When the cold has lasted for several days, I am always ready for spring in Indiana. Sure,
the ground gets muddy and rain comes. But, I am ready for warmer weather. I wonder if Daniel Kirk was thinking the same thing when he wrote the book, The Thing About Spring.
Rabbit doesn’t take on the usual cheerfulness. He is lamenting the fact that winter is leaving. His snow is disappearing and he won’t be able to do throw snowballs. His three friends, Bird, Mouse, and Bear bring in a new opinion. They are persuading their friend to notice the good in spring.
“What are you doing, Rabbit?” Mouse called.
“Saving snow, while I still can,” Rabbit grumbled. “We won’t see any more of this until next year!”
“But spring is coming,” Bird chirped. “Aren’t you excited?”
In the end, Rabbit is amazed at the surprise spring can give.
Savorings for reading and in writing for The Thing About Spring:
- Opinions – how to persuade someone to see your viewpoint
- Repeating Phrase – “The thing about spring is …”
- Magic of 3 – words in a series, sentences
- Community Building – friendship; notice the positive
- Character Change – Rabbit notices the surprises spring can bring
- Science Connection – talk about the changes in the seasons.
- Pair it with another book about fall to winter; compare changes
Posted by MaryHelen 