aloud, to play and laugh together.
M
Thank you, Meg!
Beautiful reviews of the two books, Jennie and so pleasing to read for children. Children need to read such wonderful books for their overall growth. Great post.
Thank you so much! Yes, children do.
Welcome Jennie
Another heartwarming story about the power of words, reading, and learning.
I was pleased to read that Emmett like ‘Lego’ the most though. Someone should remind him of that answer, when he has a family of his own. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I’ll probably tell Emmett’s family and the other parents so they can have that memory. Best to you, Pete.
Those children will remember those moments with you and the books the rest of their lives.
Thank you, GP. I hope they do!
I wonder if these books would help some adults I know…
Ha! Probably so! 😀
I love the answers the children gave when you asked what they loved most about life. It is amazing what is important to them. Two excellent books to read aloud.
Thanks, Darlene. Amazing answers for sure. Have you read the books?
Not yet!
🙂
Beautifully said, Jennie!! I love life, too, especially with young children!!
Thank you, Lisa. Children and stories are a recipe for happiness in life.
Oh how I wish I’d had a teacher like you, Jennie. You not only understand children, but you also inspire them. They will never forget you ❤
Awww… that is so nice, Tina. Thank you! 😊
My niece and nephew loved when I read aloud to them on long car trips. They have a love of words now because of those moments.
Wonderful! 🙂
You’re absolutely right, Jennie, to help the children learn, sometimes you just have to get out of the way!
Exactly!
This sounds like a marvelous book, Jennie. I will have to find a copy.
The two books have great themes and I am so glad you shared them, Jennie. I really enjoyed Cynthia Rylant as an author. I enjoyed the laughter in your classroom! Fun times and always good memories. 😊🙂😊
Good books create fun times with children. These two are terrific!
Yes, they look and sound delightful! Thanks again, Jennie!
Gorgeous post, Jennie. I would have loved playing with those dogs’ names too. Sounds like a delightful book. But I really love the sound of “Life” and these words at the end: “And it is worth waking up in the morning to see what might happen. Because life begins small. And grows.” What a book filled with hope for all of us. I’m ordering copies right now. Thank you. 🙂
Thank you, Norah. These books stand out above the rest, each in very different ways. I love the last words, too. They truly speak to hope. 🙂
Some books just seem to speak straight to our hearts, don’t they?
They certainly do. Aren’t we the lucky ones!
Indeed!
Thanks for sharing this fun and informative post Jennie. I’m bookmarking for my little great niece 🙂
You’re welcome, Debby. Your nieces will love the books. 🙂
I know! 🙂
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Thanks once more for letting us sit in on your classroom, Jennie. These kids are so fortunate to have an adult in their life who is clearly enjoying her career. I’m sure more than one child brought home a story of how their teacher laughed so hard she cried. 🙂 An adult who respects children and treats them as equals is truly a wonderful thing. As for Dan’s comment, yes, there are many adults who could learn a thing or two from picture books!
My goodness, Marcia. Thank you for your kind and wise words. Treating children with respect and equality is enormous. There’s no me-and-you-wall. When I read to children on this level, wonderful things happen. Yes, children go home and tell stories about Jennie. Actually, that inspired me to write newsletters to parents, explaining learning and what we do. Those newsletters were the foundation for my blog. So, reading aloud is grounded in what I know to be #1 for children. And, Dan is so right!!
Outstanding commentary, Jennie!
Thank you, Steve!
Great post! Thank you!
You are welcome, Hannah. Glad you liked the post!
Reblogged this on Notes from An Alien and commented:
I can’t help it…
I must share some of the last words of today’s re-blog—to encourage you to read it all 🙂
“If you think books and words and stories aren’t powerful, think again. When you seize the moment as you read a book aloud, and follow your instinct and heart, you will make that book far more meaningful for children.”
Thank you so much, Alexander. 🙂