Friday, July 25, 2014

Kali's Song - Perfect picture book Friday #PPBF

    What does this book have to do with Valentine's Day? Absolutely nothing, except that I loved it. Look to last week's post for the book I picked about a decidedly awkward pair of lovers.
     If you read and enjoyed David McPhail's Mole Music (which is one of my all time favs), the book I feature today is for you!
    
     Title: Kali's Song 

     Author/Illustrator: Jeanette Winter

     Publisher: Random House (Schwartz and Wade) 2012
     FICTION
   
     Audience: 4-8

     Themes: Art, Inspiration, Prehistoric people

     Opening Lines: "Thousands and thousands and thousands of years ago a boy watched his mother paint animals on a cave wall."

     Synopsis: His parents think Kali is preparing for his first hunt, but Kali has found another use for his hunting bow, creating sounds that bring his world to a standstill.

     What I like about this book: The use of long sentences in a brief text fits this book's quiet but strong message. Even though hunting is a necessary and revered part of prehistoric society, this book imagines a child whose status is elevated above hunter by his ability to charm the world with his music. The torn edges of the handmade paper used in the background of the illustrations give the book the feel of a scrapbook, recounting a real time in history. The figures in the illustrations have a spare, cave-like feeling that keeps the focus with the story. The combined package pulled me in and I connected with the story and characters.

     Activities/resources: Mr. Schu has gathered his own interview and several reviews on his blog. Ms. Winter doesn't appear to have a website, but as the author of 50 books, she does have a web presence if you search her name. This book is the perfect jumping off point for making your own instruments with simple directions on Kinderart and more complex instruments featured in Pinterest tutorials. After reading, children can also make their own cave paintings with instructions from Ann Arbor News (my personal favorite!)
For older readers, this story is a jumping off point for a discussion of what it means to be "powerful." This calm, quiet text nails it. It isn't the muscles or the weapons that had the biggest impact.

  This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

How many of you have read this book already? If it's new to you, it's the kind to find and treasure.

22 comments:

  1. A great cover. This sounds like a wonderful book to introduce children to prehistoric times and the life of the cave dwellers. I like just about everything Jeanette Winter writes. Great activities for kids.

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    1. Thanks, Pat. I don't think kids can go wrong with paper and finger paint.

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  2. You had me with the picture of the mammoth. This is the first time I've heard of this one. What a unique story.

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    1. Ooh! Glad I found something you hadn't seen.

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  3. I think I've heard of this book before, Wendy. It is a great way to introduce readers to prehistoric times and the things in it. I love the concept that music is more valuable than hunting here. :)

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    1. It isn't brand new, but it was new to me. So many great books waiting to be discovered!

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  4. Ah, Wendy, my PPB today is about music appreciation! Great minds. This sounds wonderful. I often imagine about where things had their beginnings....I will definitely look for this one.

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    1. Love your choice, too, Laura Anne! I hate to admit it but music can sometimes convey what words cannot.

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  5. Yikes - a Winter book I don't know yet! Thanks, Wendy.

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    1. The trim size of the book is slightly smaller than average. I think that must be why I missed it in the bins before.

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  6. Loved that cover! Sounds so beautiful, thanks for sharing, Wendy. Gonna see if I can find it here.

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    1. I think it's the simplicity that makes it so strong. Hope you find it!

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  7. That Ms Winter is sure a fine story teller! I have several of her books on my shelves, but I've not seen this one. Looks excellent! Thanks for sharing - the book and the links!

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    1. I love finding an author that writes so many good books!

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  8. Mole Music is one of my all-time favs too, so I will definitely have to read this wonderful-sounding book! Thanks so much for sharing it, Wendy!

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    1. I think I like Mole Music even more than the kids.

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  9. I love the mammoth on the cover - that alone will get me to the library to look for this book. Now I've gotta find out just how Kali makes music. And the finger-painting on cave walls... great activities.

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    1. I did get to wondering-it is better to finger paint out doors - maybe I was channeling this for my Southern Hemisphere friends. :)

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  10. What an unusual subject. It sounds lovely and perfect! And...my library has it :-)

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    1. I love well-stocked libraries! Hope you enjoy it.

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  11. I'm checking to see if my library has this one!.

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