The Lost Homework
Author: Richard O’Neill
Illustrator: Kirsti Beautyman
Child’s Play International
Ages: 4 – 8
By illustrating that “learning” is acquired everywhere, The Lost Homework supports the principle that work done at home is an excellent way for children to develop new skills and enhance those learned at school.
In this story about a Romani family, a boy named Sonny spends his weekend helping family and neighbors with various tasks. It was a full and busy weekend. When the weekend ends, he discovers that his homework has gone missing.
Sonny becomes concerned about how his teacher will react. However, when he explains why the homework is missing, and all of the activities he engaged in throughout the weekend, his teacher is not upset. Instead, she points out how by helping his family and community, he applied the educational skills he needed to develop in the homework–and then some.
Richard O’Neill creates a heartwarming story that gives us a peek into a diverse culture we otherwise may not have an opportunity to observe from the inside. Supported by beautifully detailed illustrations that provide visual cues for vocabulary, this book introduces young (and not so young) readers to a new, but familiar world–filled with interesting and delightful activities, each requiring a specific set of skills.
Just like Sonny, many children have busy weekends, full of events and activities. These activities provide children many opportunities to apply foundational and educational skills in their every-day lives. By illustrating that “learning” is acquired everywhere, The Lost Homework supports the principle that work done at home is an excellent way for children to develop new skills and enhance those learned at school. Thereby providing an excellent example for emulation by children and adults.
O’Neil is a wonderful storyteller, and his ability shines through in this story, a tale where “no work” is actually lost; but rather, everyday life becomes an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Lost Homework (Support an Independent Bookstore)
The Lost Homework (Hardcover at Amazon)*
More books for this Age Group can be found here.
My thanks to Child’s Play International for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
Please, leave comments! I love a HEALTHY exchange of ideas. After all, critical thinking is essential to life.
Ashley Borrego–Contributor
Ashley is a teacher, a photographer, crafter, and a small business owner. She lives in Hawaii with her husband, two young children, 170lb Great Dane, and 2 cats. She received her Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education from University of Maryland, and is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. You can checkout her business here.
*Amazon Associates earn from qualifying purchases.