Spoon
Spoon has been feeling blue. It seems he just doesn’t measure up to the other utensils. “Knife is so lucky! He gets to cut, he gets to spread,” and “Chopsticks! They are so lucky! Everyone thinks they’re really cool and exotic.” If only Spoon knew how his friends envied him and his special jobs! Spoon can scoop ice cream and clink in a cereal bowl. With Mother’s help, Spoon learns he is special in his own way. This book truly celebrates everyone’s unique talents. Children will identify with little Spoon’s feelings of doubt. With a comforting conclusion, this story is sure to leave children asking for a second helping!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
After reading the story, have children share what made each utensil special. Help children go into the kitchen and find the characters from the book: spoon, fork, pan, measuring cup, etc. (Explain to children they shouldn’t touch certain characters, like Knife, because they can cut or hurt you.) Read the story again and have the child use the objects to act out the story. Children could also glue paper or wiggly eyes onto an old spoon (or plastic) to make the main character in the book!
Explain to families the importance of children talking about their feelings. Children need to practice sharing their thoughts and feelings with parents. While reading the story, ask children, “How do you think Spoon is feeling?” “Why do you think he feels this way?” “Have you ever felt this way?” After reading the story, help children think of unique traits about themselves. Make a list together and have children draw a self-portrait. Hang up the list and illustration so children are always reminded of how special they are!