Plot Summary - The book discusses how the seasons change and how the physical earth changes simultaneously with them. The book also discusses point of view or perspective. The little kitten is astonished when the Island tells her that he is also part of the land. This is a simplistic book with big ideas.
Personal Reaction - This book was beautiful. I was surprised to learn what the book is about. There are many themes running through this book. I enjoyed reading this book with my children, they loved the illustrations.
Memorable Literary Element - The illustrations depicting seasonal changes and the poetic wording are so beautiful in this book. Good Night Moon was written by this author as well. My 5 year old loved this book. My favorite line has to do with the fish telling the kitten to have faith.
Illustrations - Illustrations were done by Leonard Weisgard. The illustrations look like paintings and fit this story so well.
Review - Children's Literature When first published in 1947, this timeless book won the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. It was originally published under the pseudonym Golden MacDonald and was one of over 100 books written by the author. With its spare wording and watercolor scenes, the book depicts the vibrancy of life on an island far out at sea. The words lap across the pages in a lyrical rhythm—if not with any rhyme—as the island takes its place in nature. The island is subject to the changes of the seasons, shifting weather patterns, and the passage of time. We hear of "spiders sailing their webs" and meet a visiting kitten who describes himself as "a little island in the air"; we see "waves as big as glassy mountains," and we feel the tug and the sway of changing patterns. The book, like the tale of the island it rejoices, is mesmerizing in its celebration of life and the world. 2003, Doubleday, Ages 5 to 8.
— Susan Schott Karr
Promotion - Compare and Contrast (Alike and Different) after a few readings of The Little Island, read Grace for an Island Meal by Rachel Field. This is a beautiful, rhyming story about a day on one of Maine’s coastal islands. Talk about the islands in both stories. They share several things in common, but they also have some differences. Help students make a list of things that are alike and different about each island.
Personal Reaction - This book was beautiful. I was surprised to learn what the book is about. There are many themes running through this book. I enjoyed reading this book with my children, they loved the illustrations.
Memorable Literary Element - The illustrations depicting seasonal changes and the poetic wording are so beautiful in this book. Good Night Moon was written by this author as well. My 5 year old loved this book. My favorite line has to do with the fish telling the kitten to have faith.
Illustrations - Illustrations were done by Leonard Weisgard. The illustrations look like paintings and fit this story so well.
Review - Children's Literature When first published in 1947, this timeless book won the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. It was originally published under the pseudonym Golden MacDonald and was one of over 100 books written by the author. With its spare wording and watercolor scenes, the book depicts the vibrancy of life on an island far out at sea. The words lap across the pages in a lyrical rhythm—if not with any rhyme—as the island takes its place in nature. The island is subject to the changes of the seasons, shifting weather patterns, and the passage of time. We hear of "spiders sailing their webs" and meet a visiting kitten who describes himself as "a little island in the air"; we see "waves as big as glassy mountains," and we feel the tug and the sway of changing patterns. The book, like the tale of the island it rejoices, is mesmerizing in its celebration of life and the world. 2003, Doubleday, Ages 5 to 8.
— Susan Schott Karr
Promotion - Compare and Contrast (Alike and Different) after a few readings of The Little Island, read Grace for an Island Meal by Rachel Field. This is a beautiful, rhyming story about a day on one of Maine’s coastal islands. Talk about the islands in both stories. They share several things in common, but they also have some differences. Help students make a list of things that are alike and different about each island.