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I'm Big Enough



Last updated Friday, July 27, 2007

Author: Amber Stewart
Date of Publication: 2007
ISBN: 0439906660
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2007

Synopsis: From Booklist: Bean, a little bunny, is big enough for many things, but she does not feel big enough to stop dragging her blanket around wherever she goes. After her parents suggest that she try leaving Blankie behind, Bean fears that they will take it away, and she hides it in a hollow log. At bedtime, she can't find it. It's hard to get to sleep for the next few nights, but when Bean sees Blankie again the following year, she knows that she has outgrown it. The pastel watercolors create a soft, appealing woodland setting for this tale of a youngster's internal tug-of-war between neediness and independence. Children will empathize with Bean's plight, her pain, and her pride in getting bigger.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What are some things that you are big enough for? What are some things that you are not big enough for yet? (Going to school, driving a car, riding a bike, crossing the street by yourself)
•  Do you think this is a big bunny or a small bunny? How do you know?
•  What do bunnies do?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Bean’s mommy cooks dandelions for her to eat. Does your mommy cook dandelions for you? What kinds of foods does your mom cook for you? What is your favorite? Where does she get the food? Do you help her make food for your family?
•  What else do bunnies eat? Does anyone have a bunny? What do you feed it?
•  Do you like to swing? How does it make your tummy feel? Does it tumble like Bean’s tummy?
•  Do you think Bean is big enough to stop taking her blanket everywhere with her?
•  Do you know of anyone with a favorite toy, blanket, or animal? Do they take it everywhere with them?
•  Should Bean take her blanket everywhere with her? Why or why not?
•  Where is your safe place for your toys? Inside? Outside? Does anyone else know your secret place?
•  What do you think happened to Bean’s blanket? Do you think another animal took it? Do you think it blew away? Do you think it’s still there and she just can’t find it?
•  Have you ever lost something that’s important to you? How did you feel? Did anyone help you look for it? Did you find it?
•  Do you think Bean was nice for sharing her blanket with the baby fox? Would you have done the same thing? Do you share your special toys with anyone? How does sharing make you feel?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of a bunny (use provided template). Glue cotton for the inside of the ears and the tail. Attach a piece of fabric for the blanket.
•  Make bunny ears for the kids to wear. Cut a strip of paper about 2 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the forehead. Cut out two white ears and glue them to the band. Fit the band to your head.
•  Make a paper plate bunny. Make ears with construction paper and cotton balls.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!