It Was So Quiet I Could Hear A Pin Drop
on Goodreads (33)
What’s inside...
The whimsical but simple illustrations of British designer Andy Goodman invite young readers to listen as well as read aloud, hearing and making engaging sounds along the way. From quiet kites fluttering to elephants stampeding, It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop is sure to engage a toddler many times over with its fanciful flight of adventure and crescendo of sounds.
Discussion points
What sounds do you think you would hear if it was very quiet? Can you describe them?
How do you feel when it's really quiet? What do you like to do during quiet times?
If you could hear a pin drop, what other small or quiet things do you think you could hear?
Why do you think the author chose a pin dropping to represent quietness? What other symbols could represent quiet?
How do you think the character in the book feels about the quietness? Can you relate to their feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about and express their own experiences with quietness and noise. Link questions to personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable. Use a calm and gentle tone to mirror the book’s theme of quietness, making the discussion a soothing experience. Invite your child to create their own quiet scene or story to deepen their understanding and engagement with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: The protagonist's journey in the quiet environment encourages children to pay close attention to the small sounds around them.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness and enhance their sensory skills by observing and identifying subtle noises in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: As the story progresses, the quietness leads the character to imagine various scenarios, showcasing the power of a child's imagination when stimulated by silence.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their creativity to fill silence with imaginative thoughts and scenarios, boosting their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Quiet Time
Explanation: The book highlights how quiet moments can be full of discovery and contemplation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of spending time in quietude for mental relaxation and self-reflection, helping them develop a healthy habit of seeking peaceful moments.