This book introduces children to different jungle animals, but more importantly it introduces them to the golden rule. The story follows a tiny tiger in his naughty daily routine of scaring other animals with his ferocious roar. He enjoys scaring creatures over and over until one day they work together to scare him back. Clovis realizes that its not fun to be scared and promises to change his ways. While the repetition in the book engages children to help read the story such as the repeated use of the line "ROAR, suddenly- there was Clovis", it also teaches them to think about how their actions affect other people. In the conclusion, Clovis has mended his ways, the jungle returns to "a peaceful place". My favorite part however is how the author points out that even though Clovis has become a better tiger, he still has the occasional relapse. The illustrator adds to this fact on the last two pages. Clovis sneaks up on a turtle grazing on some flowers, but as you turn the page, the words have ended but the story has not. Clovis is walking off proudly and the turtle shell is upside down with lines implying shaking and the turtle is hidden deep within his shell.
I believe children can connect with this book because at a young age, the are egocentric. They do not think how thier actions effect others, or how it effects the classroom environment. When children are disruptive, learning is hard difficult. The book also shows that even though you may try your hardest, we all make errors in judgement.
The cover illustration of Clovis is enough to make me want to check this out-it is adorable! I like how the authors show Clovis reforming his ways, but still making mistakes from time to time. That is important. A perfectly reformed main character would be unrealistic and unaccessible to children. I think you are right that this is a good way to help young children understand that their actions impact other people. This book would be a great way to start that discussion with children, and talk with them about how they can think about others in the classroom environment. It sounds like this story is a an ideal way to introduce complex but important principles to young children.
ReplyDeleteI like how you saw the book as an appeal to a child's egocentricity and as an enlightenment tool for them. I also love that Clovis reforms his ways but still makes mistakes. This makes it seem way more realistic and I think kids will really identify with that. The book seems really cute but also carries with it a great message!
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of good messages for kids in this book. It is a book that can be used for many different grades because the message is one worth repeating consistently. Children should consider the impact of their actions on others and follow the golden rule. Sometimes people keep making mistakes, but there is always a chance for improvement. I like that this story didn't necessarily have a happy ending, but one that is more consistent with reality.
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