I am sure many of us whether parents, aunts, grandmothers, teachers, or friends have been in a situation where a young child asking those awkward questions, or simply that age-old question of “Are we THERE yet?” Kids these
I am sure many of us whether parents, aunts, grandmothers, teachers, or friends have been in a situation where a young child asking those awkward questions, or simply that age-old question of “Are we THERE yet?” Kids these days grow up more assertive, are more inquisitive, expect answers and specifics and have no time for sitting still before moving on to something bigger and brighter than we can ever imagine. But there is no getting away from it, they will question everything and anything, whatever it may be. With luck, they may find their own answers in their own way, in their own time. Forever learning about what is ahead of them… The world… Out There…
Publisher: A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Brook Press, New York April 2009
Ages: 4 – 7
Theme: Thoughts, Questions, Wonder
Opening lines: When will I get There? How will I know? Will there be a sign that says, “Here is There”?
Synopsis: Will it Take long to get There? Will it be tomorrow? How will I know? Will I be as tall as a house? So many questions, this story is told exclusively in questions that capture the uncertainty and persistence of children, about growing up. Seen through the eyes of a young girl who ponders what might or might not lie in store for her.
Why I like it: I wasn’t sure when I first picked it up what really attracted me to it. The amazing sparse text that didn’t at first seem to tell a story; at least not until you read it again… Then there are the illustrations. A ruffled-haired little girl standing alone, pondering what awaits for her over those fluffy cotton ball pathways and pages of sweeping scenery we travel within her imagination. The book is both precious, thoughtful, wistful yet deep. It inspires all ages to think and ask the question. I was interested to learn through reviews that the book is both educational, used in the classroom to inspire children to think and use their imagination. It can be used both in the class and at home for those meaningful discussions. Also that people bought this as a graduation gift, for the student that is now stepping out into the big wide world, inspiring them to think of their future, what is out there? What will they do? And how will they know?
Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, living in Ireland has written and illustrated a number of award-winning children’s books and her new blog, shared with her husband http://thebelugasarewatching.com/ I found very interesting. I also was very interested in reading this…. http://www.marielouisefitzpatrick.com/2013/10/28/giant-press-pass/ article on her old blog.
What I liked most, the little girl decides on her own to live in the moment.
Resources/Findings…. Here is a piece on her old blog of the book and some illustrations… http://www.marielouisefitzpatrick.com/there/
Here is another look at the book… http://us.macmillan.com/there/MarieLouiseFitzpatrick
Here is a great way to use the book and have those… meaningful discussions… http://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/wiki/There
Here the book has been used this way… http://mrspal.org/category/thoughts-to-ponder/ an educational blog.
Pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.