ReFoReMo Day 24: Janie Reinart Unwraps a Reflection

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ReFoReMo taught me to unwrap a picture book like a gift.

Let's use Helen's Big World by Doreen Rappaport as an example. Doreen weaves a story for us

filled with poetic writing and quotes.


1. The Wrapping/Book Jacket 

What draws your eyes to the cover ? What is happening?
                 
Where and when does it take place?

1. Soft Watercolor portrait. Title in Braille at top. Looks old fashioned.

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2. The Tissue/ End Papers

 What do the end papers look like? What is the feeling or mood?

2. Joyfulness and hopefulness invite me in.
The quote suggests a positive focus.

2. The back paper is another invitation to practice the signs.

 3. The Gift/ Story

 What type of story structure does the plot follow? Circular, Linear, Parallel, Classic, etc?

 The first sentence of the story should draw you in.

 Helen gurgled and giggled in her crib.

 The last sentence should be satisfying. There should be a connection between the beginning and
 ending of the story.

She kept traveling and speaking, 

always saying what she thought was important, 

until she died at the age of eighty-seven.

I wear this gift of a story as inspiration for all the possibilities in a life time.

How do these three elements impact your mentor texts?

                                                                                                                                                               

Janie Reinart has worn many hats--educator, author, theater major, professional puppeteer, interactive musical storyteller, a clown hat in a hospital’s gentle clowning ministry, and a poet's beret at an inner city school helping children find their voice. She lives in Ohio with

her husband. She's always up for a game, a song, or dress-up. Ask her thirteen grandchildren.