A Closer Look
This book starts with a picture of one big, black dot with a red background. “Look!” says the text. Then, on the next page, the black dot is smaller but now you can see an added thin line. “What do you . . .” asks the words on the next page, turn it, and there is the word “see?” The question is answered on the next page by showing a ladybug on a large green leaf with the words “A bug.” This pattern is repeated—first with a bright-colored flower, then with a beautiful hummingbird. The end of the book includes interesting facts about the ladybug, the flower, and the hummingbird. This lovely book playfully encourages children to experience the beauty of nature—first, up close; then, from far away.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Make “Peek Books” with the children. Adults can use manila folders and cut a square in the middle of the top page. Cut out magazine pictures to be glued to the second page. Children may be able to glue the magazine pictures. Ask children to guess what they think the object is when they look at the picture that shows through the cut out square in the Peek Book. Open the folder and find the answer!
The size of the words in this book, coupled with having very few words on each page, makes this a perfect book to help children start to recognize words. After reading through the book a first time with children, print a few of the words on a piece of paper. Reread the book and ask children to find the words as you go back through it.