Picture Books or Not...

Alexander and teh Wind-Up Mouse 

by Leo Lionni

Caldecott Honor Book

Summary: Alexander, a mouse, is just trying to survive by eating crumbs. Unfortunately, every time Alexander comes out of his hole, he is greeted with screams and people running away. He then meets a wind up mouse and Alexander wants to be like him. Alexander then goes through a journey to make a wish to change himself but when he realizes his friend, the wind up mouse, is in trouble, his wish shocks the reader. 

Verdict: Yes, it is a picture book. 

A Bike Like Sergio's 

by Maribeth Boelts

Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

Summary: Ruben is a kid who has a family with financial struggles. He desperately wants a bike like his friend's Sergio, but he knows that his parents will not be able to get it for him. As the story progresses Ruben finds a $100 bill. He does not return it to the owner and considers buying himself a bike. To his surprise, and mine, he does not. Ruben decides to do the right thing and return the money. Unfortunately, SPOILER ALERT, he does not get his bike but he does feel proud of himself. 

Verdict: Yes it is a picture book

The Empty Pot

by Demi

Summary: Let me start by saying that this is now one of my favorite books! Ping, the protagonists, is trying, just like all the other kids in the kingdom, to be the next emperor. The challenge was easy, at a simple glance, to grow the most beautiful flower from the seed the emperor gave the children. In a year's time, the children would present their flowers and the one with the best one will be the next emperor. When Ping's flower did not grow, and he presented the emperor with an empty pot, it was to everyone's surprise that he was to be the next emperor. The task was indeed one of great difficulty, to be honest. 

Verdict: Yes, it is a picture book.

All three of these books are picture books because the illustrations drive the story. The illustrations are collaborating with the text to tell the story. With out the illustrations we would not be able to tell that Ruben felt guilty when he found the bill.; we would not know that Ping has a beautiful garden, and that it was very unusual that he was not able to grow his seed. The illustrations also could tell the story if the text was not present. The reader can follow the story of Alexander, and even see his hurt when he is reprehended by the humans. 

Great stories, that I am already thinking how I can add them to my lesson plans!