Multicultural

 Same, Same But Different by: Jenny Sue Kostecki- Shaw

Summary:

This book is about a boy who draws a picture of his world and his teacher sends it to a boy who lives in another part of the world. The two boys compare their worlds with each other, pointing out the similarities and the differences between the two. The two boys become great friends despite living in "different worlds."

 

Evaluation:

This is a multicultural fiction book. It shows a boy who lives in a different part of the world, and the similarities/ differences the way we live here in the U.S. This book does a great job of showing children that despite differences in the way other cultures live, there are still many similarities. This book also includes the element of repetition.

The illustrations in this book are outline style. They use the elements of color to show the differences in the "two worlds" and the element of line is used throughout the book as well to draw attention to certain areas of the illustrations.

Activities:

You could have the children describe what it is like at home for them, or when they get together with extended family, different traditions they have.. and then help them to point our similarities and differences among each others lives. 

You could also have the children pick a culture that is different from their own and research to find similarities and differences between that culture and their own.

Do you think it is just as important for children to recognize the similarites their own culture has with another as it is for them to recognize the differences?

Personal Thoughts:

I thought this was a really cute book. It shows children that they can be friends with others despite their differences. It also shows children that despite differences they have with others, there are still many aspects of the way that they live that are the same.

Can you suggest some good books that will help children to recognize that despite differences, everyone has similarities?

Reference:

Kostecki-Shaw, J. S. (2015). Same, same but different. Danbury, CT: Weston Woods.

Fiction book

 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?  by: Bill Martin, JR. and Eric Carle

 

Summary:

This book shows different animals in different colors to help teach pre- school age children their colors, and the names of different animals.

 

Evaluation:

This book includes repetition, which helps the children to better follow along, and encourages them to say the words too, which will help them to better learn the colors and animals. 

The illustrations in this book are outline style and include the elements of texture and color to portray the animals and to help children to learn their colors.

 

Activities:

You could have each of the children draw and color an animal of their choosing and then have them create their own classroom book using their drawings.

Do you think it is confusing for children to see animals in unrealistic colors; such as the purple cat? or do you think that helps them to use their imagination?

Personal Thoughts: 

I love this book for pre- school children, I used to read it to the children when I worked in child care and they always loved it too. It helps them to learn different animals and colors while encouraging them to join in with the story as it includes repetition throughout the book.

Reference:

Martin, B. (2008). Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? Solon, OH: Longman.