 |
| Image: Scholastic Inc. |
Rita & Ralph's Rotten Day by Carmen Agra Deedy. Illustrated by Pete Oswald. unpgd. Scholastic Press/ Scholastic Inc., March, 2020. 9781338599275. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher, ALAMW)
Oh dear. This review is terribly late. I know. I'm sorry. I had the privilege of hearing the author read her book at a Scholastic luncheon at Midwinter. It was a witty and wonderful experience. Carmen Agra Deedy is a terrific storyteller. Rereading the arc afterward made me pine for my days as a K - 8 librarian. Nothing beats a class of kids leaning in on every word of a story.
Rita and Ralph are best friends. They live in two little houses on two little hills and each day they meet in the middle, do their secret handshake and play. Until one day, the play gets out of hand when they think playing at throwing sticks is a fun idea. Ouch. When Ralph hurts Rita he's horrified but the apology doesn't come quick enough and Rita is hurt and mad. Each attempt at apology ends in more mad feelings. Until they sleep on it and wake up refreshed and determined to make amends.
Friends make mistakes. Friends fight. Friends forgive. This book, with its unusual trim size and zippy illustrations, is sure to become a read aloud favorite. Teachers looking for books to support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) will love this. Not only is the story absolutely relatable, but it is also participatory if you take the time to teach your students the hand movements (helpfully provided by the author at the end of the book). Then, you have the opportunity to also develop eye-hand coordination as well as a ton of giggly fun.
Here's a fantastic video the author created to help parents during this pandemic. Do buy the book. You won't be sorry.
No comments:
Post a Comment