The Watermelon Seed

I'm thrilled to be linking up again with Deanna Jump for Book Talk Tuesday and couldn't be more excited to share another fabulous find from the exhibitor hall in Vegas.

When I stumbled across The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli, a 2014 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winning Book, I was captivated.  The whimsical illustrations show an adorable lime green crocodile with a passion for watermelon.  This story has a simple text with fabulous features perfect for a close reading in grades K-2!

 

 

 

I can remember hot summer gatherings at the community pool with my friends and family.  My mom slicing the watermelon wedges for all to enjoy.  Biting into the fruit and laughing as the juices dribbled down my chin.  And then the sudden fear that I swallowed a seed.  Oh dear, the stories my friends would tell...  We were certain that a watermelon vine would grow a patch in our bellies. Can you relate?  

 

Certainly the main character, a watermelon-loving crocodile can!  After becoming distraught because of swallowing a seed, the crocodile believes it will grow inside of him.  The story is told straight-forward with accessible vocabulary and takes a peek at a childhood fear.

 

 

The simple script captivates readers through humor!  It's text and storyline couldn't be more perfect for props, puppets, or retelling skits. 

 

 

 

Integrate onomatopoeia with words such as chomp, slurp, gulp, grumble, and burp.

 

 

 

This is a wonderful book to discuss emotions such as love, like, fear, anxiety, despair, and relief. 

 

 

 Top off your lessons with a bit of science and learn about the life cycle of a watermelon seed.

 

 

Finally, draw students in with an outstandingly clever end using a watermelon seed to bring the story to life! 

 

 

 

Will the crocodile grow his own patch?  Will he have a love or fear of watermelon?  I encourage you to pick up this enchanting tale and explore the words and pictures through close reading with your students. 

 

 Here's a trailer preview...

 

 

I can't express how much I love Artfelt. I purchased this adorable book and coordinating felt pieces so that I could animate the words and actions of this charming story.  I love that my students will have the ability to reenact the words during literacy centers with high engagement.  I sure hope you find this collection as loveable as I do!

 

 

 

Have you visited Artfelt on Youtube?  One of my favorite videos from their channel is "Make a Rainbow".  Check it out!