Introduction
From two of our much loved writers and illustrators comes another picture book masterpiece. It is layered with meaning and superbly illustrated.
This book is on the shortlist for CBCA's Picture Book of the Year for 2014!! (I think it has a big chance of winning this year) "As war rages, Peter and his father flee their home, taking with them treasure box that holds something more precious than jewels. They journey through mud and rain and long cold night, and soon their survival becomes more important than any possessions they carry." |
Look at the cover and the endpapers:
- What do you notice about the illustrations? What types of media have been used to create the images?
- What is the treasure box? Can you guess what the treasure may be?
- Look at what the boy is wearing. In what time period do you think the story might be set? Why do you think this?
- The endpapers are made from text in a language other than English. Can you identify the language? Does this give you any clues as to where the story may be taking place?
Reading
Read the book all the way through. Then go back to the beginning.
|
Examining Literature
- Identify the relationship between words, sounds, imagery and language patterns in narratives
- identifying how language choice and imagery build emotional connection and engagement with the story or theme ACELT1617
How would you describe this story?
How does it make you feel? Look at the page where the torn paper is fluttering in the sky. Read the text again: Charred paper, frail as butterflies, fluttered in the wind. People caught the words and cupped them in their hands. Discuss the use of imagery. How does that impact on the reader and make them feel? How do we know that the words and the texts were precious? How does the author's choice of words emphasise this? Read the words falling from the sky. They are the only words written in English and would have been chosen deliberately. Why? How do you think these words apply to the story? Can you find other examples in the text where choice of language and imagery builds emotional connection and engagement with the story? |
Finally
Finally, how is this story about refugees?
What do you know about refugees and how is this reflected in this story?
Peter was just a young boy when he experienced something that we find hard to fully understand. How has this book helped you to better understand the situation that a young child, such as Peter, found himself in as the result of war?
What do you know about refugees and how is this reflected in this story?
Peter was just a young boy when he experienced something that we find hard to fully understand. How has this book helped you to better understand the situation that a young child, such as Peter, found himself in as the result of war?