Friday, September 9, 2016

PRESIDENT SQUID - #PPBF

     Can you believe it's September already!?

     Don't think about it as an end to summer, think of it as the restart of Perfect Picture Book Friday reviews!


  Okay, I probably can't compete with summer. But here goes . . .

Title: President Squid
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Sara Varon
Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2016
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Sea creatures, Presidents

Opening Line: "I HAVE REALIZED SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT. Something that changes everything! No giant squid has ever been president before!"
Synopsis: Sea creatures react to Squid's announcement that he has five qualities that make him President.

What I like about this book: This book doesn't answer questions. Instead, it promotes a discussion of what qualities a president should have. With the upcoming election, the timing is perfect! The silly humor engages readers to explore what is otherwise a somewhat dry, complex topic. Adults reading with their children can laugh along at the satire. The New York based cartoonist and illustrator manages to make trousers on a hot pink squid believable! I do wonder why the squid needed to have teeth but I'm fairly certain no child will think twice. Put this one on the shelf beside Reynold's earlier Creepy Carrots.

Resources/Activities:

  • Schools often have mock (and real!) classroom elections. For everything you need, with a squid-related theme, download a free activity guide from Chronicle.
  • Read this book along with Doreen Cronin's DUCK FOR PRESIDENT, and Nick Bruel's BAD KITTY FOR PRESIDENT.
  • Explore the National Education Association's voter education links
  • Talk about what qualities you have that make a good president.
  • Talk about why someone wants to become president.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. 
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

15 comments:

  1. Perfect book to help children understand the upcoming presidential elections. Love your suggested activities!

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    1. Thanks Pat! This election should generate a lot of discussions.

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  2. Thanks for this post. I will definitely have to use this for a performance activity we have in November!

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  3. I love Aaron Reynolds! And I like that this story doesn't answer questions; that sounds like a perfect way to start a dialogue with kids about what makes a great leader. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It pretends to answer questions! But I'm pretty sure that wearing a tie isn't a real qualification.

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  4. This is a perfect book for the upcoming elections. Your activities offer children, parents, and teachers perfect jump off places for discussions. My favorite is: Talk about what qualities you have that make a good president.

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    1. Everyone should aspire to this! We need good presidential material.

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  5. Ha! This book I have read,Wendy...and I love it, Wendy! What a great choice for PPBF..with school just underway, I can see this book as a helpful catalyst for lively discussions.

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  6. Questions are great. Being the first......... presidential candidate is great! Looking at what are presidential characteristics all this is great material for a picture book in my opinion.

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  7. I would vote for Squid! What a perfect book for the season.

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    1. Go, Squid! I would work on that campaign. ;)

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  8. I saw Aaron read his book at one of our local indie stores. He is amazing. His theater background shows! Such a fun book.

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