Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. 2003. FAVORITE THINGS. Ill. by Laura Huliska-Beith. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc. ISBN 0803725973 [Suggested Grade Levels 0-3]
SUMMARY and ANALYSIS
A mother and son’s goodnight ritual spins itself into a tall tale rendering of the events of the day. “What was your favorite thing today?” a mother asks her young son and is treated to some wildly exaggerated and colorful occurrences. From the parade of elephants that woke him to the intergalactic battle to save the planet from his sister, or rather, the “rude invaders,” Matthew recounts some of his favorite happenings. But no matter how fun and colorful Matthew’s day was, his favorite thing is the time spent with his mother, talking about his day.
An attention getting action packed story, readers will chuckle along with Matthew’s wild tales. The clever language and subtle wit will have adults laughing as well. At one point the spacemen defend the “planet Wisconsin…That’s where all the race car drivers live…and one of the elephants…and Spencer’s grandma…The rest of the elephants come from Ireland.” The brightly colored and wildly patterned illustrations, done by Laura Huliska-Beith, are eye catching and lend themselves to the humor of the story. There are loads of interesting visual details like the tyrannosaurus squirrel, Rex, with his spiked collar and the elephants’ plaid ears. FAVORITE THINGS is a fun and sweet story that would be a great way to end any day.
CONNECTIONS
Children can participate in a writing exercise where they expand their daily activities to include some outlandish embellishments.
This book can be used to discuss and share bedtime rituals.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books that say “Good Night:”
Brown, Margaret Wise. GOODNIGHT MOON. ISBN 0758700156
Dunbar, Joyce. TELL ME SOMETHING HAPPY BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP.
ISBN 015201795X
Fox, Mem. TIME FOR BED. ISBN 0758738137
Yolen, Jane. HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOOD NIGHT? ISBN 0439610214
By Marianne Follis
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