Once again Vivian Paley takes us into the inquiring minds and the dramatic worlds of young children learning in the kindergarten classroom.
As she enters her final year of teaching, Paley tells in this book a story of farewell and a story of self-discovery--through the thoughts and blossoming spirit of Reeny, a little girl with a fondness for the color brown and an astonishing sense of herself. "This brown girl dancing is me," Reeny announces, as her crayoned figures flit across the classroom walls. Soon enough we are drawn into Reeny's remarkable dance of self-revelation and celebration, and into the literary turn it takes when Reeny discovers a kindred spirit in Leo Lionni--a writer of books and a teller of tales. Led by Reeny, Paley takes us on a tour through the landscape of characters created by Lionni. These characters come to dominate a whole year of discussion and debate, as the children argue the virtues and weaknesses of Lionni's creations and his themes of self-definition and an individual's place in the community.
The Girl with the Brown Crayon tells a simple personal story of a teacher and a child, interweaving the themes of race, identity, gender, and the essential human needs to create and to belong. With characteristic charm and wonder, Paley discovers how the unexplored territory unfolding before her and Reeny comes to mark the very essence of school, a common core of reference, something to ponder deeply and expand on extravagantly.
This simple, personal tale tells a story of self-discovery--through the thoughts and blossoming spirit of Reeny, a little girl with a fondness for the color brown and an astonishing sense of herself. Paley interweaves the themes of race, identity, gender, and the essential human needs to create and to belong.
This book is the epitome of why reading is so important for anyone, but especially younger kids. It allows for children to escape from their problems, and it also lets them identify with character that have qualities just like them/are going through similar situations as they are. The best part about this book is that it does not put any character down; the main character, Reeny, finds positive characteristics and strength in everyone, and encourages each of her classmates to use their strengths. I decided to blog about The Girl With The Brown Crayon this week because I had to read it for my Children's Literature class, and I really enjoyed it. It's a neat story that I recommend for everyone. Parents, definitely have your children read this book, but also buy them some Leo Lionni novels too, so they can experience what Paley's students experienced. If your child is younger, read this book to them, but if they are older, let them read it on their own, and then you, the parent, should read this book for yourself afterwards so you can see how great it is. It is a little less than 100 pages, so it might be a bit long for younger kids, but it's a short and easy read for everyone else. Take time to read this great book this upcoming summer (or sooner, of course)!
Happy May!
-NBW
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