Outside the Window
by Anna Egan Smucker
Illustrated by Stacey Schuett
Alfred A. Knopf
1994
Theme: Animals, good night book
Age group: preschool - 2nd
Opening Lines: On a strong leafy branch outside the bedroom window of a little boy, there is a nest. In that nest live a mother bird and her five baby birds. The biggest one loves to eat. The medium-sied one loves to play. The cleanest one loves to take baths. The chirpiest one loves to hear stories. And the tiniest one is always sleepy. But they are all very curious about the little boy who lives in the house that their nest in the maple tree can almost touch.
Synopsis: This is a cute book with a twist. The birds watch the boy and are constantly asking their mother what the little boy is doing. They want to know if he is playing or what he eats. They want to know if the mother is reading to him yet or if he is asleep. They are full of questions just like inquisitive little kids. When the boy finally goes to sleep, the little birds close their sleepy eyes.
Resources:
Click here for a site filled with all kinds of bird activities for preschoolers!
Click here for coloring pages of birds.
This was Anna Smucker's second picture book. I think you will like it. I like it because it is about baby birds and their illustrations are beautiful. I also like reading books from fellow West Virginians.
Every Friday, bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see what other
people posted, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Also let me also take this opportunity to tell you about a brand new picture book that is out. I will post about it on another PPBF, after I get my copy. Please click here, for a chance to win this just published picture book about monsters and their ailments. My friend, Quinn, would love to hear your comments. Thank you.
Posted by Janet F. Smart on Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch.
Happy International Women's Day, Janet!
ReplyDeleteAnother unique way of looking at the world. It reminds me of the bottle nest I have outside my kitchen window. I'm trying to think of a story based on the sparrows I see flying in and out of it!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me that even though it's snowing outside (yes, yuk!) spring is around the corner.
ReplyDeleteI love the twist--the birds wondering about the boy. Often I wonder what animals think about us. :-)
ReplyDeleteJanet, I like the different viewpoint for kids. Very unique and fun bedtime story.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so fun! I love the twist! Sounds like a cute book. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
With the dark cover and the title, I thought at first it was a horror book.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to share how every story has different points of view! Unique twist!
ReplyDeleteWe'll put this on our list. Sounds very unique.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet book! I'd love to read it to my little granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out this book for its unique viewpoint. Very clever.
ReplyDeleteSusie,
ReplyDeleteThis is a real sweet story about the birds and the little boy. OUTSIDE THE WINDOW sounds like a very good book. I love the story about the birds watching the little boy. I know children would love this picture book.
Good review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jerry.
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