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| My Special Word, by Alison Green Myers, Dwight Smith, and Beth Bogert |
Written by Dwight Smith and Alison Green Myers
Illustrated by Beth Bogert
My Special Word, July 2017
Ages 4-8, 119 words
Themes:
Character, Identity
Opening:
"There are so many words in the world."
Synopsis:
"What if you had your own special word?" That's the question this book asks the reader, showing them how empowering words can be. Then readers are challenged to choose their own special word, one which can help them through times of oppression, strife, or uncertainty. This charming metafiction picture book was created for use with the My Special Word program, and will be available from booksellers this summer.
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| Here's one of my favorite spreads from My Special Word. |
What I Love:
The authors have written a sensitive invitation for kids to decide what kind of person they want to become. The POV is intimate and every detail from the illustrations to the typography invokes a playful sense of intimacy. I love the word choices: kind, confident, special, unstoppable, awesome.
I adore Beth's illustrations. They present a game of hide-and-seek in which readers look for hidden words and whimsical details. Her lively characters and energetic layouts are reminiscent of Hilary Knight's classic books. The limited color lends a timeless feel to a timeless message.
Bonus:
1. My Special Word co-founder Dwight Smith is a not-for-profit dedicated to sharing the power of words with young people.
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| What's My Word? |
3. SCBWI NEPA interviewed Alison on what makes a great picture book. Or you can read about her role at the Highlights Foundation on Women on Writing.
4. Join author Alison Green Myers at a Highlights Foundation workshop this summer, or choose from their wide range of classes on everything from collage to novels-in-verse.
5. Beth Bogert is an experienced illustrator and elementary school presenter. To schedule a school visit featuring My Special Word, talks, crafts, and activities, contact Beth via her website.
6. The main character in the book chooses "kind" as her word. Ministry to Youth* has put together a great object lesson on kindness as a lifestyle rather than a single act.
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| Have students write their special word on cookie sticks like these from Cadillac Cookies |
8. Jessica from What I Have Learned shares tips for building character in the classroom including activities, bulletin boards, and worksheets.
Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
View all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for Friday, June 9, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.
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| Reviewed by Diane |
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| Reviewed by Kelly |
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| Reviewed by Clara |
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| Reviewed by Patricia |
