Review: Kathy Brodsky's High Wire Act
Author: Kathy Brodsky
Illustrator: Cameron Bennett
Publisher: Helpingwords
ISBN: 978-0-9828529-6-5
The key to a captivating children's picture book is a simple text, contextual illustrations, a reflective theme(s), and integration between the written word and visual images. These attributes are handily prevalent in Kathy Brodsky's latest tome, High Wire Act.
Brodsky, with illustrator Cameron Bennett, recounts the importance of traffic lights and other safety lights. Their use of wit, simple structured rhyme combined with bold exquisite pictures undoubtedly increases children's engagement in the story.
With the opening page, youngsters are introduced to the "Light family, that live together, yet hang s-e-p-a-r-a-t-e-l-y." Standard features of traffic lights are depicted through double-page spreads facing each other that take in a great deal of information. Mention is made that each traffic light watches over a particular route. They sway when traffic flows by, and drivers pay attention to their green, yellow, and red glows.
From here, the narrative follows a tale about a traffic light that was snatched away on a windy day and found itself tossed into a truck carrying soft merchandise. The traffic light moves along with the truck's chauffeur through the city streets. During the trip, the traffic light discovers they brake when they appear before a school bus with flashing red lights. And to the astonishment of the traffic light, children near their school bus wave to it shrieking out red light, green light.
Stops are made where there are construction site signs and a flashing red light at a railway crossing. The traffic light looking up in the sky notices airplanes and airports where lights guide them in and out of their slots.
Slowly moving further along their route, the traffic light notices an alert where they are cautioned of a traffic jam ahead. As the truck draws closer to the intersection, the traffic light is reunified with its family.
After the city tour, the traffic light realizes its importance. Without it in its place, traffic couldn't circulate at its average pace. Next time you are traveling with your family, you may appreciate why we need lights for our safety. Don't fail to hesitate and glance up at the traffic lights; they just might wave to you.
A delightful added feature is the inclusion of discussion questions at the end of the book. These questions and activities, known as "Funtivities," pertain to safety, people, change, and kindness. Suggestions to involve readers include discussing such topics as why traffic lights are essential? What are the different kinds of signs, traffic lights, and signals you notice in your city? What does safety mean to you? Who would miss you if you were not here? If you have pets, how would they feel if you were not here? How can you let others know how important they are to you? Was there something that happened that changed your life?
Brodsky's themes are meticulously formulated with playful and innovative language. Kids will derive a genuine thrill in listening and reading the story independently.
The images are layered in concept and construction that vibrates with lively creative detail.
The book is an excellent choice to introduce youngsters concerning safety and the necessity of traffic lights. With its visual impact that works splendidly with the verse, it is sure to be a welcome addition at storytimes.
Follow Here To Read Norm's Interview With Kathy Brodsky
Articles from Norm Goldman
View blogAuthor: Michael Kenneth Smith · ISBN: 9798684953736 · Michael Kenneth Smith’s compelling and imagina ...
Countless narratives have been written over centuries in the vast realm of literature. Yet, only a s ...
In Match: A Medical Murder Mystery, Amy S. Peele crafts a chilling intricate mystery around the inv ...
You may be interested in these jobs
-
Logistics Handler
Found in: beBee S2 CA - 1 week ago
Toronto Hydro Corporation Toronto, Canada Full timeThe Logistics Handler is responsible for the managing duties related to the effective inventorying and distribution of all material, tools and equipment related items as required by our customers including; storage, repair, service, distribution, and scrap. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: ...
-
retail store supervisor
Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 1 day ago
KHK IMPERIAL ENTERPRISE LTD. New Westminster, CanadaEducation: · Expérience: · Education · Secondary (high) school graduation certificate · Tasks · Supervise staff (apprentices, stages hands, design team, etc.) · Assign sales workers to duties · Hire and train or arrange for training of staff · Order merchandise · Authorize retu ...
-
Gérant(e) de la poissonnerie
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 3 days ago
Metro Inc. Québec City, Canada PermanentTitre du poste : Gérant(e) de la poissonnerie - Temps plein · Type de poste : Permanent · Numéro de la demande : 36747 · Bannière : Metro · Statut : Temps plein · Alimentation Annik Noreau Inc. - Metro Innovation (Sainte-Foy) · Lieu: 2360 Ch Ste-Foy Local 100, Québec City, Qu ...
Comments