Talk about picture books.

Suitable reading age for picture books: 2-6 years old

After reading picture books to my baby for a period of time, I have basically mastered his preferences, and I am more accurate in choosing picture books. However, it is really difficult to find a picture book that he particularly likes to read. I still remember the unspeakable joy when I saw the book "Shh, we have a plan" in the picture library. I instinctively felt that it must be the right book, and then the baby's performance when reading this picture book gave me confidence. During that time, the book was told at least three times a day. When it's over, the baby will turn to the cover again in a hurry and point and say, mom, tell it again!

A good picture book is really memorable. Now whenever he sees a bird outside, he will put his index finger to his mouth and say, "Shh, we have a plan", then gently lift his feet and approach slowly until the bird flies away, and then he jumps up with a smile.

This book by Chris houghton is a tribute to the classic picture book Three Robbers (French writer Tommy Ungerer). It continues its unique style, bright and bold colors, but adopts a collage painting method with personal characteristics. The story is simpler and more suitable for children to read. The whole story is full of Irish cold humor, with compact rhythm, progressive steps, sometimes nervous and sometimes hilarious, and the final open ending leaves unlimited room for reverie, which is very interesting. It can be said that this picture book paying tribute to the classics has become a new classic.

This is a picture book worth reading again and again. When I was reading to my baby, I referred to the following tips:

1. Imitate the tone of a little man as much as possible, the better. "Hello, bird!" The tone of this sentence is as high as possible, childish, and louder, and then the voice is low and light: "Shh! Shh! We have a plan. " The picture book must be vivid, and the change of sound can instantly attract the baby and bring the story.

2. Let the baby participate and guide him (her) to talk together. For example, when preparing to catch birds, the mother can say "ready", and then guide the baby to show his fingers like the characters in the picture and let him count: "one, two, three". The vocabulary of this picture book is very simple. Say it a few times more, and the baby can recite it in many places. Sometimes, it's just that the mother leads a word or two and then stops to let the baby go on. They are natural storytellers, and they will be happy to participate and get more and more excited.

3. imitate the corresponding actions of these little people, such as "hello bird!" When you say hello, raise your hand and say "shh!" Put your forefinger to your mouth, walk slowly with your feet up, use your forefinger and middle finger as your legs, and take two steps slowly on the paper. When you are ready to catch birds with a net, put your palms together to form a small net and say, "Go!" " Jump on it (be careful not to catch the bird) ... The interpretation of simple movements can make the whole picture book come alive and more interesting.

On the last page of the story, the author gave a suspense, "Look, a squirrel", so what story will happen later? Mother might as well let the baby mend it. My baby immediately said, "Shh, we have a plan". Children like to create their own stories. No matter what they say, even if they only say one word, mom should encourage and praise them in time!

This is a simple but far-reaching story. The author wrote an Einstein sentence on the copyright page: peace cannot be maintained by force, but can only be achieved by understanding. But for children, there is no need to talk about these truths, as long as they like this picture book and find it interesting. For adults, you can realize a lot when you see this sentence, can't you?

In this picture book, the repeated words "We have a plan", the failure of the big man's plan again and again, and the arrogant eyes of the bird make people laugh, but in our parenting process, isn't the relationship with children the same?

Like many mothers, I had expectations for my child before he was born, hoping that he would be healthy, smart, learn piano and painting, and be proficient in 18 kinds of martial arts ... So I had a plan to learn various educational articles every day, forcing him to sit down and draw, listen to English nursery rhymes and take him to various institutions for audition. However, one day I suddenly found out that he actually seems to prefer to be with his father, who seems to be something.

So, I adjusted myself and lowered my expectations. I only wish him health and safety and be an upright person. In this general direction, I insist on taking him out to bask in the sun, exercise and read his favorite books every day. In addition, I don't add any hard study tasks. But listen to him patiently in the process of playing, carefully observe what he is interested in now, and then try and expand in a targeted way. Just like the villain in this book, I take out the food that the bird likes, and the bird naturally comes to him.

Now I'm relaxed a lot, and I'm no longer worried about parenting. No matter how big the external influence and pressure are, I can keep my heart, judge with my own heart and stop blindly following the trend. Because I have realized that the child is an independent individual, and he has his own personality and characteristics. What kind of person we want to mold him (her) into is just a good wish. Actually, as long as the trunk is straight, the branches are beautiful, aren't they?

About the author:

Chris houghton from Ireland is a favorite name of many illustrators and designers. Chris houghton has been engaged in freelance illustration and design creation 12 years, and has drawn illustrations for publishing organizations such as The Guardian and The Independent. He is also a creative children's book writer, creating picture books for children all over the world.

His three works "Little Lost" and "Come on, little girl! "shh! We have a project, which has been well received by judges and children all over the world. It has been translated into 19 languages and won more than ten awards in 9 countries. Chris houghton is a name that should not be forgotten, whether it is a children's book writer or a designer.

You can also watch Tomiungeer's Three Robbers when you have time!