All the World

All the World
By: Liz Garton Scanton
Illustrated by: Marla Frazee
Genre: Poetry
Ages: 5-7

This poetry book uses poetry to tell a story. The story begins with two children digging on the beach. It then turns into a much larger world with different families and places. As the story goes on, the lives of all the people interchange with each other. In the end, the little girl realizes that "everything is you and us...all the world is all of us." This book is a great way to show students that poetry can not only tell stories but also teach us lessons.


Theme:
Our world is much bigger than our little world we live in. Even though it may seem like we live far away from people in different countries, we come into contact with different cultures daily. Our world is interconnected.


About the author:
Liz Garton Scanton loves to write children's books because she believes children bring out the best of her. Her own daughters also inspire her work. This book also received the 2010 Caldecott Honor.


Pre-reading activity:
Students take a picture walk and discuss with a partner what they think the book will be about based on the pictures.


Post-reading activity:
Students draw their own illustrations portraying an image of the world as "one." Images will be hung for all to see.

Source used:
http://www.lizgartonscanlon.com/about_me.html