A Stone For Sascha
A Wordless Picture Book

A Stone For Sasha

A Stone for Sascha is a wordless picture book by Aaron Becker, renowned for his previous works in the genre, including the acclaimed Journey trilogy. This poignant narrative centers on a young girl grappling with the loss of her beloved dog, Sascha, during a family vacation that feels profoundly different without her companion.

Overview

  • Theme: The story explores themes of grief, healing, and the interconnectedness of life across time and space. The girl's journey begins with a solitary walk along the beach where she collects polished stones, leading her to a deeper understanding of loss and connection to the world around her.
  • Art Style: Becker employs digitally manipulated pastel strokes, creating lush and vibrant illustrations that evoke a dreamlike quality. This artistic choice contrasts with his previous watercolor work, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.

Narrative Structure

The book unfolds without words, allowing readers to interpret the visuals and emotions conveyed through the illustrations. As the girl throws a stone into the ocean, it symbolizes not only her grief but also a timeless connection to history and humanity. The narrative expands from her personal loss to encompass broader themes of existence and continuity across civilizations.

Critical Reception

  • Kirkus Reviews describes it as "achingly beautiful" and emphasizes its comforting message for those who have experienced loss.
  • Publishers Weekly highlights Becker's ability to depict various architectural styles and historical contexts, enriching the story's visual tapestry.
  • School Library Journal notes that the book inspires readers to reflect on their own histories through found objects.

Conclusion

A Stone for Sascha stands out as a deeply moving exploration of grief and healing, inviting readers of all ages to engage with its rich illustrations and profound themes. It encourages contemplation about life’s cycles and the enduring connections we share with those we love, making it a significant addition to contemporary children's literature.

Author: Aaron Becker

Born in Baltimore, Aaron Becker moved to California to attend Pomona College where he scored his first illustration job designing t-shirts for his water polo team. Since then, he's travelled to Kenya, Japan, Sweden, and Tahiti backpacking around while looking for good things to eat and feeding his imagination. He now lives with his family in Amherst, MA where he's busy at work on his next book project. You can find out more about what he's been up to lately on his site.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Walker Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 48 pages
  • Dimensions: 27.7 x 1 x 24.7 cm
  • Reading age: 3 - 7 years old
  • Publication date: 5 July 2018
  • ISBN: 1406382450

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How can the wordless book "A Stone for Sascha" help in teaching a Year 1 English "Tell Me A Story" Lesson?

Author: Aaron Becker

Using "A Stone for Sascha" to Teach Year 1 English "Tell Me A Story" Lessons

"A Stone for Sascha" by Aaron Becker is a powerful wordless picture book that can be an excellent resource for teaching Year 1 English "Tell Me A Story" lessons. Here are some ways to incorporate this book into your lessons:

Developing Storytelling Skills

  • Have students study the illustrations in the book and use them as prompts to create their own stories.
  • Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss the story they see unfolding in the book and practice telling it to each other.
  • Use the book as a model for students to create their own wordless books and practice telling stories through illustrations alone.

Exploring Emotions and Empathy

  • Discuss the emotions the main character experiences throughout the book, such as grief, loneliness, and hope.
  • Have students reflect on times they have felt similar emotions and share their experiences with the class.
  • Encourage students to consider how the character's feelings change over the course of the story and what events or realizations lead to those changes.

Encouraging Creative Writing

  • After discussing the story, have students write their own versions of what they think happens next.
  • Use the book as inspiration for students to write their own wordless stories and then exchange them with classmates to tell each other's tales.
  • Provide students with a selection of illustrations from the book and have them write short stories incorporating those images.

Analysing Story Structure

  • Discuss the elements of story structure (beginning, middle, end) and have students identify where those elements occur in the book.
  • Have students create storyboards or timelines to map out the sequence of events in the book.
  • Encourage students to consider how the story would change if certain events were rearranged or removed.

By using "A Stone for Sascha" in your Year 1 English "Tell Me A Story" lessons, you can engage students in meaningful discussions about storytelling, emotions, and creative writing while also developing their critical thinking and analysis skills.

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