Theodore Seuss Geisel Award

A Splendid Friend Indeed by Suzanne Bloom

2006 Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book

Bloom, S. (2005) A Splendid Friend, Indeed. Pennsylvania, PA: Boyds Mills Press.

The illustrations in this book drives home the old adage “kill them with kindness.” Without stating angry, frustration and agitation, the audience can discern that bear does not want to be bothered by goose. The squint of his eyes and the turning of his back all say “go away” though bear never utters the phrase. The body language is imperative to the quirky, winning over of grumpy bear. Also, goose’s lovable eyes and persistence softens the heart of the angriest child. Sometimes a kind word can go a long way, even when it appears your audience doesn't care. I imagine using this book in honor of friendship day or to reinforce body language and stereotypes. Non-verbal communication is communication and children pick on this type for communication first, much like they did when they were babies.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa by Erica Silverman and painted by Betsy Lewin

2006 Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book

Silverman, E. (2005). Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc.

I love this book because as a child, I always wanted a horse. But my parents said “No!” An emphatic “no” is what they offered me. Now that I’m older, I realized the responsibility involved with caring for an animal and Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa does not shy away from the daunting and exhausting care needed cherish a horse as a pet. As the test of time can vouch for, children love having a pet. Kate, a witty and brave young cowgirl, knows how to herd cows and reprimand her always hungry horse, Cocoa. I can use this book to teach accountability and kindness towards others. This four chapter book models friendship well and exemplifies personification, giving Cocoa a voice. The illustrations entice young readers eyes to visualize the harmony between people and animals, whether the creature’s your friend or your responsibility.

Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

2006 Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book

Arnold, T. (2005). Hi! Fly Guy. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.

This book relates well to young children because it’s quirky, creative and appeals to that which every child wants: a pet. Arnold has innovatively made a fly the perfect pet to a boy named Buzz. Impressed that his pet can say his name, he enters the pet into a competition. What’s view as a pest actually turns into a contender. I would share this book in support for bullying. Flies have the bad reputation of being a nuisance. In this case, the fly is revered. It gives a whole new meaning to the underdog having his say. The illustrations are big-eyed, silly exaggerations of characters, which complements the storyline well. This three chapter books is a wonderful introduction to BME ways of writing—beginning, middle and end.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

2007 Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book

Di Camillo, K. (2006) Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Say what you want, but pigs are cute. I had one as a pet for a summer, and I still think fondly of my pig. But my piggy paled in comparison to Mercy Watson—the pink porcine, who’s a slave to buttered toast and a speed racer! This book should be used to introduce chapters, but nothing more. It should be left as a joyous, pleasure book. The delightful illustrations in this picture, chapter book encourage all to smile and they reinforce the joy in having a personified pig as a pseudo child! The emphasis paid to the senses (eyes, nose, cheeks and mouth) draws the eyes to the facial expressions of each character as they endure the adventure of a driving pig. Even Officer Tomilello enjoys the chase in discovering who’s behind the wheel of that speeding pink Cadillac! This book relates to children the exuberance and wonder in having a marvelous pig as a pet. It’s a rendition of Charlotte’s Web Wilbur, perhaps his quirky cousin, who dreams come true one Saturday afternoon!