Pistes d'exploration

Talk about how it takes courage to be different from the crowd. Why do many people tend to follow the same fashions? Is it ok to be different? Why do we wear uniforms that make us look the same?

Write the pros and cons of having a school uniform. Organize the class accordingly and debate the issue.

Draw and describe the place the Hueys come from. With a friend, make an entertaining sound recording of the story and act out the parts of Rupert and Gillespie.

Discuss how people are both similar and different.

Sequence the story with an around-the-clock diagram.

Discuss fashions that are currently trendy, and others that are not. Is it OK to choose to be the same as others? Is it OK to choose to be different? Note words that are different here and in the UK: jumper and sweater.

Design a uniform for your school. Explain your choice of style, material and colours.

Read the book Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch. Compare the similarities and differences between Rupert and Stephanie, and between the Hueys and Stephanie’s class.

Mo's Mustache, Amos's Sweater

Mots-clés

Humour , Picture book , character , clothing , differences , individuality , peer pressure

Commentaire descriptif

The theme of originality and standing out from the crowd is addressed with humour and visual elegance in this simple, sweet tale. Rupert is a Huey who knits himself a sweater and wears it proudly everywhere. This creates a stir, since Hueys are all the same, and no other Huey wears a sweater. But Rupert’s friend Gillespie thinks being different is interesting, and knits (an identical) sweater for himself so that “he would be different too!” The language is encouragingly simple for beginner readers, while also offering some challenge. The book’s gentle yet piercing wit will engage readers of all ages. As Rupert and Gillespie parade their twin sweaters, more Hueys take to the look: “Being different was catching on. . . and they wanted to be different too!” Brilliant, minimal cartoon illustrations employ gesture and facial expression to great comic effect. This simplicity creates an accomplished visual joke when all the Hueys gather to celebrate their difference, resplendent in their identical sweaters: “Do you like our new jumpers?” Finally, when Rupert tries wearing a hat, a better understanding of difference emerges. The final wordless spread shows a dazzling array of Hueys in different outfits, reflective of their unique styles and interests.