Mushrooms grow, like we do. They need
air and water and food, like we do. They
make more mushrooms, like we do (okay,
okay, we don't make mushrooms; we
make people).
But mushrooms don't have anything to say,
and even if they did, they wouldn't have a
way to say it. They don't have mouths.
They don't have brains either.
It's not a rude thing to say. It's the truth."
I LIKE this book.
A child narrator speaks directly to readers, relating that we are all people and that makes us different from most other things that live on Earth with us. First up is the tin can. There is not one thing that makes people similar to a tin can. What about a swimming pool? We have 'water, chemicals and dirt inside us.' A bit like a swimming pool is what we are.
There are ways children are like mushrooms. But the differences outweigh the similarities. So, readers are moved to the next comparison: an excavator! Before turning the page, what do readers think? Are we the same in any way to an excavator? Can it do things better than we can? Then, what about a hyena?
I love that this book asks readers to think about comparisons between a wide variety of objects. Each additional character comes a little closer to being 'like' humans.
"Hey, It's me! And there's you!
Look at us!
Are we alike?
We are not exactly alike."
What a terrific book to use with kids to inspire critical thinking. How many other comparisons can they make?. With guidance and discussion, this book also offers an invitation to do some follow-up writing.
Colorful, energetic artwork by Leo Espinosa is sure to appeal to listeners as they watch this family work together to consider comparisons and be an important part of the learning.
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