Other books by Gus Gordon and other information about him
Head to Gus' website for a closer look - Click here
Set in New York, this is a story about friendship, life in the big city and following your dreams.
Let's look at the cover
Look at the front and the back covers.
Do you think this is a modern story or set some time ago? What clues can you find on the front and back covers?
Look at Herman and Rosie. Do you think they are friends?
What could this story be about? Can you see a theme for this book?
Do you think this is a modern story or set some time ago? What clues can you find on the front and back covers?
Look at Herman and Rosie. Do you think they are friends?
What could this story be about? Can you see a theme for this book?
Look at the end papers
Open to the end papers where the map of New York city is. Do you think it is an old map or a new one? Are there any clues on the map to help you?
Point out where Rosie and Herman live.
Point out where Rosie and Herman live.
Read the story
Read the story together, pausing to chat about the pictures and some of the details that have been included. Especially in the collage papers behind the text and illustrations
Looking more closely at the text
Look back through the story at the pages where good things happen and where sad things happen. How can you tell just from the pictures how the characters are feeling? Look at the colours used and how Gus Gordon draws the characters small and insignificant.
Look at this picture of Rosie. How was Rosie feeling in this picture? Why was he feeling like that? What did Gus Gordon do when he was painting that picture to help us feel that way?
Look closely at the pictures and the text. What can we learn about Herman and what can we learn about Rosie? Who are they and what do they like to do?
Even though they had host lost their jobs and they were miserable, was it helping by staying at home and stopping doing the things that they enjoyed? When they decided to get up and do something did things change? When they found each other, how did things change?
How can cities be lonely places? Even when there are lots of people living close by each other?
Look at this picture of Rosie. How was Rosie feeling in this picture? Why was he feeling like that? What did Gus Gordon do when he was painting that picture to help us feel that way?
Look closely at the pictures and the text. What can we learn about Herman and what can we learn about Rosie? Who are they and what do they like to do?
Even though they had host lost their jobs and they were miserable, was it helping by staying at home and stopping doing the things that they enjoyed? When they decided to get up and do something did things change? When they found each other, how did things change?
How can cities be lonely places? Even when there are lots of people living close by each other?
Discuss with the Super 6
1. ConnectHave you got a friend with the same strong interests as you? What are the things you most love to do?
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2. QuestionWhat is New York famous for?
Click here for top attractions. How do people with the same interests find each other? |
3. Summarise & EvaluateWhat do Herman and Rosie have in common?
What is your favourite part of this story? |
4. PredictWhat could Herman and Rosie do together, after the story ends?
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5. VisualiseCreate a collage. Draw a special time spent together by two friends - show that they are close friends by what they are enjoying together, their expressions and closeness.
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6. CreateWrite a song to a favourite nursery rhyme tune about friends and sharing experiences.
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