"We watch the teacher
lead the children
through the portal."
When I read this book for the first time, it surely reminded me of Chris Van Allsburg's The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Clarion, 1984). Can it be that long ago? I was, at the time, and still am a huge fan of Mr. Van Allsburg and was keen to have a copy of every book he wrote. This mysterious book was the first time I had ever seen anything like it. I was amazed, intrigued, and keen to share it with anyone who would listen to my praise. Knowing that it is still in print makes me very happy.
Sharing Joseph Coelho's Ten-Word Tiny Tales with middle graders is sure to have the same effect. The tales are told on a double spread, and accompanied by stunning artwork designed by 20 esteemed illustrators. In his introduction, Mr. Coelho provides an account of how the stories came to be written, and then that he asked the illustrators to give readers 'a window into what each story might look like' - certainly what it looks like to each one of them.
It is not surprising that each piece of art is as unique as the story it represents. They will spark conversation, imagination, and creativity on the part of interested readers. Some are puzzlers, others offer great surprise; all are worthy of attention. I would love to be there to listen to what is being said by those who share it.
Should readers want to take a turn at expanding a ten-word tale through their art, they are invited to do so in back matter. The tale is shared, and prompts are offered to challenge readers to think seriously about many fine details. Once finished, why not go back and see what images a reader has for the other ten-word tales shared?
"But do so carefully, for I fear some of these stories may bite!"
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