Coyote Soundbite
Author: John Agard
Illustrator: Piet Grobler
Lantana Publishing
Middle Grade
As we read through the story, we find that what we see at face value isn’t always the whole picture. We learn that listening to others and validating their feelings is important.
“A soundbite is a tool the humans use to get a message over.” What an interesting title for an interesting story. There are plenty of little lessons to be learned from reading this book, not the least of which is the importance of listening to and thinking about what others are saying.
Coyote is interested in a conference that is the first of its kind, where female earth goddesses are going to unite to decide if humans are blind. Throughout the story, using clever illustrations that children can enjoy and relate to, current issues are addressed and discussed subtly and with significance.
John Agard and Piet Gobler tell a story of gender roles and stereotypes without directly mentioning anything obvious or blatant. As Coyote finds a way to attend the female only conference that is taking place, unbeknownst to him, his wife is doing something very similar.
As we read through the story, we find that what we see at face value isn’t always the whole picture. We learn that listening to others and validating their feelings is important. We see that an open mind allows us to learn from others and see things differently.
This is a sweet story of differences, acceptance, understanding, compassion, and kindness. It is well told, well written, and beautifully illustrated.
From a teacher’s perspective, this would be an ideal book to use with second to third graders as a read aloud or for older students, possibly upper elementary or middle school. For younger readers, the meaning may be too much or difficult to grasp.
Coyote’s Soundbite (Support an Independent Bookstore)*
Coyote’s Soundbite (Amazon)*
More books for this Age Group can be found here.
My thanks to Lantana Publishing for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
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