Don’t Feed the Coos!
It all starts with just a little treat, and suddenly the child in the story finds herself being followed by hungry coos! In addition to wanting more food, the coos also require exercise, supervision, clothing, and some assistance with cleaning up their coo poos. Despite her attempts to shoo them away, the coos appear in great numbers at every turn. That is, until, she cleverly pays it forward and introduces her feathered friends to someone who misses them dearly. As the back cover says, consider yourself warned: This book is a fun and adventurous read!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Take some time to think about the signs the little girl creates to keep the coos from following her, and the funny ways that the coos changed. Using a sock or paper bag, some craft feathers and markers, Children can make their own coo and enjoy sharing their day with their new friend. Encourage children to take their coos home and share the story with their families.
The word “coo” is repeated so often in the story, that young readers will enjoy saying it and reading it along with their grown up. Allowing children to hold the book, turn the pages, and read familiar or repeated words increases their interest and confidence as a reader. Encourage adults to point out the word coo when it appears, and then see if their child can find it on another page. Asking questions is a great way to build comprehension, or understanding, about what is taking place in the story. Adults can point out the signs that the little girl creates to try to keep the coos away, as well as the signs hanging in the park. How did the coos change the signs from a negative to a positive? Ask your child who they think might be searching for lost pigeons in the park?