Tommy Can't Stop

Title: Tommy Can't Stop! 
Author: Tim Federle 
Illustrator: Mark Fearing 
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 
Publication Date: April 14th, 2015
Genre/Format: Realistic Fiction/Picture Book 
GoodReads Summary: Tommy bounces, and he leaps. Tommy clomps, and he bulldozes. Nothing tires Tommy out, and his family can't keep up! But then his sister has an idea: could tap class be just right for Tommy?

This exuberant picture book, written by Broadway dancer Tim Federle, with illustrations by Mark Fearing, stars one very energetic kid who finally finds his place in the spotlight. 
What I Think: I'm sure any reader will be able to think of someone they know who is just like Tommy! Tommy has a great family who try to help him with his non-stop-ness. I know movement is so important to kids so I think it's great that they do support him...even though it tires them out! I hope some adults read this and remember how much kids need to move.
     My favorite part of this book is that Tim Federle uses great words to make Tommy and his story come to life. He chooses great verbs that add rhythm throughout the story. He also uses metaphors to help readers imagine just how active Tommy is. Reading this book aloud is a great opportunity for visualizing how Tommy might be like all the things in the book and then acting out how Tommy is moving in the story but also coming up with their own metaphors for how students like to move and get some of their wiggles out. It might even be a great opportunity to discuss ways to move so kids can quiet their bodies for learning. *hint hint*
Read Together: Grades Pre-K - 3 
Read Alone: Grades Pre-K - 3 
Read With: Tessa's Tip-tapping Toes by Carolyn Crimi, Cat's Night Out by Caroline Stutson, Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett, My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown
Snatch of Text:  

"'I'm a pogo stick!'

he boasts when he bounces.

'I'm a bulldozer! he clamors when he kicks."

Writing Prompts: Write about a time when you had to wait for something and you had to work so hard to keep still. What did you do to help manage your wiggles? What are some ideas for things you might do that others might not notice?
Topics Covered: Energy, Enthusiasm, Passion, Perseverance 

I *heart* It: