We live under the same sky….
We feel the same love….
We play the same games…..
Under the same sky by Britta Teckentrup is a picture book for young readers that shows us the beautiful connection that we all have no matter where we live, what we look like, who we love, what we do or how we play.
Delicate illustrations add a soft and gentle touch to the words that quieten young minds and allow them to reflect on the different walks of life around the world.
We have read a few of Teckentrup’s books and this one is definitely another favourite.
Each page follows on from the next with a peek-a-boo type window so that similar ideas can carry on for two pages. Children will love looking through the window and perhaps guessing what will be said on the next page.
Under the same sky is a subtle way to talk to young readers about the world and the many people within. It is a way to teach children about discrimination in its many forms. It is a way to teach children acceptance of others and understanding that ultimately everyone who lives just wants to love, wants to play, wants to sing – just wants to enjoy life, be kind to others and seek out joy.
Britta Teckentrup is a beautiful writer and her illustrations add great points for discussion.
A great picture book read for younger children but also a great one to get older children thinking.
So what else can you do?
- Explore how children live around the world. How do children the same age as your children play? What do they sing? How do they learn?
- Look up at the sky and talk about what you can see. What can others see? As a group talk about how we all see different things in the world we live in.
- Create a book just like this one using the same sentence starter to bring across a message.
- Do you treat people like you would want them to be treated? Does your government treat people like they all live under the same sky and have the same hopes?
- Explore the rhyme used in the story and how it helps to portray the message of equality. Create your own rhyming sentences that have the same starter.
