Friday, October 27, 2017

Spotlight Friday - Willy and the Cloud 10.27.17


Time to get ready for the weekend!
Kick up your feet and find a good place to read.
Sharing #booklove for your classroom or library.

Spotlighting a book or two because these books deserve the spotlight!


I love finding books that serve multiple themes/ideas.


Willy and the Cloud
Willy and the Cloud
by Anthony Browne
published by Candlewick Press
November 7th




Goodreads summary
When a niggling worry begins to cloud Willy's whole day, Anthony Browne shows readers that facing your fears head-on can clear the skies once more. 
One warm, sunny day, Willy the Chimp decides to go to the park. There's not a cloud in the sky -- well, except for just a little tiny one. It doesn't bother Willy too much at first. But as the cloud follows him, it grows bigger and bigger and becomes harder and harder to ignore. Pretty soon the cloud is all Willy can think about, and he has no idea how to make it go away. Quietly powerful and remarkably perceptive, Anthony Browne's thoughtful tale depicts worry and anxiety in a way readers of any age can understand. And as Willy discovers, sometimes a little bravery -- and a willingness to face your problems -- can make a world of difference.


After sharing this book with students, I would sit back and let them take over the conversation.  What do they notice?  Does this remind them of anything?  I'm hoping the conversation will go a couple of ways.

  • The students will notice how Willy had to face his fears.  He had to confront them, and tell them to stop.  Confronting your fears/worries can be hard, yet rewarding.
  • The students will notice that Willy had to make the decision to not concentrate on what was troubling him.  He took control of his own attitude, and by deciding the situation wouldn't control him, made his day positive again.
This past summer my 12yo daughter went through her fourth limb lengthening surgery.  Her physical therapist, who has worked with her since she was seven, has always drilled the idea that you choose your attitude - you make the decision of how you will act - into her.  You can confront negative situations with a strong attitude or you can sulk and let them take control.  I think Willy would approve of taking control!

I really enjoy Anthony Browne's books.  They are great for conversation!  Look for Willy's Stories.  I shared this book in this post.

I hope you find these books and see where the conversation takes you!

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