Welcome back! If you were with us
last week, you will remember we talked about two friends who were mice. Today,
we have another story that revolves around two mice friends, as well. But there
is a little twist at the end!
How
did you guys like this week’s book, Chester’s Way?
Billie:
I really enjoyed Chester’s Way. My favorite part of the book was when
the author introduced us to Lilly, “the queen”. The book starts out with two
boy mice that are best friends and they do everything the same way, but in
comes Lilly. She marched to the beat of her own drum. For instance, she talked
backwards to herself so other people couldn’t understand.
Cami:
I thought the book was really sweet. There was a great part in the book where
Lilly stands up for the boys and runs off some bullies.
What
type of literature is Kevin Henkes’s book?
Billie:
Chester’s Way is a work of fiction, because it is an imaginary
narrative.
Cami:
There are a few different types of fiction, but this book falls under fantasy.
Because the story is all about talking mice! And a book just needs one “magical
event” to be considered as fantasy.
Would
you say there were any negatives about the book?
Cami:
Repetitiveness is great for children’s books, but this one was a little much.
It told the same story multiple times and it didn’t really add anything to the
value of the book.
Billie:
I think that because he repeated himself so much, the book dragged on and had
the potential to lose children’s interest.
Do
you think you might consider adding this book to your classroom library?
Billie:
No. Like I mentioned before, I don’t
think kids would find it interesting.
Cami:
Of course! Chester and Wilson, the boy mice, only associated with each other at
the beginning of Chester’s Way. When Lilly moved in, they did not accept
her at all. She was just too different and they were judgmental. Then, when
Lilly saved the day, the boys learned that they could be friends with her too!
So it teaches children to accept each other, even if they are different.
If you are looking for a book to
help children learn about diversity and accepting others, this is a perfect
book for your classroom! Children will really enjoy getting to know all three
characters and can probably identify with at least one of them because they are
so diverse. But because Chester’s Way is so repetitive, it is not really
appropriate for the older children.
I really like the way that both of you go back and forth in conversation about the story. I feel that writing your blog this way makes it more engaging and keeps the reader wanting to read more in order to find out your personal opinion of the story. I would add this story to my classroom if I was teaching a lower grade. I think that younger children like to read books with repetition because they know what is coming and what to expect which makes it easier and more enjoyable for them to read. But that is just my opinion. Great job on your blog guys!
ReplyDeleteRepetition helps children so they can guess what comes next and stay connected with the book and what is going on. If there is too much going n the children will get lost, so this book will keep them engaged. I agree with you on that this book will teach children to be accepting and will be a good one to read in the classroom.
ReplyDelete~Olivia
I really enjoyed your blog! I can remember this book from my early childhood. I agree that this book is a great piece of fiction for a classroom Cami. It demonstrates how we shouldn't judge others and we should accept everyone.
ReplyDeleteI remembered my cooperate teacher from last semester reading this book to her first graders. They absolutely loved this book. the kids were laughing, and they knew that Lilly was wrong for treating her friends and everyone else really mean. I would use this book for my classroom because like what is stated above this teaches the children about not to judge anyone, diversity, and accepting others for who they are; especially starting at a younger age the child would develop the stage of accepting others.
ReplyDelete