Pistes d'exploration

Discuss things that scare you. Brainstorm ways to sort them (noises, places, indoor vs. outdoor, people, etc.). 

Notice the body language of the main character. Mime feeling afraid or brave.

Add sound effects as the story is reread. Notice the punctuation.

Draw and write to show a strategy you use when you feel scared.

Discuss things that scare you. Brainstorm ways to sort them (noises, places, indoor vs. outdoor, people, etc.).

As the story is read aloud, form two groups to choral read and act out the story, with one group reading the scary parts and one group reading the frightened parts. Exchange roles.

Discuss how the colours and illustrations help you understand the feelings and the meanings.

Create an additional page for the book in the same style. Write about what scares you and what makes you feel relaxed.

Black Dog

Mots-clés

Picture book , family life , fear , feelings , illustrations (watercolours) , overcoming fears , poetic language

Commentaire descriptif

This illustrated poem is conveyed in the voice of a small child, frightened by the loud noises of the world: “When sirens blare! When big dogs bark! . . . The scary is near! The scary is here!” Beginner readers will appreciate the theme. The simple sentences are peppered with evocative vocabulary—“screech,” “cracks,” “booms”—all very loud for a small, sensitive person. Loose, expressive illustrations are created with large-brush effects in a few basic colours. The child huddles inside a domineering blue mist in one image. In the next, he’s shattered it to pieces with his outstretched arms: “‘Go away,’ I say. ‘Scary! Go Away.’” The peaceful park scenes that follow are represented with whimsical strokes and dashes: blue wind flows; orange sunlight warms the child’s back, as he enjoys everything the park has to offer. The book’s message of governing our fears to take more pleasure in life is relevant for readers of any age.