“Yay” she does a quiet little gig and claps her hands. It’s back!
The Silver Button
Author/Illustrator: Bob Graham
Published by: Walker Books 2013
Age: 3 – 6 years
Theme: A moment in time,
Opening sentences: At 9.59 on Thursday morning, Jodie drew a duck Top hat, cane and boots of the softest leather. On the boots she put silver buttons: one.. two… Her pen hovered in the air for the final button. Jodie’s brother Jonathan pushed slowly to his feet.
Synopsis: From Amazon – At 9:59 on a Thursday morning, Jodie draws a duck. As her pen hovers in the air, ready to add a silver button to the duck’s boot, her little brother Jonathan pushes to his feet, sways, and takes his first step. At the exact same moment, their mom plays a pennywhistle in the kitchen, a man buys fresh bread at the bakery, a baby is born, a soldier says good-bye to his mom, a granddad and granddaughter play with leaves in the park, a blackbird finds a worm. . . . From an ordinary scene of an apartment strewn with child’s artwork and toys to a bird’s-eye view of a city morning pulsing with life, Bob Graham celebrates a whole world-vision in a single moment, encouraging readers to stop, observe, and savour the world around them.
Why I like it: I love the concept of this; a moment in time. It may be a bit over the head for some younger ones but the book alone offers a lot of questions, thoughts, and discussions with young kids. To think of a moment and wonder what is happening around them at that precise time, not just in the next room, but outside, across the street, in your neighbourhood or next town. The discussions could be endless. As Jodie is about to colour a silver button on a drawing, her wee brother takes his first step, and everywhere not just at home or in your town but elsewhere things are happening, day is turning to night, night is turning to day, phones are ringing, the paper is being deliveryed and a plane takes off. Adults as well as children will love this book.
Bob Graham (an Australian) cleverly uses close up and wide-lens view of a neighbourhood to show what is happening at that precise moment in time. The illustrations are very softly done, whimsical and detailed catching the moment in different view-points, like through a window or from the sky. I love how the story comes back at the last page. Jodie’s wee brother falls back down and the clock strikes 10. A minute has past!
Resources/Findings: Here is a great New York times review with some pictures of the book… http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/books/the-silver-button-by-bob-graham.html?_r=0
This book won the 2014: CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2014 Winner – Honour Book
A teachers guide for classroom activies… http://www.petaa.edu.au/teaching-resources/2014-cbca-guide/silver-buttons Great moment in time activities. Other activities would include blowing up a balloon, writing your name etc…
For older kids – studying what is happening at that precise time in another country of their choice. Writing a short essay on that country or city and comparing them.
You heard me skipping and jumping for joy before, didn’t you? I just couldn’t help myself. I’m so pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
LOVE Bob Graham’s books!
So pleased, Julie. And Thanks.
I second what Julie said – can’t wait to read his new “Vanilla Ice Cream” book!
Arr so I must look out for that one. Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds utterly captivating. Thank you.
Yes, Joanna. Had to read through it more than once to really see what is in the illustrations. It’s cleverly done. Thanks for stopping by.
I love Bob Graham’s work! I love books that help children being present in the moment. I could see you pairing it with “Because Amelia Smiled.” I reviewed his book “How to Heal a Broken Wing,” –another gem. Great review.
Yes, Pat. It is in a way like “Because Amelia Smiled.” Although I wasn’t thinking of it at the time I wrote this. I must try to find that other book you mentioned, sounds interesting. Bob Graham is indeed a very clever writer/illustrator. Thanks for stopping by, we must catch up!
This sounds like one of those books that can be read again, and again as a child gets older and understands more of the sophistication of the story. I put it on my list to find!
In a nut-shell, Wendy, that is exactly how I found this book. One to stand the test of time. Glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds so interesting. I want yo read it to see how he pulls off the moment in time. Definitely on my library list :•)
Yes, Bob Graham is a very clever writer/illustrator. I think you will enjoy this. Nice to see you here and thanks for stopping by.
This book looks lovely, Diane! I love the concept of stopping time for a moment to see what’s happening in so many different places. I’m with Penny – interested to see how he pulls it off, so onto the library list it goes! Thanks so much for sharing, and SO glad to see you back 🙂 Happy jig here too 🙂
lol. Thank you Susanna, it’s lovely having you back in the drivers seat and I am so delighted so many are rejoining us again. Yay, for another great year. Glad you liked my choice and thanks for stopping by.
Perfect choice, Diane! What a unique concept – I will have to try to get a copy. You did a great review – this would be a wonderful story to read with classes to get them thinking outside themselves. 🙂
Yep, it wold be a great book for in the class. Glad you liked the review and thank you so very much for highlighting it on facebook for me. Your a sweetheart! Thanks so much for dropping in.
This would be a great way to talk to kids about unplugging from all their devices and tuning into the world around them. Great pick!
Thanks, Kirsten. Yes if they took a moment and even if they sat silently in their backyard I am sure they could tell you what they could hear around them. A car going by, a neighbours kid crying, smell of dinner cooking etc… So much happens that they can miss out on if they are not aware of the world around them. Glad you liked my choice!
I love books on this topic. Hope I can find it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Stacy. I hope you can too!