So Few of Me (2006) by Peter H Reynolds, like other contemporary children's picture books, has few words; however, I like the story. I imagine this book is a reaction to modern-day children's busy lifestyles. Maybe this book is an example of how pictures replace text. The story is succinct. It has one lesson. I don't see layers of information or inferencing. What I enjoy about children's picture books written in prior decades is thoughtfully contemplating complex text, searching for the multiple references, the metaphors, the subplots. I don't get that satisfaction with this story. The message is easily accessible--done.
So Few of Me begins in the conventional way: we meet the main character, Leo, and the usual conditions in which he lives. Then, one day, there's a knock on the door and life changes. Tension slowly rises to a climax. Leo realizes that doing more and more is an endless proposition. Perhaps there is an inference here because Leo wonders, "What if I did less--but did my BEST?" This implies that doing too much means doing nothing well. This concept is not hertofore apparent in the illustrations or in the text.
The Climbing Grapevine has Hopes and Dreams Resource. Teachers Creating Curiosity has Dream Spring Break Writing Activity. KGB Designs has Starting the Year Strong with Hopes and Dreams.
