REVIEW: Big Plans

Shea, B., & Smith, L.  (2008).  Big Plans.  New York:  Hyperion Books for Children.

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A boy in time-out, stuck staring at the posters in the corner of his classroom, develops big plans--big plans, I say--of what he’s going to do.  His big plans will take him to the top of a hill, to new friends, to the city and beyond to gain the attention and appreciation he desires.

 

Big Plans really manages to get at one of the central desires that is often denied to young children:  the ability to feel powerful and in control.  The frustrated protagonist daydreams about being able to order adults around and gain their respect.  Despite this serious tensions, this is a fun book to share as a read aloud that will most likely trigger some giggling or repeating.

 

Activities to Do with the Book:

A teacher could share this book before taking students on a nature walk to climb a hill.  He or she could show students photos of mynah birds and describe their habits or compare the mynah bird shown in the book to the real.

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The book could also begin a geography lesson on some of the states.  Students could research various states and give those parts of the country orders based on what the student has learned from an almanac about each state’s landmarks or what the state produces.

This is also a good book to share with young children when they are learning to distinguish between the present and future tenses as well as commands.

 

Favorite Quotes:

“SOON…the entire world will know of my big plans.”

“I GOT BIG PLANS!  BIG PLANS, I SAY!”

“Listen up, BIG SHOTS, BIGWIGS, and MUCKETY-MUCKS!”

“Do you say ‘NAY’? I say.”