The Very Busy Spider by: Eric Carle (1984)

Hard Work and Determination seems to be not only the key elements in making this book, but the message of the book as well. The book I am talking about is The Very Busy Spider by : Eric Carle. This adorably creepy tale takes the reader on yet another one of Eric Carles colorful and timeless adventures.  There's the link for my viewers to get a quick read of the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz05diaKZmk



The story starts off with the spider who is nothing but focused on her web weaving. Even though along the way the spider experiences some tempting distractions, she still maintains composure and completes her web. The message implied in my view, is hard work and determination pay off.

CItations and Sources Used

http://johnnyfmp.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-very-busy-spider-teaches-our-kids.html


 http://ericcarleblog.blogspot.com/


 http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html

A House For Hermit Crab by: Eric Carle (2002)

A House For Hermit Crab by: Eric Carle is a witty story about a hermit crab that is going through a transitional period in it's life. It must change shells even though it is attached to it's old one.  Children who are going through a transitional period could benefit from reading this book because it focuses on change and while change is hard, change is amazing as well. I will include the link to the audio :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYGDLsFgBf0 Eric Carle illustrated this particular book a little different. the color pallet is darker and filled with more earthy tones than neon and the illustrations have a more simplistic feel to them in my opinion.  I believe by making the illustrations more brown and earthy helps give the feel of a darker tone, and by the end of the book, the murky looking water and sand turn into a colorful celebration of change. These are just my perspectives while reading. The message could mean a multitude of things to many different people  but the message still remains positive and influential to the people reading it.  (The typical Eric Carle Style :)    peace and positivity <3

The Mixed Up Chameleon by :Eric Carle (1975)

The Mixed Up Chameleon by : Eric Carle is a colorful story about a chameleon that ultimately finds himself among a new string of talents such as changing colors and brightening up his world.  It is a wonderful story that promotes positive self image, hope, and (maybe this is far fetched) but self enlightenment as well. Reading the story I found myself filled with happiness as the story sends a positive message. The idea that the chameleon spruced it's own life by adding a little color, gives the story a feeling that anything can happen (at least for me) Maybe some of my viewers feel the same? No matter what age, the book touches the hearts of many.  The famous Eric Carle ilustrations are at their peak in this story. The pallet of colors and textures draw the reader in almost in amazement (possibly provoking a feeling of happiness or "colorfulness" ?)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ch1277quZo

I have provided a link to the audio for the story, try it out and see if you agree :)

The Grouchy Ladybug :by Eric Carle (1977)

 The Grouchy Ladybug By: Eric Carle touches on the topics of sequencing , naming, size, dispute, respect, fighting, being nice, and even time (Eric Carle includes the time of day on each page).  I have included a link of the story being read aloud for my viewers : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFNZvJbzmms  as well as a link to a page that includes ideas and projects for the book within the classroom : http://www.djinkers.com/photo_gallery.php?pid=207 Something that the teacher did in the example below (picture of bulletin board) demonstrates the types of the activities that teachers can use to incorporate the message from The Grouchy Ladybug with academic learning.  The activity asks the students to think of what makes them grouchy like the ladybug, and could be used as a method to teach children to reflect on their own behaviors and attitudes. The story teachers children that being mean to one another is not the answer and promotes peace.

The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle (1980)

The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle teaches children description (similar to Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?) as well as suffixes and other vocabulary elements.  The message that can be taken from this book is patience and obtaining a goal. The message is positive and triumphant. The story teaches children that dreams can come true and may not come right away, but with hard work and determination anything can happen. (Awe how sweet. ) I am going to attach a video of someone reading the story out loud so that the readers can see if they are able to identify some of the literary elements I've discussed.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWE3WIxulLg

Another concept that The Very Quiet Cricket addresses the power of communication. Due to the fact the cricket cannot talk or communicate the way he wishes he could (using his legs) the story shows how sometimes there are limitations in life and adapting is a part of life.

The Tiny Seed by: Eric Carle (1970): Cycle of Life and Expanding Vocabulary

The story "The Tiny Seed," written by Eric Carle serves not only to entertain its young readers, but expand their vocabulary as well. The connections I have made regard the use of descriptive vocabulary along with the vibrant illustrations.  The illustrations serve their purpose as aids in teaching kids about descriptive language.  The illustrations also tell a story that corresponds with the theme in the narration : the life cycle. The mix of descriptive vocabulary and a deep meaningful story about life and death stays appropriate for the age the book is directed to. I have included a lesson plan worksheet that I found online. The worksheet discusses the cycles of the tiny seed and incorporates the theme of the cycle of life with all of the different places the tiny seed goes. The style of writing being so detailed and colorful tastefully complements the unique illustrations.