My Never Ending List

I thought this might be a cute book to share with some classes when I teach so that is why I picked it up at the library. This children’s book is oversized and the illustrations are bright and colorful so I was very pleased to see this. I really enjoyed all the different font types and sizes that were used throughout the novel as I thought it made the novel come to life and the sharp contrasting colors on the pages, the book popped!

 

Unfortunately, there was one instance in this novel that makes me hesitate to share it with some classes. This might not be a big deal to some but as an instructor, it was to me. It was when rock met apricot and he said, “You sir, look like a fuzzy butt.” The word, butt shocked me. I know some children will laugh when you read it and some children will say, “butt, it says butt. That’s a bad word.” So, what do you do? Do you change the word out, skip that part, forget the whole book or read it and see what happens? There is name calling in this novel as one person tries to gain control in the situation. It became a pattern as they fight for control and I feel that this is a topic that cannot be looked over. I know its supposed to be all fun and games but do the kids that you are reading it to, see it that way.

 

I thought the story itself was cute and entertaining and I think many children will like the story. The story is about power, who is the most powerful one of all. When we play the game rock, scissor, paper we are looking for a winner, who has the power, who will be the leader. There are teachable moments in the story, areas that could be talked about further after the story is over or while it is being read. I liked how the story ended.