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Friday, March 16, 2012

Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon

Chopsticks are best friends. They've been that way forever. But one day one chopstick gets broken and must spend some time away from the other. While one chopstick explores new and different ways to be useful, the other chopstick must remain immobile while he's on the mend. Will Chopsticks continue to be friends after one has explored a new and different world, or will he leave his best friend behind?

In this adorable companion to the book Spoon, Amy Krouse Rosenthal's lovely story explores the dynamics of friendship and what happens when one friend goes away and the other must stay put. In addition, she also crafts her writing to allow teachers and students to discuss literary devices such as personification and play-on words. I particularly love that the kitchen whisk was the one who "whisked away" chopstick to get him medical attention - or that "no one stirred, not even spoon" while they were waiting to see if chopstick would be OK. 

In addition to Rosenthal's clever writing, Scott Magoon's smile-inducing illustrations just might get you talking and making friends with your own kitchen utensils. I know I will never look at my kitchen whisk the same way again. Even though I've always been a fan of whisks, I have much greater respect for them now. :)

Don't think that because this is a picture book it is only for little kids. Because of Rosenthal's deft use of personification and puns, this would be a great book to read to older kids as well. I will definitely be reading it to my 6th graders in the near future.

Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Scott Magoon
Published: January 24, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 40
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Primary/Middle Grade

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14 comments:

  1. Beth FMarch 17, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Awwwww. This sounds great. I'm going to keep it in mind for little ones in my life.

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  2. TheBookGirlMarch 17, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    What a delightful sounding book!

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  3. AlexMarch 17, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    This sounds like a fun book. My daughter lives in China, maybe I should send her a copy to read to the younger kids she is teaching English to. She is always looking for books like this.

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  4. RikkiMarch 17, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    Isn't she the one who also wrote Encyclopedia of an ordinary life? I really liked that one. I will have a look into this one, sounds like a great book for children.

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  5. Lisa@ButteryBooksMarch 17, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    My 5 year old loves to help in the kitchen and I think he would love this book. Sounds like it has very clever writing.

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  6. UniflameMarch 17, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    This sounds cute :)

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  7. JoAnnMarch 17, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    I love the sounds of this one!

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  8. LibbyMarch 17, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    cute! Maybe for my grandson!

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  9. caiteMarch 17, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    I am not very good with chopsticks..of friends. :-)

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  10. Carol @ Always Thyme to CookMarch 17, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    Sounds like a very cute book!

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  11. (Diane) bookchickdiMarch 17, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    What a wonderful teaching tool.

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  12. PerogyoMarch 17, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    This sounds fab- especially for my 2 year old who is just learning to use chopsticks and finds it very difficult. Maybe this will help her like them more!

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  13. MargMarch 17, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    This sounds awesome. Bearing it in mind for my nephews!

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  14. ChristineMarch 18, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    Sounds just charming! :)

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