Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches
Written by: Lisa Broadie Cook
Illustrated by: Jack E. Davis
Published by: G P Putnam’s Sons an imprint of Penguin Group USA Inc. July 2011
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Theme: Opening Lines: It was Monday, and all Martin MacGregor wanted to do was go to School. Mr Elliott was the coolest teacher ever, and this was the day he was going to bring in his pet – Harriett the tarantula.
Synopsis: All week Martin’s assignments keep getting lost, destroyed, and even blown onto the school roof – no matter how hard he tries to keep them in one piece. Mrs Payne (the substitute teacher) isn’t happy about his mishaps, and Martin is definitely not happy about having to miss recess every day. When Martin’s dog really does eat his homework, Martin gets creative and with a positive attitude, finds his own way to turn homework into fun – and turn it in on time.
Why I like this: Although I am not a lover of spiders this was indeed a fun read. Poor Martin, he really was having a week of it. I could relate to his uneasiness with a substitute teacher when you so enjoy your own teacher. A similar thing happened to me once which ended with me missing my bus and my parents looking for me in the rain after dark. My usual teacher knew my father preferred me to scribble down my homework instructions on a piece of paper and when I was at home my father would draw pencilled lines in my exercise book for me to write it in neatly and with the rest of my homework. But a substitute teacher would not allow it and made me redo it again causing me to miss my bus. Hence a tear-stained frightened girl and anxious parents turned up the next day to have a word with the teacher only to find my usual teacher was back again. However in this story Martin gets creative with his homework and is delighted when his usual teacher returns. The book is wordy by picture books standard today, but the popping full-page illustrations by Jack would certainly keep children interested with oversized heads, popping eyes and oooh who doesn’t love peanut butter?
Resources/Findings: Here is a reading of the story… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or762Ia9-Sc
Lisa’s website and inspirations for her books…. http://www.lisabroadiecook.com/author_website/Welcome.html
Here are some tips for classroom discussions and exercises…. http://dayinthelifeofschoolcounseling.blogspot.co.nz/2013/11/peanut-butter-homework-sandwiches.html
Lesson for classroom or homeschooling. Scroll down to Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches…. http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.maslonline.org/resource/resmgr/Orders/2013-2014_Show_Me_Reader_Pac.pdf
I’m always 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 
Sovund lke one all kids will appreciate! My kids were lucky both adoring one sustitute teacher that helped out often at their elementary school who had a name they thought was two-fold hilarious: Mrs. Wurst! I wonder if you might put your own story into a picture book – I’d love to read it!
Now there’s a thought. Mmm… will certainly look at doing that. Thanks Julie.
Oh, dear! Need to put my glasses on next time!
LOL… no worries Julie. 🙂
Aw! What an awful substitute teacher experience for you! It’s good that there is a book that addresses topic this because I think it’s something a lot of kids can really relate to. I know I certainly can.
Thank you for your kind comment. I think some kids do experience anxiety with substitute teachers. So yes kids would certainly relate to this particular story.
Thanks again.
I think most kids will relate to this story and love it! Great discussion book! Never enjoyed substitute teachers as a child. Always remembered kids acting out and the entire class being punished. Hopefully that doesn’t happen today.
Mmm… yes kids acting out with substitute teachers, is something I think happens everywhere. Kids like to test the boundries, I think. Glad you like this choice, Pat.
You have me wondering how the peanut butter saves the day! Gonna find it to read.
Oh the peanut butter doesn’t save the day… umm it just adds to the problem. But I love peanut butter, especially crunchy 🙂 Enjoy the story.
This sounds delightful, Diane! It’s great to have a book that deals with the uncertainties of a substitute teacher – a concern for lots of kids I’m sure. And what an ordeal you went through – I agree with Julie – write your own PB 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this one!
Hi Susanna. Hmm… yes I intend to do that. Thanks I am glad you liked the choice. I know kids will enjoy this story.
Oh you poor thing, Diane. That reminds me of a lot of school stories 😉 The book sounds super apart from the spider part.
Yes, school was not really my favourite place. I bet you have lots of school stories Catherine.. 🙂 I didn’t like the spider part either.
This sounds cute. 🙂 And what a story YOU have!!
Thank you. Yes I have my thinking cap on. 🙂
I remember being late from school for a different reason. My parents nearly called the police. In your case, that teacher sounds awful. I’m glad you were OK!
I like this subject. It’s fresh new territory for picture books, or at least for me. I’ll have to pick up a copy and check it out. Thanks!
Oh wow! That would have been terrifying if the police had turned up. This book is also a first for me, although I had heard of it before now. Thanks for stopping by Jilanne.
Boy! What a scary time for you!! I agree with some comments above – the start of a great tale! That Ms Payne sounds like a real Pain!! I think this book will be a fun read aloud! I’ll have to sniff it out! Thanks!
Thanks Rhythm. It could be. Ha yes she does sound like a pain. I hated homework as a kid. Hope you find it. 🙂
Aw, your story is sad, I am glad things turn out better for Martin. School stories are winners.
Hi Joanna, yes this sure is a winner. I’m happy things turned out okay for Martin too.
Oh that’s a tough story. Sorry! Sounds like this is a good book.
Thanks Stacy. Maybe you will read about it, someday! 😉
Now I need to read it to find out how peanut butter saves the day. And your story sounds like it could be a book, too.