My Family Tree and Me - Hardcover

Dušan Petričić

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1771380497 ISBN 13: 9781771380492

Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2015

Synopsis

This one-of-a-kind picture book provides a beautifully simple introduction to the concept of family ancestry. It uses two stories in one to explore a small boy's family tree: the boy tells the family story of his father's side starting from the front of the book, and that of his mother's side starting from the back of the book. Four previous generations are introduced for each, from his great-great-grandparents to his parents. The grand finale in the center of the book reveals the boy's entire extended family, shown in one drawing with all the members from both sides identified by their relationship to him. Of particular interest is the cultural diversity of the boy's family, which includes European and Asian ancestors, and readers can visually interpret the family members' physical characteristics as they get passed on through the generations.
Award-winning illustrator Du?an Petri?i?'s classic artwork contains thoughtfully selected details with a touch of play and humor. And, since most of the story is told in the art, this is a wonderful tool for enhancing children's visual literacy as they spend time making connections and looking for clues. This book makes a great springboard for lessons on describing and sharing family histories and naming family relationships. Applicable in-class activities could include having children build their own family trees or imagine and draw portraits of their ancestors featuring period and cultural details. This title also lends itself to discussions on multiculturalism in families and in the larger community.

About this title

About the Author

Du?an Petri?i? is an award-winning children's book designer and illustrator whose books include The Enormous Potato and Lickety-Split. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Du?an Petri?i? is an award-winning children's book designer and illustrator whose books include The Enormous Potato and Lickety-Split. He lives in Toronto, Ontario.

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2—As this unique book so ably displays, one's family tree may have unusual branches from far-reaching places and different traditions. The story pulls readers in with its front and back covers of family members perched on their part of the family tree. Multigenerations of a boy's family start on one side with his father's close relatives and on the other side with his mother's family, beginning with his great-great-grandparents and converging in a current family portrait at the book's center. Lightly inked and washed with watercolor, each small family grouping forms the background portrait of a succeeding generation—figures in the clothing of their day with detailed surroundings that hint of their history. Small hand-drawn arrows in the page corners and instructions along the edges direct readers to the next page, and the next, or advise them of the best way to view the other side of the family. Children may even spot family features within this diverse group: the final portrait of multi-ethnic and non-traditional family members includes a wide range of ages (from newborn to grandparents), parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, partners, the family dogs, and the boy's neighborhood friend. Brief text follows a pattern and adds humor. VERDICT This is a must-have title with an emphasis on the diversity and the love that binds families together.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

About this edition

• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1771380497
• ISBN 13: 9781771380492
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 24