Now that everyone is back to school, it’s time for kids to start thinking about what to bring for show-and-tell. I’ve already heard about this special classroom event from my little one—she can’t wait to bring something in to share with her new classmates!
Unlike my daughter, Maggie feels very different about show-and-tell in this sweet story by Randi Lynn Mrvos. Maggie’s teacher, Ms. Madison, plans a “Summer vacation show-and-tell” and Maggie does not know what to bring.
Some of her friends have exciting tales to tell about their summer travels, and interesting souvenirs to show to the class. These souvenirs range from the more traditional (postcards) to the more exotic (poison dart frog). But Maggie’s family didn’t go on a trip and she thinks she has nothing to share.
The depth of Maggie’s emotions about the upcoming show-and-tell is evident in both the text and illustrations. While her friends are drawing pictures of the things they plan to bring, Maggie draws “a big fat zero.” In the accompanying picture, her eyes are downcast, her face is flooded with sadness.
Contrasted with Maggie’s misery when she thinks about show-and-tell is her joy when she is with her dog, Trooper. When her beloved pet kisses her cheek later in the evening, Maggie’s giggles almost jump off the page!
Maggie and the Summer Vacation Show-and-Tell is a wonderfully-written picture book. My little one saw the cover and begged to read it with me. She was very engaged as we read, telling Maggie what she should and should not do, expressing affection in response to pictures of Trooper, and exclaiming her surprise at certain points in the book.
Maggie’s dog, Trooper, was inspired by a real dog named Charlie. Ms. Mrvos has included “Charlie’s Story” in an author’s note, along with photographs of Charlie. I’m not going to spoil it for you—you’ll have to read Maggie and the Summer Vacation Show-and-Tell to find out why Charlie’s tale is so unique!
Ms. Mrvos has also provided a discussion guide in the back of the book. The guide not only suggests questions for children to consider, but it also introduces the concept of the simile and encourages kids to craft their own similes. There is a longer discussion guide on Ms. Mrvos’s website, www.randilynnmrvos.com.
In addition to her picture book writing, Ms. Mrvos is the editor of Kid’s Imagination Train. Kid’s Imagination Train is a free online magazine created to encourage kids to read and to learn. Kids can illustrate feature stories for the e-magazine and have their work published online. If you are interested in publishing a story in Kid’s Imagination Train, check out the post Ms. Mrvos wrote on the subject for our blog earlier this year.
Writers can also find guidance and inspiration from Ms. Mrvos at her blog, www.childrenswritersworld.blogspot.com.
Have you read any great books lately?
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