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Years ago I was in a first grade classroom introducing new words to a small group. The word we were examining was “ditch.”

I remember a little boy, Paul, recognized the word and was eager to share. I also remember the ooohs of the other kids when Paul replaced the “d” sound for a “b.” (We wound up sounding out the word and coming up with a synonym for a trench, by the way.)

I was reminded of Paul when I recently came across a book entitled Duck! Rabbit! (opens in a new window) (Chronicle) by Amy Rosenthal and Tom Licktenheld.

It could be a book that helps develop visual discrimination or respect for different ways of seeing things or it could even suggest an optical illusion. (opens in a new window) Regardless, the book is fun and perhaps shows the potential delight in developing whatever.

In this seemingly simple book, two distinct voices see the same image quite differently for a rollicking experience. Take a look at the Duck! Rabbit! book trailer (opens in a new window) and you’ll get the picture, literally.

Then get a copy of the book from your library or bookstore and tell me what YOU and the kids in your life see.

A book like this makes recognizing the difference between letters and sights all around more fun than, well, a herd of rabbits or a raft of ducks! (opens in a new window)

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
March 16, 2009

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