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A Child's Calendar (by John Updike)

common sense media says

Traditional pastimes are linked to the 12 months.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing here to raise any alarm bells. Vivid verse told in a child's voice pulls readers into a family's everyday life, and the lively illustrations will prompt discussion between parents and their kids. That said, the language will probably appeal more to older children than younger readers.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on A Child's Calendar

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether the family pictured in the book is one they can relate to. Are the seasons in the book different than the seasons you experience where you live? How so? What types of activities does the family in the book do that you do with your own family? What types of activities does the family in the book do that you don't do with your own family? Are there any activities in the book that you've never done with your family before but might want to try?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Come along for a feel-good romp! Traditional, family-oriented pastimes are linked to the twelve months of the year, as a multiracial cast frolics together. A child's lyrical voice tells the tale, and natural-hued illustrations sparkle with action. Simple but descriptive metaphors enrich the reader's vocabulary and imagination, making this a good book for both parents and children.

 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
A Child's Calendar provides an excellent opportunity for discussions of metaphors and how words build mood and movement in a story, and of the similarities and differences in behaviors and customs of people living in various parts of the country.

This gentle story won't have children howling with laughter, but exclamation-marked sentences, repetitive sounds, and rhyming words make for animated reading -- for example, kids wiggle their fingers to imitate the movement of "snipping, snipping" scissors. Older readers will also gain confidence from reading and enjoying a book in this overlooked genre, discovering a world of rich language often skimmed over in the classroom.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: John Updike
Illustrator: Trina Schart Hyman
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication date: January 1, 1999
Number of pages: 32
Paperback price: $6.95
This review was written by Sharon Asta
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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