I think I remember this first book from childhood, and I know I love this author. I never did have a blankie; I had a bear, but he is still very dear to me and I can get what little Owen is feeling. I figured I had better get to know this girl from the second book, since she is very popular. I expected a fancy girl that I wouldn’t like, but I really like her! She’s fancy but also genuine, which is the only kind of fancy I will tolerate! I couldn’t resist the French in the title either. We have that in common too, though I do not want to be fluent in French just for the fancy aspect.
RJ books 44 and 45 are:
Owen by Kevin Henkes
and
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Owen fun:
- What is something that you like a lot? How could you carry it around all the time?
- Talk with your kids about something that you had as a kid too.
- Write up the next adventure, about what Owen does with his little blankies.
Nancy:
- Have a fancy good time! Get all fancy and go crazy!
- Look more at butterflies, all the different kinds that are in the book.
- Talk about a time when something didn’t go the way you wanted it to go, and you had to do something else. Was it stil fun? Did your friend understand why you couldn’t be there?
Coming up next on your friendly Reading Journal: A tale of an old insect. No, it will be good!
until then, read and write on,
Kathy Ellen
