Read to Me Picture Book Challenge 2012: It's a Small World

IT'S A SMALL WORLD
words and music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
illustrations by Joey Chou
Disney Press, 2011
ISBN: 978-142314689-6
32 p.
Grades PreK-1
Reviewed from personal copy.

Originally created for the 1964 World's Fair, the song "it's a Small World" quickly worked its way into the hearts of millions.  Nearly half a century later, its simple and poignant message still rings true.  Joey Chou's bright, colorful illustrations accompany the words, taking us on an international tour from the mountains of China and Russia to the plains of Africa and the Americas and more.  Plus there's a CD that features a wonderful recording of the song.  Through its poetic text, charming illustrations, and bonus CD, this book reminds us that it really is a small world, after all.

 This book is adorable with it's childlike simplicity.  I  loved the bright colors and energetic design.  I found lots of things in the book to talk about when I shared it with several classes of kindergarteners.  It was fun to point out features in the illustrations that made direct reference to the cultures and physical features of specific countries. I wish I'd had more time to spend with this book, it would have been interesting to hear the students feedback on both the illustrations and text.  The text is the words to the song.


The CD contains an arrangement of the song but its rather long and includes both instrumental sections and vocal sections.  The vocal sections involve students singing in English as well as several other languages.  I tried to have the students sing along with the CD while looking through the book, but this didn't work very well.  The singing part was too short and moved to fast.  So instead I used the music as background while discussing the pictures with the students and this worked much better. There are also some fun activities to do with the book.  They can be found here.

HELLO, WORLD! (Disney It's a Small World)
illustrated by Nancy Kubo
Disney Press, 2011
ISBN: 978-142314140-2
14 p. board book, 6.9 x 7.1 x 0.5 inchesGrades PreK-1
Reviewed from personal copy.

This charming book takes children on a world tour by teaching them to say "Hello" in 10 different languages. It has sturdy board pages and it includes all-new artwork that's colorful, modern, and inspired by Mary Blair's designs for the famous Disney theme park attraction, "It's a Small World"! Full color.

 This book nicely compliments the one previously mentioned.  Each page shows a scene from another country including buildings, flags, and dress associated with that country. I especially appreciated the pronunciation guide.  This made for a fun call and response activity.