On second thought, I prefer the word "open" to the word "take." So, as you can see, I renamed this series "Open 2 Books." I like it a lot better because it suggests that people not only open more than one book, but that they BE open to books in the first place! Not everyone is, I'm afraid.
And so, today we connect the dots of carrots and rabbits. In the process, we go back and forth between real and imaginary worlds. So, who better to lead us on that journey than my favorite children's books author, Leo Lionni?
As someone who was a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist before he became a picture book author, he pulled a whole other dimension into the world of children's literature. Like a musician who writes his own notes and lyrics, he takes us to places not many children's book authors are able to in their lifetimes.
In other words, where many other children's books are all about the lines, Lionni's bring in the curves, as well as the color. When they're closed, they're like beautifully wrapped packages. When they're opened, they're masterpieces hanging on your wall.
What makes a masterpiece a masterpiece? Well, for one thing, it leaves you wanting to know more. Instead of attempting to lay out all of the possible answers, it begs for you to keep asking questions. To think. To understand. To analyze. To wonder. To imagine. To create. To connect. To invent. To reinvent.
And so, if anyone thinks for a moment that picture books are only for young children, or that their illustrations could never be worthy of being placed in a museum, then they obviously have not taken a look at Frederick or Swimmy or Inch by Inch, or the book that started it all: little blue and little yellow.
Whether a young child becomes delighted by such fables, or a teen uses them to learn about art and writing (personification) techniques, or a grandparent is inspired by the beauty of their messages, Leo Lionni's children's books have something for everyone. He left us with such extraordinary gifts, and no one should go through life without reading at least a few of them!
And so, My Picture Book Recipe for Raising Healthy Eaters would not taste the same if I didn't include at least a couple of selections by Leo Lionni. After all, his books are like the stones that ignited my passion for picture books in the first place.
Although we could use little blue and little yellow to encourage children to try out different colors and combinations of fruits and vegetables, today I'd like to briefly introduce a couple of his lesser-known picture books.
Toddlers and preschoolers will just LOVE Let's Make Rabbits! Where else would you find a pencil talking to a pair of scissors, and suggesting that they each design a rabbit? Little did they know, once they did so, they'd have to then find a way to feed those rabbits.
The first time around, pretend carrots are enough for the rabbits, but the second time? Well, I'll have to leave that to your imagination. That IS what this book is all about, anyway. I'll give you one clue, though, there's not even the slightest shadow of doubt that this book will have your child reaching for those art supplies! Oh, and if you're really lucky, maybe your child will even ask for a carrot - to draw or eat.
Okay, so there are so many children's books that you could connect this one with, but I just have to mention another one by this author. In the Rabbitgarden has many subtle themes running through it, and is somewhat controversial. Why? Because it's a thought-provoking twist on the Garden of Eden. So, I strongly suggest you take a look at this one in advance (which is really what I always recommend anyway). That way, you'll be more prepared to answer your child's questions, and will be able to share your beliefs and values, without being taken by surprise.
All is well in the beautiful garden, when one day, an "old rabbit" tells two bunnies that he will have to leave for a while. They can eat all the carrots they want, but should not touch the apples, as it will anger the fox. Now, please keep in mind, that this "old rabbit" could be the dad, the grandpa, a caregiver, or even a friend.
So, of course the bunnies run out of carrots. One day, they think they've spotted one, but it ends up being a serpent with an orange tail (enter: stranger, and a creature who looks different). Needless to say, the serpent encourages them to try the apples, so...
Will the bunnies try them?
Should they trust a stranger?
Will they cross paths with the wolf?
What will "old rabbit" find when he gets back, and how will he react?
There's a lot to discuss here! From trust to trying new foods to listening to authority figures to diversity, this one's an open book. If you don't want to go to any of these places with your young child, please feel free to keep it closed, but we can all learn something from this one! Especially tweens and teens, who are venturing out on their own online AND off.
So, let's just mention a few of the many connections we could make with these picture books:
- Children can draw and cut out their own paper rabbits (or any animal, really) and act out either of the stories. Paper dolls and animals are so simple to make, and can really spark the imagination.
- Children can act out and retell the stories with stuffed animals, or pretend to be the animals themselves. They could even change the endings along the way, and add music or costumes. If you catch it all on video or camera, it'll become an even more memorable experience.
- Children can compare, contrast, and discuss the two stories, and....
- There are many "book to self" connections children can make with In the Rabbitgarden if they put themselves in the place of the bunnies. A parent could ask if they've ever been approached by someone like the serpent (a new friend at school, a stranger outside of school, an online "friend"). Conversations about trust, making new friends, and following instructions from a variety of authority figures could come out of it. It's a perfect opportunity to share your own values and beliefs with your children.
- "Book to world" connections can be pulled in through current events. Whether it's a neighbor's experience, or an article in the paper, real events can open our children's eyes and prepare them for venturing out on their own.
- "Book to book" connections - there are so many possibilities. Will you read another book having to do with carrots? Or another one that has to do with gardens, fruit, or vegetables? Your child might even want to go to the library and find out more about rabbits or serpents.
- Art connections - are only limited by your child's imagination! From drawing rabbits, to designing a map of a garden, to sketching or painting different fruit and/or vegetables, there really is no end to the possibilities.
- Apple tie -in: If you have an apple tree, or can go somewhere to pick apples, it's a great opportunity to see if they remember a related book they've read, or even bring it up on their own. Of course, you could even bring in some math by counting and comparing apples.
- Add some color to their plates: Encourage them to try a new fruit or veggie. You could even let them have fun playing with some new ones first.
This list could go on and on, but I'll stop here! As always, you're welcome to add any ideas or suggestions! And if you have a favorite Leo Lionni book, please let us know.