“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book.” Dr. Seuss. The 2007 Caldecott Winner, Flotsam by David Wiesner is one of these books full of magic. Wonder and delight make this a favorite of children (and adults).
Flotsam is a wordless book that tells the story of a young boy at the beach. He appears to have come with a variety of tools, ready to explore, and discover treasures from the sea. The captivating find of an old camera is a magical treasure with surprising secrets. A one minute video on Wiesner’s website does an excellent job of introducing the book.
Five reasons a student should “read” Flotsam.
1. Discussion: In contrast to a book where the student is listening to a story being read, a wordless book invites discussion. Flotsam demands a companion to share and discuss the wonder together. The caveat is talking about the pictures and the story promotes deeper and more significant comprehension.
2. Focus: Each page pulls the child into the story with each page pleading for a closer look and deeper thinking. The artistic drawings, the magical surprises, and the possibilities will bring the reader back for multiple reviews.
3. Vocabulary: How can a wordless book create vocabulary? Flotsam is one of two words used to describe debris in the ocean. Flotsam refers to debris in the water that is there accidentally. In contrast, Jetsam is a similar term, but comes from the word jettison. Jetsam is debris deliberately thrown into the water, such as material thrown overboard with a sinking ship. Names of shells, nautical tools, microscopes and magnifying glasses, and words such as magnification and encrustations are all potentially new vocabulary that can emerge through the discussions.
4. Imagination: the photographs found in the camera generate discussions about what is realistic, imaginative, and possible.
5. Fun: it is a book that appears to be realistic and somewhat predictable, until the camera is found and pictures are developed. Then the laughter begins.
Don’t miss this book! It is a perfect choice for reading to one or two children at a time. So sit back and relax. Flotsam is a book where you can find magic.
References:
http://quotesgram.com/dr-seuss-book-quotes/
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/flotsam-jetsam.html
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.