Pistes d'exploration

Grief, the experience of loss of a person, relationship, job, health or other circumstances, is associated with strong emotions. Brainstorm a list of applicable emotions and add to it as you read.

On a picture walk, describe the storyline of the fly and the dog/dog toy. How do you imagine these characters are feeling? Why might the author have written a humorous story about such a serious topic?

Examine the packaging of the various products and how they pertain to the stages of grief. Compare the use of pictures, symbols, logos and slogans. Design an imaginary product and create a package in the same style.

How might knowing about the stages of grief be helpful for someone who is experiencing loss or supporting a grieving person? Discuss ways to help yourself or someone you know who is grieving.

Make predictions about the story based on the cover.

How do the words on the book flap (anger, despair, etc.) fit in the story?

On a picture walk, discuss the setting and characters. On a class list, write the words for common household objects as you encounter them. After the picture walk, adjust your predictions for the story.

Read stories or recall classroom moments to identify the stages of grief.

Make a class chart of kid-friendly expressions related to the stages of grief, such as “You’re kidding, right?” (denial) or “I guess so” (acceptance).

In small groups, create a short skit about a sad time. Include some of the expressions of grief generated in the previous activity.

With a partner, predict the plot and brainstorm words you might find in this story. Include words on emotions.

Read only the pages on the five stages of grief. Why did the author choose to put the emotion words on these household products? Use a graphic organizer to order your thoughts.

With a partner, write the plot outline for a similar story with different characters. Produce it as a digital book.

Michael Rosen's Sad Book, That Squeak

Mots-clés

Humour , Picture book , dogs , emotions , flies , grief , insects , overcoming adversity , point of view

Commentaire descriptif

This humorous feat of visual storytelling follows the trajectory of what happens to a household fly when it gets stuck inside a vacuum cleaner. The insect goes through the five stages of grief conveyed through witty word play and clever visual references: denial (“Can’t wait to tell my friends about this”), bargaining (“Obviously I wouldn’t hurt a fly. There’s the insect you want”), anger (“No More Mr. Nice Fly!”), despair (“I’ll never see the sky again”) and, finally, acceptance (“I don’t wish to change a thing.”) With strong graphic design elements, unique typography for the voice of the fly and precise attention to detail, the layered imagery presents entire worlds to explore. Charming cartoon illustrations use a combination of digital manipulation, pencil drawings, scanning and brush work. Words and images often work in tandem. “It was on top of the world when it happened” accompanies a portrait of the fly literally atop a globe, the vacuum head looming above him. A muted palette in earth tones and clever placement of products for each of the stages of grief, add to the unity of the story. Point of view is used to great effect here, with two stories working side by side—the world of the bug inside the vacuum and that of the dachshund who misses his toy, also sucked inside. Thought bubbles for the dog depict his concurrent situation.