Rayner, C. (2010) Ernest the moose who doesn't fit. New York: Straus and Giroux Starred Review School JournalChoiceI think this book is a lot of fun, and very creative. I like how it solves a problem using creativity, practicality, thinking "outside of the box", and friendship. I could use this book in a number of ways in the classroom. One of which introducing the idea of teamwork or problem solving. I think the students would enjoy reading this story, but we would all have to take special care as to not damage the last page when reading it! Ernest is a very large moose. He has a very large problem - he won't fit in his book. He tries really hard but to no avail. Suddenly his friend (who is very small) has an idea...They start cutting and sticking pieces of paper together. At the end it is revealed that they were making the final page of the book bigger, with the result that Ernest can fit in his book! This is an excellent book. The language is entertaining (and arguably made-up at times!) It is descriptive and engaging. The illustrations are lovely and there are not too many words. The message of the book is profound - it is ok to be different. The relationship between Ernest and his friend is also heart-warming. The final page makes the book stand out from other books. I really enjoyed it!I would use this with EYFS or lower KS1. It could go in the book corner for independent reading and exploration, or be read as a class story. Due to the final page, there is a chance that it could get broken in the book corner, however the importance of looking after books could be introduced through this. It could be used as a stimulus for creativity and problem-solving in EYFS; the children could be encouraged to stick sheets of paper together until the space is large enough to fit objects of different sizes on it. This is cross-over with maths. Ernest could also stimulate discussion in circle time for EYFS or KS1; it is especially relevant for PSHE as it tackles the issues of friendship and being different.
What do You think about Ernest (2010)?
Adorable! If you don't fit in the world, make the world fit you!
—Katerina
how large is LARGE??would this moose fit in the book?
—Amber_95
