pickInterrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise by David Ezra Stein (2018). The story follows Little Chicken as he discovers “the element of surprise“ in stories, but misinterprets it as “the elephant of surprise.“ He argues that every story needs an elephant. The bright pictures add to the appeal, with exaggerated reactions and elephants appearing in odd places. Aside from the humor, the book provides a fun introduction to literary themes.
I can use this book to teach about story elements. I can engage students in exploring the idea of surprise in writing.
'Don't you feel sorry for the elephant, Papa? All alone, waiting for someone to find him. Read another story and we'll find that poor elephant.'
“You interrupted the story. Try not to get so involved.“ “I'm sorry, Papa. But she really was a witch.“
There are so many cute and fun activities you could do with this book within a classroom to encourage hand raising/keeping your idea to yourself until you are called upon.
pickInterrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein is a Caldecott award winner. This story follows a rooster and his chick reading bedtime stories, but the chicken cannot stop interrupting and warning the rooster about possible dangerous situations.
“Out jumped a little red chicken, and she said, 'DON'T GO IN! SHE'S A WITCH!' SO Hansel and Gretel didn't. THE END!“
