Classic picture book introduction series - No. 468
Something unexpected happened - Introduction to "It's a Snowy Day"
Reading promoter Shi Shi
1. Introduction
It was a snowy day, and only two people went to school - Danny and Mr. Trip. This is really bad, because Mr. Trip is the most severe teacher in the school, and Danny is the worst student in the country; Danny doesn't like Mr. Trip, and Mr. Trip doesn't want to see Danny. However, on this snowy day when only Danny and Mr. Trip went to school, they were tied together. Then, something unexpected happened. This terrible thing turned into something very wonderful in a year...
2. Picture book information
Book title: It’s a snowy day
Text: [English] Richard Curtis
Picture: [English] Rebecca Cobb
Translator: Ma Ainong
p>Suitable reading age: 3-6 years old (for reference only, not absolute)
Awards: Nominated for the 2016 Kate Greenaway Award
Topic planning: Tianlue Children's Library
Publisher: Beijing United Publishing Company
Publication date: March 2016
3. Picture book introduction
Cover
Analysis:
It was snowing heavily, and only two people went to school! A student, a teacher. This story tells that after a heavy snowfall, the school was closed, but for some unknown reason, only the two people on the cover came to the school. But they had no communication before this. Just because the teacher is the strictest teacher and the student is the worst student. But it was this heavy snow that melted the barriers in their hearts, and they eventually became "snow buddies".
In the blue sky, snowflakes were floating, and there was thick snow on the ground. It was windy and snowy. They used books as snow gear and rode in the wind and snow, letting their moods fly and achieving themselves.
The cover is refreshing and graceful, let’s take a look together!
Surround
Analysis:
The grass-green background highlights the crystal clearness and shape of snowflakes, allowing young readers to see different snowflakes. Of course, parents can Explain the different types of snowflakes.
Snowflakes are a kind of crystal, which is solid precipitation formed by the condensation of water vapor in the sky. During the falling process, it climbs together in clusters to form snow flakes. The structure changes with temperature, and is mostly hexagonal, like a flower. Snowflakes are very light. No matter how small or how wonderful they are, most snowflakes are hexagonal, and the shape of each snowflake is not exactly the same. Each snowflake is an extremely exquisite pattern that even many artists marvel at. .
Green implies health, because the previous states of the two protagonists were unhealthy. It also represents peace and resolves the barriers between them.
Preface
Analysis:
What does this book belong to? A story of friendship, a story of eliminating barriers, a story of joy, a story of self-expression, etc. what you think?
This little bird wearing a string hat has witnessed the changing process of the protagonist's mentality in this story. If you read it, you will surely become a witness like a little bird.
Version + title
Analysis:
We see the little boy lying on the window, what does his surprised expression tell us? Can I stop going to school?
The four hanging snowflakes of different shapes are very suitable for the occasion.
This is a shot seen from the outside in. The windowsill and window frame are covered with thick white snow. A little bird with a blue wire hat is walking in the snow. This Does it mean that the little boy inside will also go to school in the snow?
The little boy with a silly face made a negative cross gesture. He did not want to go to school in the heavy snow.
The birds and tabby cats on the outer window sill appear many times on the inner pages. They are not only a detail aid, intended to attract the attention of young readers, but also a witness to history.
Screen 1
Original text:
That day is December 4th. No one knows what will happen next. It was an ordinary Wednesday - the next day would be an ordinary Thursday.
Across the city of London, children have finished their homework and gone to bed, preparing for a long day at school the next day.
Then, something miraculous happened.
Analysis:
This is just a microcosm of the entire city of London, with row upon row of buildings. The house was shrouded in dark clouds, giving it a depressing feeling.
There are few pedestrians on the road at night. In the quiet night, the outer upper space of the entire community is shrouded in a layer of light, which connects with the outer clouds.
Is it a symbol of vitality to see a bird and a kitten on the blue roof in the front row?
Wednesday that night and Thursday tomorrow were both ordinary days, only closer to Christmas.
Christmas trees stand on the streets, lights are on in every house, and children are busy with homework in order to survive the more boring day the next day. Do you feel like you don’t want to go to school after seeing this? "Long" must be boring!
The four characters "miraculous" are supplemented by luminous rays above and below, reminding readers that a miracle is about to happen, and providing a special reminder to young readers. Has this shining "miraculous" aroused your curiosity about what will happen next?
Screen 2
Original text:
It was snowing at night. Come on. Come on. It just kept coming.
In the morning, everything turns white and everything changes. When the sun rises, the phone rings and emails come one after another announcing the news: no school today.
Because no one can go to school—students, teachers, physical education teachers, even head teachers, no one can go. Within a few minutes, this day already had a very special name...
Analysis:
After everyone fell asleep, heavy snow fell quietly and kept falling. A night of heavy snow covered all the buildings in the flying white snow, making it almost difficult to find the complete outline. Only the tabby cat discovered it and kept wandering in the snow, experiencing the freshness and softness.
This day already has a very special name... What is it? No school today. The parallel design of multiple boxes allows news to spread like wildfire at the same time.
The 13 windows in the picture show the scenes of students, teachers and parents after learning that there will be no classes. The children cheered! Dance, throw toys in the air excitedly, throw your phone out, throw books in the air, dance on the bed.
The house in the middle with the curtains drawn and the kitten guarding it is still sleeping. Is it the little protagonist’s house? Did he not get the message?
The emphasis here is that "no one can go" is a high probability. Special circumstances may occur under any circumstances, which also implies that there must be exceptions.
Screen 3
Original text: Snowy days are like this for everyone.
Analysis:
The heavy snow stopped, and the outline of the building stood out again. But the sky has not cleared up yet, and the snow is heavy on the roofs, on the roads, and on the treetops. In the world covered with silver, there are no people or animals. There is no life, no color, no sunlight, and the blue sky is shrouded in it. The white snow highlights the quiet beauty. The confusion as the heavy snow falls one after another, and the silence after the heavy snow stops.
The exterior view of a community is exactly the same as the layout of the home page, but the snow-covered buildings and spaces are completely different. There was snow on top, and the green land was covered with snow, leaving only the sharp corners exposed.
What’s on the snow? By comparison, I found that the heavy snow almost buried the car, and the cars parked on the roadside turned into small wooden sticks.
The door on the first floor of the house in the front row has been closed due to heavy snow, and half of the windows are left. The snow is too heavy.
The kitten and the rabbit met and walked on the snow, leaving a series of snow prints. What about that little bird?
Through the window, I saw many children looking out the window. The snowy day brought them benefits and they no longer go to school!
It is indeed a "miraculous thing". It's great not to have to go to school!
Screen 4
Original text: Well, almost everyone - because, at half past eight, a little boy came to school. His name is Danny. A teacher greeted him. The teacher's name is Mr. Trip. Soon, they realized something was wrong - because they were alone.
Analysis:
Even though the heavy snowfall did not stop the two people from walking, it was an accident for them.
Why didn’t they know it was a day off today? Very strange.
There are loopholes in both email and phone calls. It reminds me of that curtained window.
They faced each other awkwardly on both sides of the school gate. The scarves hanging from the front and back, the plaid clothes and pants, the portable suitcase, the shiny bald head, and the round glasses highlighted the teacher's elegance; the messy hair , pulling his schoolbag away from his body on the snow, symbolizing that learning is a heavy burden for Danny. They looked at each other with a kind of contempt and confrontation, which finally turned into a kind of helplessness.
But the little bird magically appeared again and left footprints on the railing, breaking the embarrassing situation.
In front of them is a wall of commonality, which is like the knot of their common hearts. They lined up on both sides of the gate, representing different sides, but the same goal brought them together.
The door in the middle is closed, which means that they were hostile and closed to each other at first, and the bird is like a medium, or the heavy snow is a medium.
Screen 5
Original text:
However, they have no other choice. Mr. Trip must stay at school because there is a student here. Danny also had to stay, because his parents were overseas and - as usual - were taking care of his aunt, who also left home at the same time as Danny that day, and Danny had no way of contacting her.
So, Danny and Mr. Trip walked into the classroom and started a day of study. The situation couldn't be worse for them both.
Because Danny and Mr. Trip are "rivals."
Mr. Trip is the toughest teacher in the school, and Danny is the worst student in the country. Okay, maybe not really the worst, but pretty close to the bottom of the list.
Analysis:
What a dedicated teacher! As long as there is one student, you have to stay in school. Danny is a left-behind child and there is no way to go back.
Both of them looked helpless, especially Danny. He felt so painful. Why was it such a bad situation?
The worst in the country! This is hopeless. Danny lowered his head and dragged his schoolbag feebly. The books were scattered on the snow, which showed Danny's attitude of not caring about studying. The bird followed him, was it a reminder?
Mr. Trip is the toughest teacher in the school, so what if he faces the worst student? The "nemesis" is magnified and glowing, and the dark background in the text is not a good sign.
The time was fixed at 8:50, and the silence of the school was in sharp contrast with the panic and helplessness inside.
On a snowy day, a bad-tempered teacher and the worst student met in school, or two lonely souls met.
The snow is still heavy, and the courtyard has turned into bare hills, which pave the way for the subsequent steps. But an open door also means an open heart, and that’s a good start.
At this time, Danny was sitting alone in the first row. This might be the punishment position for the whole class. He crossed his arms across his chest, a kind of self-enclosure and protection from the heart. The crossed legs look very casual. This is the greatest disrespect to the teacher! And they actually got exclusive seats in the first row.
The teacher carefully checked Danny's name in the attendance record book on December 5th.
It doesn’t matter compared to the teacher’s seriousness.
Screen 6
Original text:
Therefore, the person Danny least wants to see is Mr. Trip. The last person Mr. Trip wants to see is the annoying Danny Higgins. However, they were tied together.
In the first class, they studied history, and Danny, as usual, found it difficult to concentrate.
Then came the Chinese class, and as usual, Danny found it difficult not to doze off.
The next class was science, and Danny found it impossible not to fall to the ground.
Then comes recess.
Mr. Trip went outside to smoke. Danny went outside and did what every other boy in the country was doing - rolled two giant snowballs and then stacked them together to make a snowman.
However, like many boys, he found that things were not as easy as he thought. However, just when the snowman's head rolled down for the third time, something very unexpected happened.
Mr. Trip spoke to him.
Analysis:
Then, I had to go to class. They are tired of each other, how can they learn this lesson!
The three classes Danny attended were as usual. Either he couldn't concentrate, he dozed off, or he fell to the ground out of fun. These must be the root causes of his poor performance.
Three consecutive scenes are used to describe the process of Danny listening to the class. The most severe teacher found that he did not reprimand him. Why? Because they had no communication with each other before, although Danny's behavior teacher had noticed it.
In fact, the kittens, rabbits and birds we looked at through the window were all paying close attention to Danny's actions. Is it a concern, or does it reveal Danny's state of mind!
Compared with Danny's class situation, the stern Mr. Trip must be intolerable. Perhaps Mr. Trip's lectures are so boring that Danny loses his energy. They are people from two worlds. They can't understand each other, and they both dislike each other. Finally, it's time for recess...
What interests Danny is pushing the snowman, but he fails every time. . The teacher was smoking outside and saw this scene.
Why is it described as unexpected? Because the teacher never talked to him, even in class, it made even the strictest teacher silent.
But the act of building a snowman made the teacher speak. They may have the same words, which is a silent touch.
The teacher standing behind him showed a stern look, but at this moment Danny felt a little melancholy and at a loss. They are far away, but they already have a target they are facing together, and that is the snowman.
Screen 7
Original text:
"What you did is wrong." Mr. Tripp said.
"What did you say, sir?" Danny said, startled because this was the first time Mr. Trip had said anything to him other than "Shut up, Higgins."
"You have to scrape off some of the top of the snowball at the bottom so that the snowball at the top can stand upright. Come on, watch." After that, Mr. Trip showed it to Danny himself. It really works.
Then, Mr. Trip also made a snowman. Well done.
Then, the two worked together to make a very, very big snowman.
Analysis:
This shows how little communication the two people have! It turns out that the only intersection was "Shut up, Higgins". This was the first time Mr. Trip said something else to him, "You're not doing the right thing."
Now the teacher breaks the deadlock first and gives personal guidance. Danny. At first the teacher held a pipe in his mouth, but later he devoted himself to it. He actually put the pipe into the snowman's mouth, and Danny also used the pencil as the snowman's nose.
Mr. Trip's image began to change when he taught Danny his experience and participated. The figure is no longer straight, but becomes soft, and the expression is no longer cold, but becomes warm.
Danny benefited greatly from the teacher’s personal demonstration. The snowman they made was simply a replica of themselves.
They each used snowmen to create their own images, and found their own images. By building snowmen, they became closer, and even worked together to create a bigger snowman. .
By building a snowman, they communicated their relationship. There was no longer an insurmountable barrier, and there was language communication. Mr. Trip's childlike innocence was aroused by Danny's snowman.
Four consecutive pictures are used to show the process of building a snowman. The teacher went from observing on the side, to personally guiding, to building their own selves together, and finally worked together to make a very, very big snowman. .
There are no birds, no kittens, and little rabbits. They rely on actions to bridge the gap in the past. They rely on the unique medium of the snowman to find their common ground and bring them closer. distance.
Screen 8
Original text: After that, they made a large number of snowmen.
Analysis:
The aroused childlike innocence was out of control and actually made a large number of snowmen. There is the magnanimity of the teacher smoking, and Danny's joyful behavior. This also made them seem to be back to their usual studies. There were a lot of students and the teachers took great care of them.
Why did you make so many snowmen? Because they are reluctant to give up this opportunity, they are also unwilling to return to the embarrassment of the classroom. At this time, their hearts are open, happy, and stress-free.
Look at the expressions of the two people, looking at each other, the inner wall between them is gradually disappearing.
Pencils, books, rulers, scissors, water cups and branches have all become the snowman's decorations. Are these snowmen surrounding them a celebration of their reconciliation? Is this an assembly for all students in the school? Let all teachers and students join their ranks, this is their inner expectation, so that everyone can experience the joy of stretching their hearts.
The little bird also stood on the snowman's head, watching every move of the teachers and students with joy.
Behind them is the distant view of the classroom, which highlights the sense of depth, enhances their space, and also implies that everyone can walk out of the classroom and experience this happy moment.
Screen 9
Original text:
Now, it’s time for two geography lessons. But they built a medieval castle.
Then when it was lunch time, they found some candies in the handicraft classroom of Grade 1 and Grade 2 and ate them all.
Then it’s game time – and with the help of Roald Dahl, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, they start skating.
Then he stepped on Mrs. Hartington’s particularly useful one-meter-long ruler and slid down the roof.
Analysis:
I didn’t even attend geography class, but I built a castle. I'm so interested that I can't bear to stop.
Using the activity equipment in front of the classroom as a skeleton, a castle was built, and the teacher was placed in it, with only half of his head exposed. The bird is always interested, is it also lonely?
There is no lunch, so I can only eat candy to satisfy my hunger. The teacher also became naughty and actually ate candy secretly. Apparently they were hungry.
Look what they are skating on! Under Danny's feet are "The Good Eye Giant" and "Emma", and under Mr. Trip's feet is "A Christmas Carol". Now you should understand why you are skating with the help of Roald Dahl, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens!
It turns out that the big ruler has a new use! Everything becomes a prop for them to release their inner feelings. The classroom is like an obstacle in the sky, which they can jump over in a hurry.
Danny is happy and confident, Mr. Trip is enjoying and acting recklessly! It's rare to find such relaxation and passion. They established feelings for each other by building snowmen, and then released their emotions by building castles.
Screen 10
Original text: The most exciting thing is that they had the most intense snowball fight in history.
Analysis:
Their bodies were submerged in the snow. It was indeed the most intense snowball fight, fought alone, without interference, hearty, devoted, regardless of the consequences. This is also the snowball fight they had after they communicated. Look at the little rabbit that ran away.
The arc words are like thrown snowballs, one black and one green. Under the reflection of the blue sky, the snow has turned blue.
They have forgotten the relationship between teachers and students, and are completely immersed in the incomparable joy in their hearts. This is also a major benefit brought about by their separation from each other.
A large number of snowballs have accumulated around them, and the passing of them has created the most intense scene.
Screen 11
Original text:
Next are the last two classes. In math class, they designed a particularly large igloo.
In French class, they built an igloo.
Even though the design wasn't perfect - even though they barely said a word - both men were very happy, really.
Analysis:
All courses have become the construction of igloos. From the design of math classes to the construction of French classes, they all strive for perfection. The differences in design are mentioned here. Perfect, providing an opportunity for self-improvement for the second heavy snow.
Although not perfect, they are very happy. The teacher stood on the roof, trembling. Danny leaned out the door and expressed his confidence. The bird was frightened and his hat disappeared.
At this moment, the two people were completely freed from the constraints of being teachers and students.
This heavy snow aroused Mr. Trip’s childlike innocence, so the generation gap between him and Danny was narrowing little by little, and the estrangement was also disappearing little by little. They were no longer people from two worlds, and they began to Understanding each other's thoughts, the joy of playing in the snow made them scream.
Danny is no longer the sullen little boy, and Mr. Trip is no longer the stern and annoying teacher. They are a little boy and an older boy. They don’t need words to communicate, they just play and laugh together. their communication style.
Screen 12
Original text:
You know, both of them are no strangers to loneliness. Danny's dad was a busy man - he almost never had time to play with him or ask him any questions.
When Mr. Trip was a child, his father was exactly the same, and Mr. Trip never had children of his own.
So, when it came time to go home from school, both knew that this was the most wonderful day of their lives. Of course, neither of them told each other this.
Analysis:
We finally know why Danny is always glum and why Mr. Trip is always strict and not good at communicating with students.
Maybe Danny never knew what it was like to play with his father. At this time, Mr. Trip was like his father. And Mr. Trip might have been another Danny when he was a child, and they both had lonely childhoods.
The need for each other's inner feelings allowed them to achieve the most wonderful day in their lives.
The heavy snow created an opportunity for them to discover the similarities with each other and experience the happiness they had never had before. Mr. Trip’s experience also gives us a warning: childhood loneliness will not disappear as we grow older, it will become a part of our personality in other forms. Two lonely people finally found good friends. The smile on Danny's face and Mr. Trip's smoke ring all hinted at their mood at this moment.
Danny was a little reluctant to leave his teacher, as if he had found his own father. The teacher is as confident as if he has found his own child. The smoke ring coming out of the pipe is like his childhood self in meditation.
A lot of blank space gives them room to fully display and leaves more room for readers to think.
They had the happiest day.
Picture 13
Original text: It didn't snow again that night - the next day, all the children returned to school.
Analysis:
The next day, all the children returned to school. Danny in the crowd looked at each other and smiled at Mr. Trip. They had a secret that no one else knew. The time is fixed at 9 o'clock.
The little bird is still standing on the fence, and only it knows the changes and differences in the past two days.
They were all showing their backs. Only Danny and the teacher were greeting each other from the side. No one else knew what happened yesterday.
It was as if what happened yesterday didn't happen, and others thought the school was closed yesterday.
Screen 14
Original text:
Oh, it was fate. Just before recess, Danny happened to have a class with Mr. Tripp. . However, halfway through, a very terrible thing happened. Danny was sitting perfectly in his chair when Mr. Tripp suddenly shouted to him: "Higgins - are you being lazy?" "Oh, I think so, I don't know exactly, sir. "You will be detained in class, and I will come to find you during the break."
Deep in his heart, Danny felt sadder than he had ever felt before. Everything from yesterday is gone, like snow in the sun. Once again he felt completely alone.
Analysis:
Did Mr. Trip change back to his original appearance overnight? Only this time it was no longer "Higgins - shut up", but also a stern tone of "Higgins - are you lazy?" The teacher still had a stern expression, and his nose was crooked with anger. , the teacher returned to his previous severe state.
Danny was still submissive and did not dare to speak loudly. This made Danny fall into sadness again. Was yesterday just a flash in the pan?
But an opportunity came, "You will be punished with a stay in class, and I will come to you during the break." Look at how embarrassing it is for them to face each other this time!
Poor Danny, not only does he not have the company of his parents, he doesn't even have friends of the same age. The other students all interact with each other, except for Danny, who has no companion and the teacher shows his true colors.
Screen 15
Original text:
When it was time for recess, just like it had happened a hundred times before, Danny was sitting in the detention room. At one end, Mr. Trip sat at the other end. Then, as usual, Mr. Trip strolled over five minutes later to check if Danny was actually doing his homework or just scribbling on paper. Danny knew he was going to be in trouble because he was literally doodling and not doing his homework.
Analysis:
Danny should never forget yesterday’s heavy snow!
It’s back to normal again. There is no communication between the two ends of the classroom, and they are still checking their homework. Normally this would be unlucky, I didn't do my homework.
The upper body of the teacher cannot be seen, giving readers an opportunity to speculate about the teacher.
Was Danny scared when he saw the teacher’s footsteps?
Two close-up shots, without any interference, let them face it alone.
Screen 16
Original text:
I saw Mr. Cuip reaching into his pocket to take out the detention record book. When I took it out, I discovered that it was not a detention record book at all.
It was a piece of paper, and Mr. Trip unfolded it, and then unfolded it again - to show Danny his design. It was the most amazing thing Danny had ever seen. Mr. Trip wants a lot of advice because they are snow buddies... and when the time comes, they have something important to do...
Analysis:
It is very dramatic, using three consecutive shots, evolving from a detention record book to a piece of paper.
Finally, they sat side by side again, no longer separated by the barriers and restrictions between teachers and students, and talked about the design together, about the flaws in the design that day. The teacher respected Danny very much. Each person held one side of the drawing and discussed it on an equal footing.
Mr. Trip also did not forget yesterday's heavy snowfall. However, due to identity restrictions or shyness, he adopted this habitual detention method to create an opportunity to share secrets with Danny. They had I gave him a cool name - Snow Sky Buddy.
What a design this is! It contained suggestions that he had thought of.
Very attentive teacher, perfect action. He leads their actions as they wait for a better time to come.
Screen 17
Original text:
So, no more, no less, just one year and one day after the beginning of this story, in December On the 5th, it snowed again. It rained all night. It rained heavily. Nothing to say, this is the second snowy day. Certainly no one goes to school. Well...
Analysis:
On the same day a year later, there was another heavy snowfall, creating the same opportunity for them, which they had been waiting for for a long time. timing.
The difference is that there are more cats? Or that lonely cat? The way they move forward persistently in the snow hints at Danny's arrival.
The little bird is still standing on the eaves, is it also looking forward to this day?
Screen 18
Original text: ...It’s not like there’s no one at all.
Analysis:
They completed their dreams according to the drawings designed by the teacher. Pencils are inserted into each castle, and kittens, birds and others are shuttled among them. They all raised their hands for joy in celebration of this great and proud work.
A connected castle, very beautiful. That design drawing allows everyone to see the testimony of their friendship. The castle represents their home, connected to each other, so that they are no longer separated, but closely connected.
Danny was sitting on a book, gliding and flying from the heights of the castle, moving his limbs, feeling completely relieved in his heart.
The number of kittens has increased, implying that they are no longer lonely and have the company of friends and family.
Screen 19
Analysis:
Finally, there is their snowman statue, and the bird still lands on Danny's head.
The story of two people who have never crossed paths and become friends has a very clear and vivid picture.
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