Sometimes a Wall…
Owlkids Books | ISBN 9781771473736
October 13, 2020
A day in the neighborhood begins with a chalk wall to draw on, a water wall to splash in, a climbing wall to clamber up, and a great wall of kids playing together.
But it isn’t long before a wall comes between them, and one child is left out. After all the name-calling and hurt feelings, reflection and regret, is there a way these ex-friends can make amends?
Simple rhyming text is layered with playful illustrations to explore the many forms that walls can take – as well as the myriad feelings that accompany them. Sometimes a Wall… will inspire readers to scale walls of their own, with imagination and empathy.
Rhyme, rhythm, and simple art—all including references to walls—show children expressing different emotions and behaviors.
The text cleverly begins by showing literal kinds of walls: “chalk wall / spill wall / rock wall/ hill wall.” As it progresses, figurative meanings of walls appear… The text is already predicting trouble ahead…The end reassures readers that reconciliation is possible.
Mending walls for the nursery crowd.
Hopeful and compassionate, this story uses simple language to create concrete connections, and may inspire children to choose a more inclusive way.
School Library Journal
Take a closer look!
© illustrations by Barroux
The “Why” Behind the Book
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Discussion Guide
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- SOMETIMES A WALL… Discussion Guide
Together. Apart. Regret. New start?
A lesson in 3 movements…
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- Intro to the Unit (PLEASE READ FIRST!)
- 1st Movement : TOGETHER (I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët)
- 2nd Movement: APART (Draw the Line by Kathryn Otoshi)
- 3rd Movement: REGRET. NEW START? (Sometimes a Wall … by Dianne White, illustrated by Barroux)
- What’s Different About Reading Wordless/Nearly Wordless Picture Books?
“KINDNESS” Coloring Pages
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