This Book Is Gray
Author: Lindsay Ward
Illustrator: Lindsay Ward
Two Lions
1 December 2019
40 pages
Book description from Goodreads: “Gray just wants to be included. But the other colors are always leaving him out. So he decides to create his own project: an all-gray book. Once upon a time, there lived a wolf, a kitten, and a hippo…
Gray just knows it’s going to be perfect. But as he adds page after page, the Primary and Secondary colors show up…and they aren’t quite so complimentary.
A book within a book, this colorful tale explores the ideas of fitting in, appreciating others, and looking at things from another perspective and also uses personality and wit to introduce basic color concepts.”
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Educational Activities inspired by Lindsay Ward’s This Book Is Gray:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you think this book will be about?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What does the word “gray” make you think of?
- What type of creature is on the front cover?
- Why do the creatures on the back cover appear to be so happy?
- If you could ask the author any question before you read the book, what would it be?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What were the most important events in the story?
- How did you react when the colors arrived and wanted to take over Gray’s story?
- Which of the verbal puns (like “sometimes we can be a little off-color” etc.) did you most enjoy?
- If the story had a sequel, what do you think it would be about?
- Writing–Gray is an underdog character who rarely–if ever–gets to tell his own story his own way. What characters from other books would like the same chance to tell their stories? Select one and write that story. If you feel like drawing pictures to go with the story you’re writing, get some crayons or colored pencils and draw away! What type of story will your character tell? What challenges will they face, and how will they overcome them? Consider sharing the finished story with a friend or adult.
- Interview–Sometimes the best way to get to know someone is interviewing them. If you interviewed Gray with the following questions, how might Gray respond? Consider inviting an adult or friend to either ask questions (or answer them) as they imagine Gray might. Feel free to add more questions of your own!
- What are your hobbies?
- What makes you laugh?
- What scares you?
- What is your earliest memory?
- What secret do you have?
- What is your dream job?
- Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following color-themed crafts:
- Color Caterpillars Paper Craft–A simple cut and paste craft.
- Color CD Spinners–This one requires an adult’s help because it uses a glue gun.
- Paper Strip Music Note–Colorful and fun. Requires downloading some files, printing, and cutting.
- Rainbow Sponge Painting–Can get a bit messy, but kids love this one.
- Red Firefighter Hat–Easy to make!
- Further Reading–This Book Is Gray is about a number of things, including the world of colors. Which of these other books about colors have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)
