PPBF: That Is NOT A Good Idea!

If you haven't already seen this (or maybe even if you have!), you simply must treat yourself to this hilarious Kid Snippets Valentines Day clip. 
Laughter is such a nice gift, isn't it?

Just like that clip, today's PPBF is hilarious.
Introducing ...


Title: That is NOT a Good Idea!
Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (An Imprint of Harper Collins)
Date: April 23, 2013
Suitable for: ages 4 - 8
Themes: point of view, listening, choices
Brief Synopsis: A hungry fox meets a plump goose and a dinner invitation is extended. What do you imagine the secret ingredient will be?
Fiction
Opening page:


Resources:  Read a review at Marin Mommies {here}.
Find activity ideas from Harper Collins {here}.
Enjoy an engaging post at Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes {here}.

View the book's You Tube trailer here:




Why I like this book:  I found this treasure absolutely intriguing. From the first page when I saw the mama goose's expression, I wondered why she looked so pleased to see the fox. But it never occurred to me that there'd be such a 
creative twist.  

I took it to Margaret Limmer's first grade to try it out yesterday. I asked for predictions before we read and, as you might expect, they pretty much thought that the sneaky fox wanted to cook the goose for dinner. And probably throw in her goslings for dessert. But then one little learner asked, "Why does the fox always have to be the bad guy?" and that question took her friends in a reverse direction. Is it possible that the goose would outfox the fox?

My friend Margaret is the kind of teacher whose kids are thinkers like that. They're curious and kind and they're intelligent and insightful! Some of them even thought that maybe the fox and the goose could become friends. How cute is that? It's because Margaret leads by example. When it's a family member's birthday, for example, Mrs. Limmer will get the phone number of that person and her class will deliver a singing telegram. When a student's grandmother was turning 100, these firsties wrote her amazing notes of birthday blessings and cheer. And as that granny was taking her last earthly breath days later, it was those cards that they were reading to her. As I left the room just this morning, Mrs. Limmer asked if I could mail some cards for her. I couldn't help but noticed that the envelopes were addressed to last year's students from her class. Valentines no doubt. So you can imagine that I love to spend time piloting new material with her class. They got so, so excited about this clever newcomer! Well, most of them.

Check out this reader's response reflection:




Oops ... cat's out of the bag ... so to speak.

And their text-to-self connections with a time that 
someone told them that is NOT a good idea:





For fun, why not do a free dance to the song
What Does The Fox Say?

I've got a good idea; check out this book, then head to 
Susanna Leonard Hill's blog for more intriguing titles.






12 comments

  1. I usually like the slightly subversive endings, but I have to admit, even though Mr. Fox was crafty and we're brought up to think he's a villain, I didn't like this one. I'm with the little girl in the class who said they should be friends. :)

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    1. I was surprised I liked it as much as I did, even though the it does kind of have an "underdog prevails" theme. I did kind of hope they'd somehow work together to serve dinner for the greater good. Thanks for your candid reflections, Wendy!

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  2. I had a similar reaction to Wendy's, but I see some merit in the twist.

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    1. The twist definitely made these firsties think again, and any storylilne that can do that is going to be a winner in my book!

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  3. I seem to hear that a lot. "Rhythm? Not a good idea!" That's when I have to get sneaky. I've had this book on my want list for awhile, but haven't gotten to it yet. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like the kids had a good time with it!

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    1. Oh Rhythm, I find that hard to believe, because I have this vision of perfection when you come to mind! I'll bet you have fun going sneaky. My new cat is kind of a sneak, too. Thanks for stopping by; I think this whimsical gem will give you a giggle.

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  4. OMG Barbara! I read this book in a bookstore last year and the ending was quite a surprise! It's very Jon Klassen to my way of thinking :) I have to say, I didn't like it - not my kind of ending - but clever nonetheless! And I'm sure there are lots of kids who will find the twist delightful! Thanks so much for sharing!

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    1. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving your feedback, Susanna. And I always look forward to picking the perfect PPBF so it surprised me that it wasn't already on our list. Since it tickled my funny bone, I didn't really consider that someone wouldn't like it. Then I read that reader's response and today's comments. Hmmmm ....

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  5. This is an unusual story with its distinct ending. Love the illustrations. Thanks for sharing Barbara.

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    1. My pleasure. It IS unusual ... YES ... and the chicks are adorable. The first graders LOVED the repetition and the patterns that Mo uses with their part. Thanks for stopping by the Corner!

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  6. I love how Mo can take an idea (not a good idea) and twist it around.... it's fun, and encourages kids to use their imaginations.

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  7. I love this book! I almost reviewed it today. It is so clever and funny! I read it to a group of kindergartners and they just giggled!

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I really enjoy hearing from my readers; thanks for sharing your reflections with us!