Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest

Written and Illustrated by: John Lechner

Recommended for: Children Ages 9-12

Genre: Fiction, Science, Graphic Novel, Informational Text

Summary:

     In this graphic novel we follow the story of Sticy Burr as he struggles to be accepted by the other Burrs. This is a wonderful story about a young burr who enjoys music and art and is teased by his peers, lead by Scurvy Burr, because he doesn't spend his days on adventures that stem from being stuck to things. As a child reads this book they learn that Sticky Burr really does not enjoy being stuck to things, and the trouble that it gets him into. He emurges as an unlikely hero at the end of the book and gains the respect of all the burrs as well as the lightning bugs.

    Throughout the story, Lecher gives readers lessons about the animals and objects that make up the characters in his book. These introductions provide factual information that not only enhance the readers knowledge about its content but also about animals and objects that they will at some point of their lives likely have contact with. The vocabulary used by Lecher throughout the book is challenging and the comic book design of the book can be hard to follow. I would suggest this book to who like to be challenges and who are able to use context clues and additional sources to help with vocabulary that they are unfamiliar with.

     Children will enjoy reading this story because it is a mixture of both factual information as well as fantasy. I believe that it will appeal most to young boys through its comic book layout. Many children will identify with its theme of an outcast who saves the day. The main characters ability to overcome his fears and to help his friends provides them with the predictable and positive outcome that they expect in their stories. This book will hold their interest, and even though they may predict that Sticky Burr will save the day, they will be surprised at the twists and turns that Sticky Burr encounters throughout his days journey.
Suggestions for the Classroom:
     This book would be wonderful to use, with a collection of other graphic novels and comic books, to introduce to children the skills that they will need in order to be successful in reading books of this format. Several copies of this book, along with other lower-level comics, could be used for children to work with independently after a mini-lesson on how to read graphic novels.

*Pre-Reading Activities:Model reading cartoons or comic strips with students. Discuss how to decide the order in which to read talking bubbles when there are more than one in a square. Explain to students what a Graphic Novel is. Ask students, what do you think is appealing to people about Graphic Novels? (With any luck you will have a nice convesation about how they are like picture books but more challenging) Model with students by sharing some of the comic strips from the Sunday newspaper.

*During Reading: As students are reading, ask them to keep a journal entry noting what they find challenging about graphic novels and what they find interesting about graphic novels ( a two-column chart). They can also jot down any questions that they have as they read.

*Post-Reading Activities:Think-Pair-Share: Have each student pair with another partner (not necessarily having had to have read the same exact book) and discuss the notes that each made on their two-column chart. Ask them to decide whether they feel that Graphic Novels are (1) too difficult to read or if they are (2) interesting and fun. Give the students time to pick their top three reasons, from their charts and discussions, to suppport their case. Give each partnered group to make a case for their side of the debate as they share with the group.

     After each paired group has had an opportunity to present, have the students take a vote: Are Graphic Novels (1) too hard to follow or are (2) interesting and fun. If there is time, or on another day, give the students an opportunity to make their own graphic novel with their partner.

About the Author/Illustrator:

    John Lechner grew up with six brothers and sisters in a home where the Arts were stressed in their importance. He has always enjoyed music, drawing and writing. One of his many jobs is writing and illustrating his own books, which includes his Sticky Burr series. However, Lechner also works as an animator, musician, puppeteer and an interactive designer. He has even started his own interactive website where visitors can see his movies, view interactive storybooks, and play games that he has designed.

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