Has Anyone Seen My Emily Greene?
What’s inside...
The perennial game of hide-and-seek between parent and child inspires a lilting text and charming illustrations. It’s time for lunch, but where, oh, where is Emily Greene? Her father searches for her everywhere, but without any luck. Look carefully, and don’t forget to check behind the curtains! In her first picture book, acclaimed author Norma Fox Mazer teams with renowned illustrator Christine Davenier to create a merry game of hide-and-seek. Readers will delight in searching for giggling Emily and in the warm relationship between this irrepressible little girl and her loving, good-humored father.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Emily Greene would do next after her adventure?
How do you think Emily felt when she was looking for something important? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why is it important to pay attention to the things around us?
What would you do if you were in Emily's place and couldn't find something you cared about?
How did the people around Emily help her, and why is it important to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more lively and engaging.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
Relate the story to your child's experiences, asking if they've ever lost something important and how they resolved the situation.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them.
Discuss the importance of attention and care for one's belongings and the role of community in helping each other.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of attentiveness
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters are actively looking for Emily Greene, which illustrates the need to be attentive to where others are, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying aware of their surroundings and the location of their family members when in public spaces or during family outings.
Example Lesson: Value of cooperation
Explanation: The search for Emily Greene involves collaborative efforts from various characters, highlighting the effectiveness of working together to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to cooperate with their peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Communicating clearly
Explanation: As characters interact in the story, the necessity of clear communication is evident to prevent misunderstandings and ensure Emily’s safe return.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in teaching children to express their needs, feelings, and information clearly and respectfully, whether at home, in school, or with friends.