Today begins the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Writers and illustrators conference. I am so excited to have Debbie as a guest and presenter at the conference. If you haven't seen her books (the two she wrote and illustrated and all the ones she has illustrated, be sure to check them out. There's a link to her website at the end of this post.
Title: Sam & Eva
Author and illustrator: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2017
Opening Lines: Sam had just begun to draw when Eva arrived. "I like your pony," Eva said. "It's a velociraptor," said Sam.
Themes: Drawing, imagination, friendship, collaboration
About the book:
Sam wants to draw alone, but Eva wants to join him. The drawings takes on a life of their own as Sam and Eva's imaginary worlds collide. When Eva decides it isn't fun anymore and leaves, Sam realizes that something is missing from the experience.
Why I love this book:
I love books that show kids making art and using their imaginations.
This book about friendship and collaboration starts off on the wrong foot. Not an uncommon occurrence for kids (I won't mention adults). It's interesting to think about what shifts during the interaction to turn the relationship to something good and special? In this book, there are no adults. The answer to the problem in this story is not dramatic. It's just letting things happen and allowing a relationship to take its course. I think this is an important lesson for kids to learn. We don't always need someone to tell us how to fix and build relationships.
I love that the Sam and Eva are drawn in black and white and all the color is in the drawings they create.
Some Activities:
Make a Dry Erase/Magnetic Board Wall : This is just one video of how to make a the wall. But Wouldn't it be fun to be able to draw on the walls and not get in trouble?
Debbie's Cool Website filled with activities, downloadables, and cool stuff about her and her work.
Team Building Exercises
As always, to find more cool picture books check out Susanna Hill's Blog where you can look for reviews by book, title, and by themes.
Collaboration can be challenging -- and rewarding! This sounds like fun story about imagination, collaboration, and friendship; thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly can and the more children do it, the better they will be at it as they grow up. It's also so important that it be an organic process and not always forced on them.
DeleteThis sounds like so many of Debbie's drawings. How they take on lives of their own. I'll have to find this one. Thanks for the rec!
ReplyDeleteYes, Her drawings often feel like they might just run off and play on their own.
DeleteYes, thank you for the recommendation. It looks like a very worthwhile read.
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DeleteI love Debbie Ohi's books and drawings. What a great activity! Thanks.
ReplyDelete:)
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