The book uses numerous fonts, and the manner in which the text is displayed on the page (in the round, swirly, and more) can also lead to rich discussion. Ask why these techniques would be used to help us understand what is happening in the story.

The author may have had multiple purposes. Here are suggestions for getting your students to think more deeply about why the author wrote this text.

After discussing the title and cover illustration, have students predict the author’s purpose. Ask, “Do you think this selection is going to teach, entertain, or persuade?”

During reading, pause to check their predictions with this question: “How is the text confirming or changing my thinking?”

After reading, ask, “Why do you think the author wrote this book? What evidence can you point to?”

P. 6—Pearl is spinning in the illustration, and the words used are twirled, swirly, and whirly.

P. 11—Three small illustrations help students decide on the words used.