Green Eyes
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (373)
What’s inside...
Caldecott Honor winning illustrator, A. Birnbaum has captured the childlike wonder of each season in this 1953 picture book. Green Eyes, the curious kitten, ventures beyond his familiar big red box and greets spring, summer, fall, and winter-each with their unique colors, scents, and feelings. Children will delight in discovery with Green Eyes as he ventures out and cozies up to the familiar warmth of home upon his return. A Caldecott Honor Book, A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, and praised by The New Yorker, New York Herald Tribune, and The Chicago Tribune for its spectacular illustrations and appeal to young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
300 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Green Eyes
Discussion points
What do you think Green Eyes was feeling when he explored the farm for the first time?
Can you describe a time when you tried something new like Green Eyes? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think the seasons change, and how does it affect the animals and plants around us?
What are some ways we can help animals and take care of nature, just like the people took care of Green Eyes?
If you could ask Green Eyes one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, linking their personal experiences to those of Green Eyes.
Discuss the changing seasons depicted in the book, and relate them to the seasons outside. Perhaps, consider reading the book by a window or outside in a natural setting.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Green Eyes, pausing to ask what your child might feel in similar situations.
Post-reading, engage in an activity that mirrors themes from the book such as planting a flower or visiting a farm, to deepen the connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: In 'Green Eyes,' the young cat explores the changing seasons outside, showcasing the beauty and diversity of nature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings, fostering a lifelong respect and caring for the environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist, a small cat, is depicted exploring the world around him with eagerness and wonder, embodying the spirit of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to explore and question the world around them, enhancing their cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Growth and Change
Explanation: As the seasons change in the book, so does the kitten, eventually growing into a full-grown cat, symbolizing the natural process of growing up.
Real-World Application: This theme can help children understand and accept the changes they experience as they grow, promoting a healthy development of self.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Things
Explanation: The kitten finds joy in simple things like chasing butterflies or climbing trees, highlighting the happiness found in everyday activities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find happiness in the simplicity of life, reducing reliance on material possessions for joy.