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The Missing Piece



Last updated Sunday, January 7, 2018

Author: Shel Silverstein
Date of Publication: 2006
ISBN: 0060256710
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2018

Synopsis: From Shel Silverstein, the celebrated author of The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends, comes The Missing Piece, a charming fable that gently probes the nature of quest and fulfillment.

It was missing a piece. And it was not happy. What it finds on its search for the missing piece is simply and touchingly told. This inventive and heartwarming book can be read on many levels, and Silverstein’s iconic drawings and humor are sure to delight fans of all ages.

Note to readers:
•  The quest is more important in itself than the actual end.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is the missing piece on the cover of the book?
•  What type of adventures are your favorite?


Vocabulary:
•  Missing: (of a thing) not able to be found because it is not in its expected place.
•  Adventures: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever wanted something so badly that when you got it, it didn't really make you happy?
•  Was is a good thing that it found it's missing piece?
•  Do you think it was really missing?
•  What do you think about the ending of the book?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a "popsicle puzzle" or paper strip puzzle (instructions on Pinterest.)
•  Draw your favorite part of the book.
•  Draw a shape in construction paper with a "missing" piece.
•  Check our January craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2018-mysteries-adventure-craft-ideas/

*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!