Monday, October 13, 2014

The BFG by Roald Dahl illustrated by Quentin Blake*

Sophie is snatched from an orphanage one night by a giant and he takes her to the desolate land of giants.    Fortunately for her, he does not eat "human beans".  He is known as the BFG-The Big Friendly Giant. The nine other giants enjoy their nightly rampages, selecting different countries each night . . .depending on their mood. . . as one knows, human "beans" have different flavors!
When Sophie learns that the Giants will soon be snatching children, she must do something to prevent this horrid behavior.
The BFG is self educated and has an interesting way with words.  Although children as early as 1st/2nd grade would enjoy hearing this creative story read aloud, to read independently, the reader should be a proficient fifth grade reader (or at a high fourth grade reader).  The Giant often mixes up words so it could be frustrating for a younger reader or average reader to read.
Strategy/skill: context clues, word play, sequencing, cause/effect
Points to discuss/warnings: Giants are pretty violent and at times they are descriptive about their meals!  Two times it said the "giants cursed".
*Highly recommend-well written; creative and entertaining

No comments:

Post a Comment