Agate, the awkward moose of the picture book Agate written by Joy Morgan Dey and illustrated by Nikki Johnson, asks himself that question upon meeting all his animal friends. Agate compares himself to Garnet the crocodile's "lopsided grin," Diamond the giraffe's "long, long, legs," and Sapphire the hippopotamus' ability to stay under water "longer than Harry Houdini." Agate cannot find one good quality within himself.
It just takes a little reassurance from his friends to realize that he is just as beautiful as everyone else. Like the jewel agate, moose just need a little time to polish the rough outside before his beautiful, crystal-shining core shined bright.
Of all the children's picture books that address the message that it's what on the inside that counts, I find this book a breath of fresh air. Dey takes a unique approach to this theme by using the rough-surfaced agate stone as a metaphor for a person's physical appearance. Children learn, as Agate did, that it's not the rough surface that's important, but the crystals inside.
Dey bases the twelve animals of the story on the twelve birthstones. Aquamarine the penguin represents the birthstone for March. Pearl the monkey represents the birthstone of June. This serves as a fabulous introduction to children of gems. A history of birthstones and a description of each one is even included in the back! Johnson's illustrations brings each birthstone to life.
Agate is a truly wonderful story about self-confidence and that what matters on the inside is what counts.
This is Dey and Johnson's second collaborated work. They also collaborated on the illustrations of Nightlight by Jeannine Anderson.
I love the cover of this books, and I love moose. Drat it all Naomi you need to get less good at writing reviews, every one I've read so far I want to go out and read, and I don't have time for this :P
ReplyDeleteYou could do a great lesson with this book! Do you know what color agate is or it just known to be a "rough" stone. You could also use this to discuss different cultures and backgrounds and even expand into bullying. Where did you find this book? Had you read it before? I have never heard of it and now I really want to read it!
ReplyDeleteI can already see the lesson plans forming from this book. There is so much information to be gained from what sounds like a great tale as well. The characters sound fun and dynamic. I think plenty of students would enjoy this book. Thanks again Naomi!
ReplyDeleteI just read this book and I love the illustrations. I was a little worried about how much my students would understand, I think to really get it I might want to do a small unit on geology and rocks prior to reading it, but it def. has potential.
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