For some mysterious reason, my daughter S is obsessed with the classic tale of The Gingerbread Man. We've read dozens of versions, and even own a few, which have all delighted her to no end. Which is why when I saw Gingerbread Baby on the library shelf, I knew that I had to check it out for her. Thus I came to be introduced to the delightful works of Jan Brett.
Plot. Little Matti opens the oven door several minutes too early, and lo and behold, a baby gingerbread man pops out of the oven. You'll never guess at the surprise twist ending!
Author. Jan Brett is the queen of details- her gorgeous, water colored, hand-drawn illustrations are all framed by even further little drawings. The gleam of copper pans, fur of the cat, and grain of the wood floors are all captured in remarkable detail. A feast for the eyes.
Thematic Elements. As in other takes on the tale, the Gingerbread Baby is a bit too self-assured for his own good. He teases and teases the townsfolk, but it isn't so funny when they've almost caught up with him. Fortunately he doesn't end up to worse for the wear, but talk with your child about the importance of wisdom and humility {if he had just run away quickly and quietly, he wouldn't of had such a scare at the end!}.
Educational Opportunities. Perfect opportunity for a baking lesson- discuss ingredients, and the importance of following directions when it comes to amounts and baking time. Then get in a little bit of field practice and make your own gingerbread men!
Activities.
- Print and color these pictures directly from the Author's website {I love it when writers do this!}.
- Enjoy this free Gingerbread Baby preschool printables pack.
- Make gingerbread play dough for your kids!
- Growing Book by Book shares three fun activities inspired by Gingerbread Baby.
- Make a house for Gingerbread Baby out of graham crackers, frosting, and candy.
Other Resources. Enjoy this read-aloud version. I loved watching Jan Brett herself talking about the story, and showing how to draw the Gingerbread Baby. So neat!
Be sure to also check out... Just look up Jan Brett on the shelves of your library's children's section. They probably have a stack! I haven't read them all, but we have liked The Umbrella, The Mitten, Town Mouse Country Mouse, Mossy, Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella, and Comet's Nine Lives.
Looking for more great books to read with your preschooler? Check out the rest of this 31 Days series here!
Some of the links above are affiliate links- which means that if you make a purchase through them, I receive a small profit at no extra charge to you. But you should know that I am an avid believer in reading for free through both local and church libraries ;). Thanks for supporting The Purposeful Wife!
Some of the links above are affiliate links- which means that if you make a purchase through them, I receive a small profit at no extra charge to you. But you should know that I am an avid believer in reading for free through both local and church libraries ;). Thanks for supporting The Purposeful Wife!
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