Pistes d'exploration

Do a picture walk and note the unique structure of the illustrations. Make inferences about the story using the nine small frames or use them to elaborate on the story once you’ve read the text.

Research the paintings at the end of the book. Compare them with Augustine’s recreations. Create your own interpretation of a famous piece of art.

Use a nine-frame grid to illustrate your own book about an experience you’ve had. Explain your illustration to a partner.

Imagine Augustine's feelings and the things that comforted her during her move. List considerate things to do when someone leaves or joins the class. 

In a picture walk, use the nine-frame grid to infer the content for each new page. Conversely, read the text on the right and then retell and add to the story with the elements on the left.

Discuss the feelings involved in the story. How would you react?

Plan a care package for a student who arrives or moves away. List items to include (a class picture with names, notes from friends, school memorabilia, etc.). Add sample Welcome and Goodbye cards.

Research the artists and paintings listed at the end of the book. Discuss how Augustine used models to create her drawings. Discuss how models help us learn to speak, write, do sports, play an instrument, etc.

The Quiet Place, Clancy & Millie and the Very Fine House, Olivia, Where's Jamela?, Earth to Audrey, From There to Here, Picturescape, When Edgar Met Cecil

Mots-clés

Picture book , art , illustrations (acrylic) , moving (household) , new students , penguins , school life

Commentaire descriptif

Fuzzy images in warm, rich colours convey this story about an artistic little penguin whose family relocates to the North Pole. Shy Augustine confides in readers (“Moving is a lot of work. I’m going to miss my room”), using apt puns and expressions, such as “It’s cool,” “I freeze up,” “tip of the iceberg.” Spreads depict the story’s events, while offering humorous spot images that feature Augustine’s own drawings. When the North Pole Elementary School looms before Augustine—clinging to her dad’s flipper—the facing page shows key elements of her morning routine (toothbrush, breakfast, hiding in the closet) and Augustine’s self-portrait (a spoof on Munch’s painting, The Scream). During Augustine’s first lonely recess in the playground, the spot images depict her own blue-pencil sketches. (“I think I will call this my Blue Recess Period.”) But Augustine’s drawing talent engages the attention of her classmates, and soon everyone is drawing. In the end, Augustine’s family visits the school art exhibition, finishing this heartwarming, humour-filled story as it began: with a bounty of images for young readers to enjoy.