Title: Peter’s Chair

Author: Ezra Jack Keats

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: In this book, Peter realizes his little baby sister is going to get all of his things. His parents are painting his chair and other possessions pink, and he’s upset. He actually runs away with his dog! But after a while, he comes home and realizes that his little sister is here to stay. He decides to stay, too, and helps his parents get things ready for his new sister, Susie.

Review: This is one of my all-time favorite books. There are so many great examples of narrative writing techniques. It makes for a great mentor text when teaching how to write personal narratives. I want to read all of Ezra Jack Keats’s books!

Content Area Connection:

• science: The connection here

Title: Peter’s Chair

Author: Ezra Jack Keats

Genre: realistic fiction

Summary: In this book, Peter realizes his little baby sister is going to get all of his things. His parents are painting his chair and other possessions pink, and he’s upset. He actually runs away with his dog! But after a while, he comes home and realizes that his little sister is here to stay. He decides to stay, too, and helps his parents get things ready for his new sister, Susie.

Review:

Content Area Connection:

• art: The illustrator uses collage as an art form to illustrate the story, and the book could be used to talk about this art form. In addition, the characters spend some time in the story painting. There could be a connection around this art form as well.
• social studies: The author uses a sense of family to build a connection between siblings. Young learners typically learn about social studies starting with their own neighborhoods and communities. Families are a large part of this learning.