Wednesday, May 15, 2013

"I can't" said the ant by Polly Cameron





Now that I'm just about finished with classes I'll have more time to devote myself to this blog!  That being said I present one of my Dad's favorite books to read when I was little.

 "I can't" Said the Ant is a rhyming story that takes place in the kitchen where a teapot has been dropped because it was too hot.  Everything in the kitchen reacts to the noise, from the cleaning supplies to the the bread, each one's reaction rhyming with their name.  

An ant happens to come across this scene and repeatedly tries to help put the teapot back on the counter, but finds he's not quite able to on his own.  Through encouragement by the inhabitants of the kitchen and with some help from the spiders and the other ants they are able to mend her broken spout and put her back in her rightful spot.
 This story is an enjoyable read, not just because of the variety of rhymes ""Form a battalion," said the scallion." but also because it teaches the important lesson of teamwork.  Yes the ant can't help Miss Teapot on his own, but he doesn't give up, he finds another way to assist her, with the help of others. 

I highly recommend this book, it is a simple story and the rhymes make it fun and enjoyable for all ages, and it never hurts to start teaching children about teamwork early!