THE SKY IS NOT BLUE
by Joy Jones
Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Free Spirit Publishing
36 pages
ages 4 to 8
A boy's creativity and self-confidence challenge and inspire his teacher.
What do you see outside your window? If you're like Robert, you'll see that the sky isn't always blue. Robert has an artist's eye and an independent mind who knows what he knows, even when his teacher, Mrs. Murphy, disagrees. She wants Robert to use blue crayon to represent the sky, but Robert knows that the sky is more varied, more vivid, much more beautiful than that.
Children learn many things from their teachers, yet sometimes teachers can learn from students! Robert holds fast to what he knows and believes. And Mrs. Murphy comes to agree that the sky is not just blue. It's a spectrum of rich and changing colors that remind her of children full of joy and imagination.
The Sky Is Not Blue invites a conversation about individual perspectives and encourages children to trust and express their beliefs.
What do you see outside your window? If you're like Robert, you'll see that the sky isn't always blue. Robert has an artist's eye and an independent mind who knows what he knows, even when his teacher, Mrs. Murphy, disagrees. She wants Robert to use blue crayon to represent the sky, but Robert knows that the sky is more varied, more vivid, much more beautiful than that.
Children learn many things from their teachers, yet sometimes teachers can learn from students! Robert holds fast to what he knows and believes. And Mrs. Murphy comes to agree that the sky is not just blue. It's a spectrum of rich and changing colors that remind her of children full of joy and imagination.
The Sky Is Not Blue invites a conversation about individual perspectives and encourages children to trust and express their beliefs.
MY TIDBITS
The wonder of the sky and all the colors it holds inspires and invites to gazing.
Robert enjoys coloring. There are so many colors everywhere, especially in the sky. When he colors a picture at school on a yucky day, his teacher is a little confused that his sky holds anything but blue. Even when he colors a picture of the sunset, blue is nowhere to be found. When she asks, Robert explains that there isn't just blue...and sometimes, no blue at all. And while the teacher lets this slide, her thoughts come out in the end.
This is a read, which inspires to gaze around and discover the many colors in all their various shades, combinations and depths. It shows that while there are some basic assumptions about the color of things, these assumptions aren't necessarily true if closely looked at. There's also a lovely message about standing to what you know to be true and the wonder of creativity. The teacher is, actually, gentle and not demanding, and while she might wonder, she allows Robert space. It creates a wholesome atmosphere and demonstrates how views can be different and change over time.
The text is fitting for first readers, who are very sure of their words, or for listeners, who are a little older (six and up). There are a few vocabularies to encourage word growth, and it gives a good introduction to the use of literary devices. The illustrations are bright and bold, allowing the colors to beam and meld right along with the tale. There are also questions at the end to open up to discussions, comprehension, and further thought. This makes it a nice addition to classroom or homeschooling settings.
And here she is...
Joy Jones is an author, educator, speaker and author of books for both adults and children. Her book, Fearless Public Speaking, was listed as one of the best books for middle school students and Jayla Jumps In, was chosen as one of the best sports books for youth by the American Library Association.
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