Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-A Boy and a Jaguar

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website. 

A Boy and a Jaguar
by Alan Rabinowitz
Illustrated by Catia Chien
Published 2014 by Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt
Nonfiction Picture Book
32 Pages
Disclosure: Borrowed this book from my wonderful nerdy friend Susan Dee!

This is the true story of Alan Rabinowitz. Alan is a wildlife conservationist and a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America. He also grew up as a stutterer. As a child, the only times he did not stutter were when he was singing or speaking to animals. He has a fondness for big cats such as lions and jaguars and his father often took him to the zoo. As he got older, Alan decided that he wanted to be a voice to help protect wild animals, especially jaguars and other big cats. But who would listen to him if he could not speak fluently? This book chronicles his life's struggles and triumphs. 

My Thoughts
The message in this book is so powerful. If you are passionate, determined and ready to work hard, you can overcome many of life's difficulties and obstacles. Alan writes his story honestly and in a way that will have children (and adults) eager to find out what happens next. The way he overcomes his condition and becomes a person who makes important contributions to the world is inspiring. It would make a great read aloud for grades 1-5. 

Companion Texts
Visit this link to go to a site containing many books that deal with the topic of stuttering. 

Other Resources
A special page for kids who stutter
Stuttering for kids-Stuttering Foundation
Kids Health-Stuttering
Information about some of Rabinowitz's work.

The Story of Fish and Snail 

by Deborah Freedman

Published in June, 2013 by Viking Juvenile
Picture Book-Fiction

Ages 3-7

40 Pages

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

I love the concept of this book about friendship, having the courage to try new things and sharing a great book.  

Fish and Snail live together in their book.  Adventurous Fish leaves the book every day to travel to other stories.  Timid Snail stays behind and waits eagerly for Fish to return and tell him about his travels. 

After an especially thrilling pirate adventure, Fish tries to convince Snail to join him as he explores. However, Snail is too afraid to leave the familiar security of his safe little book.  Soon the two friends are arguing and their friendship seems to be in jeopardy.  

After Fish leaves, Snail somehow finds the courage to follow him out of the book thus saving their friendship and opening the door to new worlds of reading adventures for the duo. 

The author uses black and white in the background and color for the book(s) where the two friends travel.  Children will enjoy seeing the animals leaning out of one book and diving into the next with a splash. 

Classroom uses
Although the book is suggested for ages 3-7,  I think it could be used in grades K-4 as a read aloud.  Just be sure to keep the book available for several days to follow because the students will all want a chance to look at the pictures more closely. The Story of Fish and Snail lends itself to discussions of accepting differences, showing courage, friendship and conflict resolution.  It could also be used as a mentor text for making predictions and analyzing characters.  

Possible Companion Texts
Octopus Alone
Memoirs of a Goldfish
Nugget and Fang: Friends Forever or Snack Time?

See what others are saying about The Story of Fish and Snail.
NY Times    
Publishers Weekly 

Here is an interview with author Deborah Freedman
John Schu at Watch. Connect. Read 

Other books by Deborah Freedman 

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