Too Much Glue



Last updated Monday, August 3, 2015

Author: Jason Lefebvre
Illustrator: Zac Retz
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 1936261278
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2015

Synopsis: Although Matty’s art teacher has warned him that too much glue never dries, Matty loves glue. After all, he and his dad make oodles of glue projects at home. One day during art class, Matty finds the fullest bottles of glue, and the fun begins. With a squeeze and a plop, Matty pours a lake of glue before belly-flopping right in the middle and finds himself stuck to the desk. When Matty’s dad arrives at the school, instead of being mad, he celebrates his son’s creativity and calls him a work of art. With vibrant language and artwork and a wild, silly plot, Too Much Glue is sure to appeal to all children who love to get messy.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you like to do arts and crafts? Why?
•  Have you ever used too much glue on a project? What happened?
•  What do you use glue for?

Vocabulary

•  announce - to say or make something known
•  squawk - to make a loud or harsh noise

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What would you do if you used too much glue?
•  What can you make out of liquid glue? (snow, string, snowflakes--see pg. 2 for ideas)
•  Imagine what other things you could make using glue.
•  Would your teacher be mad if you used as much glue as Matty? Why?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of yourself and then glue or color different items on the body such as scraps of paper, string, buttons, etc., just like Matty in the book. See example: http://www.pisforpreschooler.com/home/too-much-glue-summer-book-exchangel.

*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!