As kids get older, they like how-to books. Look for stories that motivate them to make or do something. When I taught elementary school, such books were particularly popular with my students because they were often followed by an art class. You don’t have to be a teacher to enjoy such stories and the creations they inspire.

Start with Ruth Ohi’s Chicken, Pig, Cow (Annick Press, 2008), a pile of popsicle sticks or coffee stirrers, and some modelling clay or playdough.

This book opens with pictures of a child making a chicken, a pig, and a cow. At the beginning of the story, these animals are standing in a popsicle-stick barn. Have your listeners imagine how a real barn would smell and feel.

Turn the page and discuss what problem chicken, pig, and cow have. What other drawbacks does the barn have?

Discuss how your listeners might use the barn and the animals. What might happen if they got too busy to play with friends like these? Have them consider different ways that chicken, pig, and cow might escape. Then, turn the page to find out.

How does cow feel about being left alone in the barn? Enjoy her plight with your listeners. Those who have a dog will particularly enjoy how she gets out.

Discuss what happens next.

• Who tries to save cow?
• What ideas do they have?
• What happens?

Laugh as the exuberant dog makes a barn modification. How does that happen?

The story is only a beginning. Encourage your listeners to make their own barn and animals. What stories can they make about their creations?

Before reading Stuck by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins, 2011), collect some kite-making supplies or buy an inexpensive kite. This story begins when a boy’s kite gets stuck in a tree.

• Discuss how the boy tries to free the kite.
• What happens each time?

Who tries to help the boy? What happens to them?

Laugh with your listeners as they see the tree with a kite, two shoes, a cat, and a ladder stuck in it.

What does the boy try next? With older listeners, discuss the meaning of the expression “everything but the kitchen sink”. In this case, the boy uses everything including the kitchen sink.

Laugh together at the idea of a tree with a kite, two shoes, a cat, a ladder, a can of paint, a duck, a chair, a bicycle, a kitchen sink, a front door, a car, a milkman, and an orangutan in it. Discuss how heavy these things might get. What would your listeners suggest the boy do next?

Chuckle as you read what he does do.

Discuss what else tries to help. What happens to it?

Enjoy the picture showing everything in the tree. Have your listeners identify each item.

Ask: Who would you call if you had this problem? Discuss the various possibilities. Identify what community helpers do come. What happens when they try to help?

Enjoy how the boy finally gets his kite out of the tree. What happens next?

Would your listeners like an adventure like this? Encourage them to make and fly their own kite. What stories does this inspire?

We now have two Sounds for Fun apps. Download the first one at https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/sounds-for-fun-s-b-m-t-h-c/id689313346. Sounds for Fun 2 is available at https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/sounds-for-fun-2/id781562215?mt=8

Helen Mason for Sounds for Fun

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