This encouraging tale about a daring letter in the alphabet who wants to stand out uses clever play on words to deliver a message about creativity, individuality, and following your dreams! The Peace Dragon is a non-profit dedicated to teaching and spreading peace throughout the world. Each book in the Peace Dragon Tales series from Flowerpot Press is an extension of this mission and will help teach children the power of words, the importance of acceptance, and the enormous benefit of seeing and accepting the world with an open heart.The series is perfect for campaigns that aim to reduce racism, bullying, and prejudice, and turn children toward unity, kindness, and acceptance.
This is a delightfully illustrated story that is so much fun to read. As with most of us, "I" is the central character. And "I" has an idea and from that point on "I" gallops through the pages with his penchant for doing something different from the ram-rod straight letter he (or she) is. "I" wants to be different from the way he is designed and so experiments with bending, curling, and being like the other letters of the alphabet. "J" tells "I" to quit being a joker and being all bent out of shape. And then "I" got himself between the lines of the page and had an entirely different point of view.
The letters of the alphabet exclaim with words beginning with their letter: G = good grief; E = take it easy; W = What's wrong with wondering? wondered W.
The gist of the story is that we can be different from what we are perceived to be. And that is certainly true. We should as parents and adults, though, be careful to help our young charges to understand that living by the rules is just as important as realizing our own full potential.
A delightful book. Well done, colorful, and nice and sturdy.
The author's use of words and letters (A saw what C saw) is tickle-your-funny-bone delightful.
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. Giveaway copies are provided via publicist and publisher.
Ragsdale, Linda How I Did It! Illustrated by Anoosha Syed. PICTURE BOOK. Flowerpot Press, 2017. $17. 9781486712113
The letter I was just hanging out in its spot in the alphabet when it decided to try to be a little more like its neighboring letters. Becoming H was easy; it just required a bit of rotating. J was trickier because of the rounded edge, but I was determined to try. Soon I was traveling throughout the alphabet, imitating all of the other letters. Not everybody approved, but that didn't stop I, who was on a roll. Until, suddenly, I reached the end of the line.
This is a fun and encouraging look at trying new things, coloring outside the lines, and being who you want to be -- even if others disapprove. Because of the advanced vocabulary (e.g. quipped, harrumphed) and the spots with cursive, the target audience is unlikely to be able to read it without a helpful adult. Better yet, it can be used as a whole-class read-aloud, especially for a review of all the letters of the alphabet (perhaps at the beginning of first grade?), or in a discussion on growth mindset, persistence, and being yourself to stand out from the crowd.
The Letter "I" dares to be different. He dreams of being something more. Could he turn and be like the letter "H" or curve himself to be like the letter "J"? When the letter "I" tries to do something different, all the other letters of the alphabet chime in...some encouraging and supportive, others upset and frustrated. Their emotions go along with the letter of the alphabet like the letter "T" was tickled. "I" peels himself off the page and starts his new adventure only to find that maybe he should have stayed where he was. Or will his new point of view will be just what he and the other letters of the alphabet need?
The illustrations give each of the letters character and show whether they are happy, angry, shocked, or confused. Kids will find this story silly, but there is a hidden message that will hopefully sink in...seeing other's point of view and that maybe doing something a different way is ok. This book offers a really simple way to share an important message and would be great for elementary classrooms.
Another beautifully illustrated book that teaches young readers that anything is possible with a great attitude. I find that the illustrations add to the amazing story. The illustrations beautifully showcase emotions that I goes through. Those emotions are what can act as talking points with young and new readers. You are able to see the frustration, excitement, sadness and joy, among other emotions, as he works through his adventure. It allows the readers to work through difficult situations and learn that hard times are easier when you look at them from a new and/or different perspective.
2/25/2018 ~~ A bit to didactic? Also, the first person references to I that were really 3rd person - referring to a character named "I" threw me several times.