Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2009), 32 pages
Description
A scarecrow happily dances away from his post one windy night, until a child's prayer teaches him how important he is to the farm.
Media reviews
The reader may have mixed feelings about the message.
User reviews
LibraryThing member brendanFK
Absolutely stunning art and design accompanies this touching story. A rhyming text tells the of a scarecrow who joyfully dances away from his pole and field of corn, but he comes upon the farmer's child praying for blessings upon their scarecrow who guards the corn, and gains a greater appreciation
The text has a great rhythm and is very lively and engaging, but it is the art that carries this story. The colors of a darkening world and the glowing lights of a farmhouse, are full of wonder and mystery. The angles and depth of the field (no pun intended) are full of drama and carry an epic and serious tone. The art seems a bit out of place with the text at first but unifies the talk of duty and god at the end with the jovial and whimsical dancing scarecrow of the beginning.
It would have made a more universal book without the reference to "God" and just to prayer, and I am left unclear about what the model is of the relationship of creative expression (dance) with responibility/work. *--spoiler alert start --> Are we not supposed to go dancing and remain always vigil in the field? I really hope that the scarecrow takes the occasional nighttime dace in the future, because otherwise it sets up a world where the scarecrow is chained to his duty and has no venue for creative expression or play. I think that the idea of responsibility and its relationship to play is one that kids can really relate to, but I do not like the idea that the two things are incompatible, and I don't think that is helpful for kids. I also don't like the idea that God need be involved for us to realize our responsibility to others.
Show More
of his duty. The text has a great rhythm and is very lively and engaging, but it is the art that carries this story. The colors of a darkening world and the glowing lights of a farmhouse, are full of wonder and mystery. The angles and depth of the field (no pun intended) are full of drama and carry an epic and serious tone. The art seems a bit out of place with the text at first but unifies the talk of duty and god at the end with the jovial and whimsical dancing scarecrow of the beginning.
It would have made a more universal book without the reference to "God" and just to prayer, and I am left unclear about what the model is of the relationship of creative expression (dance) with responibility/work. *--spoiler alert start --> Are we not supposed to go dancing and remain always vigil in the field? I really hope that the scarecrow takes the occasional nighttime dace in the future, because otherwise it sets up a world where the scarecrow is chained to his duty and has no venue for creative expression or play. I think that the idea of responsibility and its relationship to play is one that kids can really relate to, but I do not like the idea that the two things are incompatible, and I don't think that is helpful for kids. I also don't like the idea that God need be involved for us to realize our responsibility to others.
Show Less
LibraryThing member alv003
One night this scarecrow comes to life! He comes off his post and dances across the farm, moving gracefully with the wind until he sees the little boys window glowing. The scarecrow stops to see the boy praying for his family and for the scarecrow to keep the crops safe. The scarecrow goes back to
Show More
his post, says his own scarecrow prayer and hops back on the stick to keep the crops safe. Show Less
LibraryThing member lalenaz
This book is about a scarecrow's job of protecting the fields. It also contains a child's prayer for protection of their farm belongings which made the scarecrow to understand the importance of its job.
Like everyone else the scarecrow got tired of what it does. This story shows that everyone in
Like everyone else the scarecrow got tired of what it does. This story shows that everyone in
Show More
the world has a job and that job is actually very important to some people, even if one don't realize how important it could be. It has a message for the children to be appreciative for what they have and strive for improving it. Show Less
LibraryThing member shelf-employed
In the dark of night, a scarecrow is released from his bonds by the autumn wind. Liberated, he dances through the night until he comes upon a boy, softly praying in the yellow light of his room - praying for a bountiful corn harvest. Both grave and uplifting, this is a beautifully illustrated,
Show More
rhyming story that speaks to our sense of freedom, of faith, and of duty. A unique book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jadoret
Summary: This story is about a scarecrow that is set free. During this freedom this scarecrow, by the winds guidence, dances across acres of corn field. Later he comes across a window where he hears a little boy praying. In this prayer the boy has a special request for the scarecrow. Now the
Personal Thoughts: I like how the author indirectly brought life to the scarecrow and gave it the mind of a child. I think this book can bring much comfort to struggling children. It also has value.
Classroom Extensions:
1. each individual person has a purpose
2. Being thankful for what we have
Show More
scarecrow realizes his purpose and happly returns to his place.Personal Thoughts: I like how the author indirectly brought life to the scarecrow and gave it the mind of a child. I think this book can bring much comfort to struggling children. It also has value.
Classroom Extensions:
1. each individual person has a purpose
2. Being thankful for what we have
Show Less
LibraryThing member DiamondDog
Quietly forceful poem depicting the strength and responsibility of a simple scarecrow. Illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline capture the magical quality and sweep you away with the Scarecrow's dance.
LibraryThing member matthewbloome
A nice piece of poetry here. Of course, it came out at the same time as a couple of other similar books and I think it didn't get a lot of attention because of that. The illustrations are so amazing though. The poetry is simple, yet compelling and narrative. Very nice book.
LibraryThing member BeckieZimmerman
I thought this was a beautiful poetry book! With its beautiful pictures and touching story line, I think this would be a great read for any young reader. This is a modern fantasy, poetry, and picture book for readers 1st through the 3rd grade. I thought the illustrations were amazing, they almost
Show More
felt like a movie, and the poetry was descriptive and engaging. I especially liked this book because I imagine it would be a great read aloud to younger readers, but the symbolism throughout the story could easily be used in a third grade classroom, where students could analyze the meanings a little deeper. This story had a great central message as well, about everyone having a place in the world, and finding your purpose. I’m a sucker for great symbolism! Show Less
LibraryThing member kelleyhar
The pictures are so clear they look like photographs! I really enjoyed the artwork in this book.
LibraryThing member mirikayla
The text is lovely in this book, but the illustrations are the most wonderful part. Watercolor and something else, I think, with the night sky and corn fields in dark blues and browns and soft oranges.
LibraryThing member lissabeth21
Very beautiful and lyrical, the scarecrow has a wonderful break dancing with the wind around the farm, but he is satisfied to know where he belongs and that his work is appreciated.
LibraryThing member Patty6508
Beautiful art work. The poem flows with rhythm. Definitely be better as a read aloud.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009
Physical description
32 p.; 9 inches
ISBN
1416937706 / 9781416937708
Local notes
A fickle scarecrow, who decides to leave his station and dance away the fall night. Humbled by seeing a boy saying his prayers, the scarecrow returns to the field and watches over the corn as only he can.
Ex-library.
Ex-library.