Pistes d'exploration

List jobs that have traditionally been viewed as being exclusively for males or females. How are these perceived today, and why has this changed?

Discuss how it must have felt for Oliver Button to be called names. Share any connections you might have with Oliver’s experiences.

Write a journal entry about how Oliver Button must have felt when he was called names. Write about times you have been called names and how it felt.

Talk about the characters in the book, their likes and dislikes, qualities and weaknesses. 

Talk about activities or jobs traditionally associated with boys or girls and how things are changing or have changed. 

Talk about the feelings associated with being called names.

William's Doll, Henry Holton Takes the Ice

Mots-clés

Picture book , bullying , character , dancing , gender roles , individuality , perseverance , point of view , stereotypes

Commentaire descriptif

This is an uplifting story about Oliver Button who likes to do quiet things, such as reading and drawing and playing. His schoolmates call him a sissy; his Papa calls him a sissy. An unadorned style of narration and the skilled use of dialogue make complicated undercurrents eminently readable for children. “‘Oliver,’ said Mama, ‘You have to play something. You need your exercise.’” Because he loves to dance, he is sent to dance classes: “‘Especially for the exercise,’ Papa said.” After his schoolmates play keep-away with his new shiny tap shoes, it is written on the school wall for all to see: “Oliver Button is a sissy.” Fun illustrations use only pencil textures and brown and green colours to create a range of shade and mood: Oliver joyfully practises his tap dancing; he huddles timidly behind the girls. The end of the story is both poignant and inspiring in its affirmation of individuality. After losing in a talent contest, Oliver bravely heads back to school the next day, expecting more ridicule. Instead he sees the message on the school wall has been changed: “Oliver Button is a star!” The book’s message to pursue passions and dreams will be enjoyed by all readers.