Poe Won't Go, a Fabulous Mentor Text

On a day like today, I'm grateful for every picture book that highlights kindness. Poe Won't Go arrives in stores on October 16th and I can't wait for the world to read it! 

I adore both Kelly DiPucchio and Zachariah Ohora, and wow! Poe Won't Go's hysterical story will resonate with everyone!

No matter how many tactics or techniques the townspeople use on Poe the elephant, he won't leave.  

"As the day wore on, the townspeople grew more clever.  They brought in mice...and magnets...and motivational speakers. Copters...and cranes...and clowns with horn squeakers. But there wasn't a pastor or a plow in town who knew how to get Poe to go."

Filled with hilarious attempts to move Poe and illustrations that enhance the humor, this book is the kind of book kids will want to read over and over again.  And the solution?  A kid who is willing to listen.  Poe is the kind of elephant a kid will root for and that's what reading is all about. 

What makes Poe Won't Go work?

The Rule of Three.  

Kelly DiPucchio uses the rule of 3 throughout the book. For example: "People begged.  And booed.  And bribed."  and "Horns honked.  People yelled from their cars.  A policeman wrote his a ticket."

A Repeated Phrase  

In this case: "But Poe wouldn't go."  is repeated and slightly varied throughout the book. It's a perfect line for kids to repeat with the reader.

Playful language

'"We do not tolerate parked pachyderms in Princkly Valley!" She proclaimed.'

Perfect Marriage of Text and Illustrations 

"Seriously?  Catch me if you can, POE! The townspeople were fresh out of ideas.  And Poe?  Well...you know." (illustration of a rollerskating girl in a peanut costume!)

You'll have to check out the book to really appreciate this one!

An Unexpected Ending

Something for you to look forward to when you read it...