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CM . . . . Volume XXI Number 13 . . . . November 28, 2014
excerpt:
In Goodnight, You, Piggy and Bunny are having their very first campout. The tent is set up, and they have everything they need. As it gets dark, Piggy's shadow scares Bunny. Is it a monster? They discuss lots of ways to get rid of a monster, including turning off the lights. However, Piggy now admits that he has a secret fear as well.
Geneviève Côté is an accomplished author and illustrator living in Montreal. She has won many awards for her work, including the Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration in 2007 and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award in 2012. Her previous works include Mr. King's Castle, What Elephant? and The Lady of Shalott. Goodnight, You is the fourth book in the "Piggy and Bunny" series which began with the wonderful Me and You. Throughout this series, the two friends, Piggy and Bunny, have discovered that their individuality is what makes them loveable - not their differences. In Goodnight, You, Côté's simple lyrical text uses rhythm, rhyme, and vivid images to make characters come alive for the youngest of readers. This story would be particularly useful for parents and teachers as a read-aloud. Students could also participate in a shared reading experience or could dramatize the story. It could provide the basis for lively discussion on topics such as dealing with fears, expressing emotions, building friendships, respecting individual differences and caring for others. Beautiful but subtle images complement the text and engage readers in the story. The very first illustration sets the scene as Bunny prepares the camping site. Then, Piggy arrives and scares Bunny with his shadow! The minor characters - the blue butterfly and the green frog - provide a contrast to the white and pink pastels associated with the main characters. These minor characters act as an audience for the action going on between the two friends. By the last page of this picture book, Piggy and Bunny have learned a powerful lesson about the value of friendship, "Tonight we'll sleep tight, me and you!" Highly Recommended. Myra Junyk is a literacy advocate and author who lives in Toronto, ON. Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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Table of Contents for This Issue
- November 28, 2014. |
The two friends make some important discoveries. They realize that everyone is afraid of something. Using your imagination to think of solutions and having friends both help to deal with these fears. Piggy and Bunny start to cope with their emotions more effectively. They also learn some valuable lessons about friendship, caring, individual differences and acceptance.