Friday, February 8, 2013

Kali's Song

Winter, Jeanette. 2012. KALI’S SONG. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375870224 [Suggested Grade Level PreK – 2]

REVIEW
Many, many years ago, in the distant past, a young boy lived as part of his hunting community. Kali soon finds another use for his bow, putting down his arrows and creating something new and beautiful: music. KALI’S SONG reminds the reader that people need many things, including music, art, peace and beauty.

Sparse text resembles free verse poetry in its simplest beauty:

“Every day…he laid the arrows down/put the bow to his mouth,/and plucked the string./Animals listened/and were still./Birds listened/and were still./And the stars came close to listen.”

Acrylics, pen and textured paper provide a layered backdrop for this story including the cave painting of Kali’s mother. 

CONNECTIONS
Oral storytelling is often overlooked. Share a told tale with a group of children and invite them to take turns doing the same, creating a personal storytelling festival. Allow time for creation and rehearsals in small groups.

RELATED BOOKS
Other stories on the importance of stories:
Lionni, Leo. FREDERICK. ISBN 9780394810409

And one of the many versions of the traditional tale:
Emberley, Rebecca. THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER. ISBN 9781596434936


By Marianne Crandall Follis

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