At first glance of this remarkable book, I felt a little uneasy. I have a daughter that had a “poof” when she was growing up and she always complained about it. So I was a little unsure if I would be able to see it differently, but I did. After reading it to myself, I realized that I could make this work in my classroom.
I teach NC Pre-K and wanted to share this experience with my class. We celebrated Multicultural Children’s Book Day by reading this incredible book. The kids listened and laughed. They answered questions like: What do you think Poof will do on picture day? What will he become and what did you like about this book? They raised their hands to answer and ask questions, they discussed ideas with their friends and told me that what they really liked about this book was the pictures!
After reading and sharing this book, I sent them to the Art Center to create their own Poof! They were given the directions to draw a picture of themselves and add their Poof. It could be whatever they wanted it to be. Then, write their names on their paper, bring them to me and tell me what their Poof is. They created some really awesome pictures! There were Ninja Turtle Movie Poofs, A Ball of Poof, A Zebra Poof, A Poof getting bigger and bigger, A long hair Poof, A Bear Poof and A Smiling Poof. I had one little boy who never goes into The Art Center, create 4 different Poofs including a girlfriend for his Poof.
I saw smiles, excitement and wonder as I read this to my class. I know they are better today for hearing and seeing it. Thank you, Stephen Hodges, for a wonderful book!
Lola Brooks
NC Pre-K Teacher
Author of You Are Wonderfully and Beautifully Made
#ReadYourWorld
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iauthor, iteach, iparent, iwrite 