Shh! We Have a Plan
Shh! Readers will snuggle in close as they, along with four friends, tiptoe through the dark woods in hopes of capturing a grand prize in their nets – a brilliantly colorful bird. Readers will not be able to avoid the growing feeling of anticipation as this crew tries to implement their plan using a variety of methods. In the end, it is the smallest of the friends that discovers a way to befriend the birds in a breathtaking double page spread. However, birds of a feather flock together...and these birds have a plan of their own!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Children will love this book for many reasons – it is a book that includes repetition so that children can quickly begin to “read” the story themselves; it is full of anticipation that does not seem to fade even when re-reading; and it prompts imagination and dramatic play. Encourage children to play a part in the story by shouting “Hello, birdie!” or by chiming in on the repetitive phrases. Adults can support this by providing props such as toy nets, stuffed animals (birds, squirrels, etc.) and other items that children can use when acting out the story. It might also be fun to write a sequel to the story, where children narrate and draw illustrations to share what they think will happen next.
Before reading, adults can ask children to look at the cover and introductory pages of the book and try to predict what might happen. When reading with young children, using expression and a variety of voices can be a very engaging strategy. Children will love to hear adults read parts of the story slowly, quickly, in a whisper, or in a loud voice. During the story, ask children if they can think of a new plan that they might use to try to catch the bird.