Normally on Saturday, I list a number of books with a similar theme or author in hopes that something will peak your interest and you can add some new titles to your library. Today I am only featuring one. In the Town All Year ‘Round. It’s my new favorite book and it was suggested by a reader too!
In the Town All Year ‘Round by Rotraut Susanne Berner is amazing.
So what makes this book so good?
This book’s premise is the comings and goings of a town in all four seasons. There is limited text, which serves only to steer readers to look for specific people in the highly detailed illustrations. Each season has multiple pages and the people remain constant throughout the seasons. So you see inside an apartment building, the town square, the park, railroad station etc… in every season. You see the changes in town, the progression and of course the distinct weather in each section. The pictures progress with the seasons. And a fire truck with a flashing light can be seen on every page in one season with the last page showing it getting to the fire.
I can’t possibly explain the amazing detail and the sheer number of things to find, make up stories about and spark your child’s imagination in this book. My son adores it. After renewing it multiple times from our library I bought it as his Valentine’s gift. It goes everywhere with us, perfect for long drives, waits in the Ob’s waiting room and plain old playtime he picks it up every day and finds something new.
However, what I really love is that because there is no text, the pictures still provide multiple story lines. Consequently, it’s helped my son to understand that literacy isn’t just about words. It is more about explaining what’s going on and reading the pictures too. The absence of text has allowed me to really show him that. Now he has started grabbing books with text and telling me he’d read me the pictures, which boosts both his confidence and his enjoyment of independent reading.
So, in case you hadn’t gathered, we highly recommend this book! Have you read it yet? What were your thoughts? Comment below or share on my Facebook page!
For more quick tips on helping your child learn to read check out my book; Raising A Rock-Star Reader. It is packed with fun ideas for families, book lists, and advice for parents.
Another book we discovered that tells a story through the pictures is Once Upon A Banana by _____ Armstrong. It’s not quite as detailed as the one you just mentioned (which my son loved, too, btw – construction scenes!) but there’s a lot to talk about in terms of what people are doing, might be saying, what will happen next, etc. My boy will ask, “Can we read that book with no words but you just have to say what happens in the pictures?” Oh, and a garbage truck has a big role at the end. Bonus! 🙂
When I saw your post, I had to click over to see who had recommended it — ah, it was us! My son loved that book for the longest time. I should pull it out again. I’m glad it was a hit in your house too.
.-= Lynn´s last blog ..Three Favorite Children’s Books This Week =-.
That looks like a neat book! Is it good for a game of eye-spy with all of the detail? I like the idea of using the pictures to tell stories. Thanks for sharing!
Jen
Creative and Curious Kids!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Let’s Catch a Leprechaun! =-.
Oh that looks like something Q would love!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Wall Words ~ DIY Style! =-.
how do you find such great books???????????????
thanks
I will have to look for this book. It sounds like something my kids would be into.
Love your site and have been reading for a while. Just wanted to let you finally know.
.-= Maria´s last blog ..Monochrome Weekend =-.
After reading your suggestion, we checked this book out from the library have had had it for weeks. My four year old reads it daily and makes up her own stories to go with the wonderful illustrations. Thanks for the suggestion!
I am so happy she likes it! It’s still a fave here.