Title: Swing
Author & Illustrator: Michael Hall
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2020
Ages: 3-5
Format/Genre: concept book
Themes: alphabet, letters, vowels, sharing, kindness, swings, playground, fun, shapes, colors, opposites
Opening:
The first letter was alone when a second letter arrived. “Can I play with you?” the second letter asked.
Synopsis:
The letter L is enjoying time on a swing during recess. When V asked to join in the fun, L rejected V because V was from the opposite end of the alphabet. Same when E and O ask to play, as they are also different (E is a vowel and O is a round shape). Regardless, each climbs onto a swing and all four letters begin to swing back and forth until they align to form the word “LOVE”.
Why I like this book:
Deceptively simple. So many easy questions adults can ask to engage with the readers to spot the differences and similarities between the alphabet letters – that gratifyingly spell an obvious word at the end.
All of the basic concepts are there – shapes, colors, letter recognition, numbers, opposites… All with a simple message about acceptance wrapped up together in a familiar schoolyard activity.
The illustrated motion of the letters flying high in the air somehow perfectly encapsulates the joy of swinging.
Resources/Activities:
Use the conflict in the story as a springboard for discussions of not bullying others and how to handle conflict on the playground, of diversity and inclusion, asking them ‘what would you do?’
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Joanna, You find the greatest books. I am intrigued and can’t wait to get it from the library. Thanks!