I won a copy of today’s Perfect Picture Book as a prize in the recent #ReVISIONweek, with no expectation, or requirement to review the book. But once I read it, I knew that I wanted to add it to my TBR (to-be-reviewed) pile and share it with you. As kids have recently returned to classrooms after the winter break, I knew this was the perfect time to do so.
Title: The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom
Written By: Michal Babay
Illustrated By: Paula Cohen
Publisher/Date: Charlesbridge/2022
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes/Topics: school, perception, Yiddish folktale, reverse psychology
Opening:
Parley Elementary had the noisiest, most cluttered lunchroom in town. It was quite possibly the noisiest, most cluttered lunchroom in the entire world.
Brief Synopsis: When the students at Parley Elementary complain to their principal about the cluttered and noisy lunchroom, the principal uses reverse psychology to solve the problem.
Links to Resources:
- Download the coloring page and add in what you think belongs in the lunchroom;
- Discover 15 activities to help kids develop a positive attitude;
- Read more picture books that help kids develop perspective.
Why I Like this Book:
In The Incredible Shrinking Classroom, Babay presents a situation that is all too familiar to caregivers and educators: kids complaining that their space, or something else they are dealing with, is not adequate.
In this case, the lunchroom was too small, overcrowded, and noisy. I love how the students took action by writing letters to the principal to ask for help. What a great way to model student activism! And I especially love how the principal didn’t do the obvious thing and send in a cleaning crew or assign more lunch attendants. Instead, Ms. Mensch (whose name refers to a “kind and conscientious person” in Yiddish, per the Author’s Note) heaped more chaos into the already-chaotic lunchroom.
By now, you can probably guess the ending, but I won’t spoil it by giving it away. But I know kids will laugh aloud as scenes of the lunchroom become more and more crazy. Of course, the illustrations become more and more outrageous, too, adding to the fun.
A Note about Craft:
The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom is a retelling of a Yiddish folktale set in a school. What a kid-friendly way to share this timeless Jewish wisdom.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 