Jabberwocky Perfect Picture Book Friday

A bold, vibrant, and lively presentation of the beloved poem by Lewis Carroll.

text copyright Lewis Carroll, illustrations copyright Christopher Myers, 2007, Hyperion Books for Children

"Jabberwocky," Lewis Carroll's classic nonsense poem gets reimagined in this vividly exciting, fast-paced picture book. With bold illustrations, Myers brings the babble to life in the form of a thrilling basketball match. Readers will love following along, with every turn of the page, as the tension builds and the dynamic illustrations complement the mesmerizing words. 

What makes this book even more compelling is the fascinating illustrator's note in the back of the book. Incredibly, Christopher Myers' extensive research uncovered a possible link between Lewis Carroll's gibberish and an ancient game played by the Aztecs and other cultures, similar to basketball, that could have influenced the author's vision for the poem. The thought and research behind Myers' illustrations brings another layer of possibility to a poem that has inspired imaginations for generations.

Title:  JABBERWOCKY

Author:  Lewis Carroll

Illustrator:  Christopher Myers

Publisher:  Hyperion Books for Children, 2007

Ages:  5-9

Themes:  Poetry, Sports, Basketball, Courage

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Write a poem! It can be nonsensical, like "Jabberwocky," or not. It's up to you! You can even draw a picture to illustrate it, when you're finished. 
• Pair with Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass:  And What Alice Found There.
• Grab a ball, find a court, and go outside and play a game of basketball, or practice shooting hoops.
• Conversation starters:  "What was your favorite part of this book? Why?" "Of all the nonsense words in this poem, which one was your favorite? Why?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!