The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle (Ages 3+)

The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle (Ages 3+)

Carle, Eric. (1990). The Very Quiet Cricket. New York: Philomel Books.  

Genre: Fiction

Lexile: 430L

The books main character is a cricket that cannot answer any of his friends because he cannot find voice. The crickets friend will come up to him as use a salutation to say hello and the little cricket will not answer because he just cant yet, he tries to rub his wings together but nothing happens. He meets several different insects throughout the story that he cannot say hello to, until he meets another cricket.

This book allows for language development because at this age children’s vocabulary is expanding quickly and this book uses words that will help their vocabulary grow. Students are curious about creatures and this book has several different insects that students can relate to their real life and if they know what each of the insects are. Cognitively students are not able to remember more than two to three items, Carle uses repetition throughout his books, the phrase: “The little cricket wanted to answer, so he rubbed his wings together. But nothing happened. Not a sound” this gives the student the opportunity to use repetition to their advantage and begin to understand the story more. They are able to recall this phrase, which is a great teaching idea.

Characterization- Throughout the story we meet many different types of insects, which are described in a manner so that students of this age are able to relate and understand.

Style- Repetition is used throughout the book. The page starts off with a, Hello, good afternoon, how are you, and then moves on to the type of critter that said it. There is a small description of the animal and then moves to how the cricket cannot say hello even though he wants to and tries to.

Illustrations- Eric Carle illustrates his books and uses a unique style that helps readers sees what the words are saying. He uses lines and color to help the words come to life!

Mini Lesson- This would be a great book to introduce insects or how to say hello or welcome people. Both are portrayed in the book heavily.

Enjoyment- Younger readers would enjoy this book.