Three years ago, we read Because of Winn-Dixie at my book club, and we loved it. I’ve been mulling over Mercy Watson since even before that. It’s shorter than most of the other books we read at my book club. Would it be challenging enough? Or too childish?
Finally, I decided I would give it a shot next month. Shorter books give us the time to do more activities! Plus, especially as most of my book clubbers have not encountered Kate DiCamillo’s work, what better place to introduce a wonderful writer to them?
Pig or Dog?
The best thing about using a well known book at my book club is the range of resources I can find online! Before we read the book, we will discuss what my book clubbers think will happen in the story, based on what they see on the cover. And then, we’ll have a debate–pig or dog? Which makes for a better pet and why? Let’s try to find at least five reasons supporting each animal!
Fact or Opinion?
Evelyn Lincoln has a lot of opinions. What is an opinion and what is a fact? I will give my book clubbers a set of sentences about pigs, and they will determine whether each one is a fact or an opinion. From there, I’ll ask them to make two sentences about themselves–one fact and one opinion!
Oink!
Mercy Watson mostly says just one thing – “oink!” But does it mean the same thing in different contexts? We’ll read sections of the story written as simple dialogue, bringing expression into the way we read aloud–especially when it comes to the word oink!
Join a programme!
Book clubs give children the opportunity to read books they might not otherwise read. At my book club, I steer clear of books the children are already reading–whether it’s Bad Guys or Goosebumps. Introducing children to a new series they may love is such a joy!
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