Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1st edition (September 15, 1993)
This is a story about a young mouse who doesn’t want to give up his favorite blanket, but as school approaches his parents try everything to get him to give it up. Nothing works until Owen’s mother comes up with a great idea to turn the blanket into a handkerchief. Then Owen can take his blanket with him where ever he goes.
This was a book that I really enjoyed because Kevin Henkes does such an outstanding job with his stories. This was a story that brings up an important issue that students face. It is often times for anyone to let go of something important to them, especially when it is a sense of security. The author uses many different adjectives, adverbs, and verbs in his writing. It is very enjoyable to read, and to go along with the writing the illustrations are outstanding in relation to the story. As in many of Kevin Henkes' books there is a lot of personification because the main characters are usually animals. The plot can really relate to many students, and any kid that is forced to give up something they love. Owen really struggles to give up his blanket, but he seems to grow towards the end of the book and accepts a compromise. I didn't quite understand where the neighbor lady fit in, but that was minor. I was just thinking about how difficult the concept of personification is to students who are from other cultures, and that would play a big part in if I used this book.
In a lesson I would use this book to teach about feelings and/or adjectives because they are staples of Henkes' work. This would be an easy book to access and use in the classroom because I think a lot of students can relate to Owen.
Thanks for reading!
Gorms
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