Genre 1- Picture Books

“Are you my Mother?”

Phillip D. Eastman, Are You My Mother? (New York: Random House Children’s Books, 1960) 1-64.

ISBN: 978-0-394-80018-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this picture book, Eastman writes about how a young bird goes far and wide to find its mother. The bird’s mother has left the baby bird to find food though the baby bird has no idea. Along the baby birds adventure it meets several other ‘animals’ like a tractor, a kitten, and hen before, in the end, eventually it’s mother.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I appreciate the simplicity of this book’s wording and illustrations. Eastman makes it very easy for a younger reader to understand the plot. The illustrations are exceptional and easy for a reader to practice his or her predicting abilities.

Eastman also gives a teacher several teaching ‘moments’ by writing a book that offers differentiation opportunities. An example of these opportunities could be by using the concept of ‘imprinting’ in relation to science or by using the creatures the little bird comes in contact with to encourage a students ability to draw conclusions.The repetition of the story plot also is a great resource to those students who are early readers.

Overall, Eastman created a lovely balance of fun illustrations and simplistic wording that together create a great story and helpful teaching tool.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

* The Reading Tub: http://www.thereadingtub.com/index.php

* Beyond the Carseat: http://www.beyondthecarseat.com/?p=1198 “Are You My Mother is a simple story, but one with a lot of heart.”

* GoodReads.com

5. CONNECTIONS

* Are you my Mother? Basically tells students that there is someone out there for all of us. A teacher could easily make a connection to family.

* As I mentioned previously, there is a great opportunity for a science connection.

* A teacher could use this book to create a sorting activity. Give each student pictures of the animals the baby bird meets and have students match up with picture is actually the birds mother.

* Are you my mother is also a great resource for mother’s day activities!