M is for Mischief

WARNING:  This book contains obnoxious children.

Citation:

M is for Mischief by Linda Ashman.  Illus. by Nancy Carpenter. (Dutton Children’s Books, 2008). 43p. Alphabet Picture Book.

Summary:

Learning the alphabet has never been so angry and zany and everything in-between.

Critique:

a.    The alliterations and rhyme combined with the depictions are what makes this book so much fun to read

b.    Each letter of the alphabet is represented with a rhyme that incorporates multiple words beginning with same sound.  The illustrations provide entertaining examples of inappropriate behavior rhymes that young children will identify with and enjoy.

c.    “Selfish Stella.  Stella’s so selfish!  She won’t share a thing – Her scooter, her sweater, her soda, her swing.  She sprawls in the sandbox so no one can play.  She sits on the slide and scares others away.  Today by the stream, while skipping a stone, She spied a small skunk that she wanted to own.  The skunk ran away, but sprayed Stella well.  She’s sharing at last – too bad it’s that smell” (p. 31-32) provides multiple examples of the focus letter while engaging the students in the antics of the child.

Curriculum Connection:  

M is for Mischief is the perfect book to share with students learning the alphabet and the sounds of the letters.  The actions of the children in the story will also serve as a reminder of how not to behave when focusing on pro-social behavior.