I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think that it is a book that all teachers should read to their students. The way Lyon addressed the issue of Ginny's vision problem was very clever. I also thought that the way he used the teacher to address the issues was very well devised. I did not expect this outcome and for this to be the story line just by hearing the title of the book. Then when I saw the cover I still was not expecting a story about a girl who had vision trouble and needs a patch to help correct the problem. I like the fact though that this was how he tied in being a pirate. I thought that it was very clever. I also really liked the illustrations. I thought that they really enhanced the story. I also think that they help make the story more understandable. I thought that the pictures were niether too cartoon like or too realistic. They were just right for this story. I enjoyed this book and I think that every teacher should read it to their classes. Some discussion questions that could go along with this book are: 1. When reading :"The Pirate of Kindergarten" did you expect it to begin and end the way it did? Why or why not? 2. Was there a meaning in this text? If so what was it? Was it too evident or did the author obscure it some?3. What did you think of the illustrations? Were they realistic or were they too cartoon like?4. Do you think that the illustrations helped enhance the story? Do you think they will help students understand what is happening with Ginny? One of the best things about being back in an elementary school library is discovering wonderful books I had never heard of. I thought this would be about a girl with dreams of a pirate life, which would have been have fun book, too. But this gem of a book is about Ginny who sees two of everything, and thinks there is something very wrong with her. The solution is simple and involves some pirate time. This book should be every pediatrician's office, and would be a great read aloud for the school nurse at elementary schools. Terrific illustrations!
We got this expecting a book about pirates - instead it is about double-vision. Different!
—potatocake
Zack wanted to hear this book over and over!
—Maria_042214
Struck me as very much an "issue" book.
—spaztastic
