ZIPPY IS MISSING (text: 238 words)
[Art note for visual subtext: Every spread shows the imaginary friend, Zippy, out of sight of the main characters, but partly hidden somewhere for the caregiver/child reading the book to find. Math concepts are also addressed in the spreads where the characters look high and low: the items they find can be counted in the art—for example: 1 squirrel, 2 birds, 3 rocks, etc.]
Page 3
(Introduction-While You Read: I would plan to develop a list with the Challenge Team/publisher on how to use the READ strategy and TIPS method to introduce new ways to engage and interact with the child while reading the story, thus fostering milestones in the child’s learning development. In addition to the hide-and-seek and math elements noted above, the list will include suggestions for thinking out loud and repeat readings that engage conversation and give ownership to the child, having fun using different voices and acting out scenes, ways to highlight and PAT new vocabulary, and asking questions to nurture critical thinking. Use of simple spatial relationship words while discussing the art throughout the book (high/low, up/down, over/under, etc.) will also be addressed as another way to develop math skills. I hope to encourage imagination and curiosity in both the caregiver and child as they make connections to their own world—comparing and contrasting activities in the book to their own experiences, and perhaps using it as a springboard to create their own hide-and-seek game with an imaginary friend as a way to have grand adventures as they explore their surroundings together.)
Pages 4-5
I put on my shoes.
Nana grabs her backpack.
We’re ready to go.
But…
Zippy is missing—
AGAIN!
Pages 6-7
He loves to find things.
He loves to explore.
But we know
we can find him....
If we hunt really hard.
Pages 8-9 [Passing rowhouses on the way to the bus stop.]
Nana looks high,
and I look low.
We can’t find Zippy.
Where did he go?
Pages 10-11 [Zippy on roof of bus.]
We hop on the bus
and search all around.
Nana: Did he take the train?
Pages 12-13
Child: Did he take a boat?
Nana: Did he take a spaceship…
Pages 14-15
Child: Beyond the moon,
the sun, and the stars?
Pages 16-17
Zippy is still missing
when we arrive at the park.
But we know
we can find him....
If we hunt really hard.
Pages 18-19 [Woodland trail in park.]
Nana looks high,
and I look low.
We can’t find Zippy.
Where did he go?
Pages 20-21 [Playground in park. Rope net and sandbox.]
We climb up ropes
and search sandy shores.
Nana: Did he join a pirate band?
Child: Did he walk the plank?
Pages 22-23 [Playground. Jungle gym.]
Nana: Did he explore
a far-off jungle?
Child: Discover dozens of
dinosaurs, dragons, and dogs?
Pages 24-25
Zippy is still missing
when it’s time for lunch.
But we know
we can find him....
If we hunt really hard.
Pages 26-27 [Picnic area at the park.]
Nana looks high,
and I look low.
We can’t find Zippy.
Where did he go?
Pages 28-29 [Art note: Perhaps in the front matter show the child putting favorite book(s) in Nana’s pack. This gives the child a key role in Zippy’s reappearance here.]
Nana pulls our picnic
and a blanket
out of her pack.
I dig out my books…
And guess who suddenly appears?
Pages 30-31 [Art note for page 31: At picnic. Nana reading with child and Zippy. Cover of favorite book is the same as this book.]
Zippy loves to find things.
He loves to explore.
But we know
we can always bring him back.
With good food, good times, and…
…good books.
Page 32
(Beyond the Book: I’d plan to develop a list of connection ideas with the Challenge Team/publisher—ways for the caregiver and child to bring language, tools, and activities beyond the book to their own urban experiences. The list may include connections with bus rides, trips to the playground or park, picnic options, using math concepts to describe surroundings, and emotional connections with the comfort of familiar routines, and the joy of imagination and discovery of endless possibilities.)
25 comments
Join the conversation:
CommentDea Brayden and Lindsay Brayden Ellis
Joannie Duris