Seven stories by the award-winning children's book author/illustrator are featured in this must-have collection from Scholastic Storybook Treasures.
Ezra Jack Keats was the first American picture book creator to give a black child a central role. This collection celebrates Keats' groundbreaking contribution to children's literature with seven of his classic stories, including the beloved "The Snowy Day"--which won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1963�and "Whistle for Willie." What makes these tales so timeless is their simplicity and their message that our childhood experiences are truly universal.
Babies may not have experienced some of these characters' feelings yet, but even young viewers are likely to enjoy "The Snowy Day," with its lovely language and descriptive sounds, including the "crunch, crunch, crunch" of Peter's feet sinking into the snow and the "plop!" of snow falling on his head from a tree. They'll feel Peter's glee as he pretends he's a mountain climber and his disappointment when he discovers the snowball he placed in his pocket is no longer there.
These stories deal with situations in which we all find ourselves, and they empower preschoolers by showing them how other children react. They'll relate to Peter's frustration at not being able to whistle, and will understand his putting on his father's hat to feel more grown-up and give him confidence. When finally, after Peter "blew and blew and blew, and out came a real whistle," young viewers will feel as though they themselves had accomplished the seemingly impossible.
Most older kids have outgrown these picture books, although they may be interested to see some of their old favorites onscreen. They may especially enjoy "Peter's Chair," in which Peter's cradle, high chair and crib have been painted pink for his new baby sister. They'll laugh when he runs away with his chair to keep it from the same fate, only to discover he can't even fit in it any more!
