Arthur Writes a Story (Arthur Adventures (Pb)) Review
"Write about something that is important to you," suggest Arthur's teacher, Mr. Ratburn (Page 1). And on the classroom blackboard, Mr. Ratburn has written the following directions:
"Write a story.
1. Have a beginning, a middle, and an end.
2. Use details.
3. Be creative."
There begins Arthur's exciting adventure in creative writing. He first begins with the story that HE wants to tell--"How I Got My Puppy Pal." However, as he speaks to others about his efforts, he is swayed by their suggestions and their ideas. He rewrites his story to include those items because he does not want to create a boring story that no one wants to hear or read. Consequently, his story grows away from his original message and into a wild collage of extraordinary elements that even includes Purple elephants, moon landscapes, song and dance. He presents his strange story to his family and to his shocked class, but he soon discovers, with a little guidance from Mr. Ratburn, that his original idea was the best story to tell after all. Why? His original story was from his own voice, mind, heart, and experience.
This is an excellent little book about a child's view of the writing process and the various influences on that process. The message is clear: it's fine to be your own writer and share your own ideas in your own personal way of expressing yourself. The best stories are those that have a ring of truth about them...where storyteller and story compliment each other.
This book makes a fun introduction to writing and to storytelling. It can encourage young writers to write their own stories with confidence. Even adult writing students can appreciate the books central message about "writing what you know."
Arthur Writes a Story (Arthur Adventures (Pb)) Overview
Arthur's been given a creative writing assignment but cannot decide what to do. Arthur's an 8-year-old read-a-holic aardvark with a very cheeky, bossy, little sister, called D.W.. Wherever Arthur and his gang (Binky Barnes, Buster, the Brain, Muffy and Francine) meet up, there's always adventure.
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Customer Reviews
"And leave out the dancing....", my son recites - Jen - Seattle, WA United States
My 4 year old son loves this story. We got the audio CD collection (Arthur Favorites, vol 1) which has Marc Brown reading - and singing - this story which my son absolutely loves to listen to. He sings the quirky songs that Arthur makes up in trying to come up with a creative story. My son also loves the punch line at the end of the story "and leave out the dancing" - he will just say this to himself and start laughing. I love all the Arthur books because they really hold my sons interest and make him want to read books instead of watch TV.
Great way to teach writing. - R. Fischer - NJ, USA
As a third grade teacher, I am constantly trying to find ways to catch a student's interest. When it comes time to teach the writing process, I begin by reading this book. Although it seems to be overly simplistic for the grade level, it does convey what happens when your subject is too broad or your ability to stay on topic has gone awry - disaster! The "what not to do" idea in this book has become invaluable.
Arthur Writes a Story - Anna M. Ligtenberg - Chicago
ISBN 0590394835 - Arthur is faced with the homework assignment dreaded by all kids... creative writing! Mr Ratburn gives them directions and tells them to write about what's important to them. Arthur writes a good story and then reads it to other people - who all tell him something different. Arthur tries to put every new idea into his story, until it's become a confusing mess complete with a song and dance routine! When he reads (sings!) it to the class, it doesn't go over very well and Arthur learns that his first effort was really his best.
As always, this Arthur book has wonderfully detailed illustrations - Arthur's puppy, Pal, for example, is always watching Arthur, just like any other dog! Nice read, with a nice lesson.
- AnnaLovesBooks
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 27, 2010 03:27:05
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