Author: Kathryn
Madeline Allen
Illustrator: Eric
Futran
Publisher: Albert
Whitman & Company, 2012
Age: 2 - 6
Topic: Stories in
Rhyme, Communication,
Opening: A kiss means
I love you, a wave means hello, a smile means I’m happy, a tug means let’s go!
Book Summary:
Explores the meaning of different actions, expressions, words and sounds, from
a kiss and a clap to a wave and a yawn.
Resources:
A fun thing to do is allow children to make up meanings for
their own actions, expressions and sounds.
Guess the meaning: children can guess the meaning for
various actions, expressions and sounds, like wiggle, tickle, growl, stomp and
wink.
A common core guideline for this book can be found here. It is geared for 2-6 year olds.
For much younger audiences, try having them act out the actions with you as you read the story.
Why I Like This Book:
This is a really fun way to engage children in learning how
to understand all kinds of communication. Since communication is not limited to
speaking, it teaches children various ways they can express their feelings and wishes
as well as understand what others want or feel by looking and listening then
interpreting those actions, expressions and sounds. The use of photography
makes it wonderful and realistic.
