Nick's Picks
Selected Resources from TeachingBooks.net
Nick Glass, TeachingBooks.net for Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 5/15/2008
"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” – Mark Twain
As a voracious reader, I especially enjoy being able to laugh with the authors that I admire. In this month’s column, I’ve highlighted online multimedia materials that have given me an unexpected (and appreciated) smile—the wry humor of author and illustrator Arthur Geisert as he explains how his book Oink (Houghton, 1995) can be read in three languages, simultaneously; Ridley Pearson’s explanation of why he responds to the call of “Burp”; and K.M. Grant’s tale of a beheaded ancestor. Of course, the activity guide for Shel Silverstein’s Runny Babbit playfully reinforces what a “billy sook” it is.
Laughter is vital, as Mark Twain reminds us in the introductory quote. If you have other fun multimedia resources about favorite authors, please email them to me at nick@TeachingBooks.net
Watch as illustrator Arthur Geisert discusses his technique
Arthur Geisert's clever books demonstrate humorous chain reactions and changing landscapes. He notes that his illustrative technique—copperplate etching—hasn’t changed in 500 years, and the seriousness—even “stodginess”—of this process makes the humor in his work “even funnier.”
Not Ripley, not Wrigley, but Bruce?
Listen to the coauthor (with Dave Barry) of Peter and the Starcatchers (Hyperion, 2004) relate how he was belatedly named after his Great-Uncle Bruce—when his parents realized that on his deathbed the man thought that he had a namesake.
How the Hangman Lost His Heart by K.M. Grant
K.M. Grant shares some darkly humorous background on her book before reading a short excerpt
Billed as “Monty Python meets The Princess Bride in this hysterically historical romp,” this title by K.M. Grant (Walker, 2007) will make inquisitive readers—and listeners—wonder about the verity of this 18th-century episode from Grant’s family history.
Runny Babbit (HarperCollins, 2005) by Shel Silverstein
Share the fun and laughter with your students
Playing with language, as Silverstein is known to do, is a great way to increase fluency as well as nurture an interest in poetry, reading, and creative expression. From lessons on poetry to writing “poem-plays,” mine this fun-filled book guide for some engaging student activities.
