Bonaparte Falls Apart



Last updated Thursday, October 14, 2021

Author: Margery Cuyler
Illustrator: Will Terry
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 978-1101937686
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2021

Synopsis: Bonaparte is having a tough time. It's hard for this young skeleton to just hang loose when he can't keep hold of himself.

When he plays catch, his throwing arm literally takes a flyer. Eating lunch can be a real jaw-dropping occasion. How can he start school when he has so many screws loose?

Luckily, Bonaparte hit the bone-anza when it came to his friends. Franky Stein, Blacky Widow, and Mummicula all have some bonehead ideas to help pull him together. But will it be enough to boost his confidence and get him ready for the first day of school?

Note to readers:
•  This story has some familiar Halloween characters, bu not Halloween themes.
•  This story is about FRIENDS helping heach other. They sometimes fail, but never give up!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who is this GREEN GUY???
•  Do you think it looks like he is chasing the skeleton?
•  Can't tell what the story will teach us by just looking at the cover. :)

Vocabulary

•  Clacked: Bonaparte's hand CLACKED on the sidewalk = a cracking sound
•  Muffled: Bonaparte asked in a MUFFLED voice = hard to hear because mouth is covered

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Who was your favorite character?
•  Have you ever helped a friend with their problem?
•  How do your friends help you?

Craft ideas:
•  Let's draw a character we would like to help out.
•  A mummy who has mouth covered with a mask. Just like we do when we go to school.
•  Cut out bones of a skeleton and take the head off (rolls under Bonaparte's bed in the story) to understand how frustrated our main character, BONAPARTE, feels. Try to tape, staple or glue the bones back together. You can do this on the Zoom whiteboard.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2021-halloween-monsters-and-magic/
•  Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

Special activities:
•  Watch the magician video together.
•  Put our masks on to talk to each other in a MUFFLED (vocabulary word) voice. I can try to talk a bit louder with my mask, can you?

*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!