Lettered Creatures: Light Verse
What’s inside...
This remarkable alphabet book showcases the exquisite family wit of brothers Brad and Mark Leithauser. Each spread is devoted to an emblematic creature, such as an appetitive Anteater or a prickly Porcupine, accompanied by an eight-line poem on one side and a delicate pencil drawing on the other. The poems and drawings reflect the precise observation and intellectual playfulness characteristic of the Leithauser brothers, offering a modern take on traditional emblem books without imposing moralizing meanings on the animal subjects.
Age
8-12
Length
62 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they encountered each challenge in the story?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own ending to the book before revealing the actual conclusion.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character which can lead into a discussion about why they made that choice.
Create a fun quiz for your child based on the story to make the discussion interactive and engaging.
Relate aspects of characters' experiences to your child’s own life to make the story more relevant and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Creativity
Explanation: Through inventive verses and quirky characters, 'Lettered Creatures: Light Verse' celebrates original thinking and the creative process.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in problem-solving and expressing themselves artistically in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Language Skills
Explanation: The playful use of language in the book helps children appreciate words and their meanings, enhancing their vocabulary and linguistic capabilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice new words and experiment with language in their writing and speaking, improving communication skills.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: Each poem offers unique insights and humorous takes on various subjects, making learning enjoyable and engaging for young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can approach educational topics with curiosity and enthusiasm, making everyday learning more enjoyable and less of a chore.