Audience: PrimaryGenre: Fantasy picture bookPre-reading strategy: Picture walkI would use this strategy because the pictures are so well done, I would not go past page 17 so as not to give away the ending.Cover - What do you think Ant is thinking in this picture? Can you tell by his face how he feels?Pages 1 & 2 - Where is Ant and what do you think he is doing?Pages 5 & 6 - What do you think Grasshopper is doing wrong according to Ant?Pages 7 & 8 - Why do you think Ant does not like the music?Page 13 - What does Grasshopper want from Ant? What would you do if you we're Ant?Page 17 - how does Ant feel about Grasshopper now? What do you think Ant should do now? How do you think this story will end? A new version of the Aesop story. Here the Ant and the Grasshopper respect the other's talents and choices. Reads a bit like wish fulfillment for fine arts majors. Or, communism. Or, a version where you value people for what they bring to the table, even if what they bring to the table isn't food.Want to go with the third one?A little long, especially towards the end. The closing song is funny. Remember what Betsy Hearne told me: sing it. Kids don't judge your voice.
What do You think about Ant And Grasshopper (2011)?
A charming book that left me a little teary at the end. Good read aloud.
—bcmurphy
Yes, we need to work, but we need song and dance, too!!!
—mae09
