Sylvie by Jennifer Sattler

Reviewed by Lori
Sylvie
Title: Sylvie

Author and Illustrator: Jennifer Sattler

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 35813

Description: When Sylvie the pink flamingo learns her colour comes from the little pink shrimp she eats, she decides to expand her choices, trying everything under the sun and, unfortunately, overdoing it.









Curriculum Links: 

  • Art: Colours
  • Character Ed: Integrity
  • Reading: Questioning
  • Science: Animals
  • Social Studies: Developing a Sense of Self

Notes:

Design: This book is slightly longer and thinner than an average picture book.  It's tall like Sylvie!  A cute little flamingo.  The cover and title don't give much away as to the content of the book but the illustrations are delightful and simple. The front papers are swirly pink with a blue imprint page while the book ends with a solid pink page followed by swirly blue end papers.  These swirly backgrounds are repeated throughout the book as Sylvie tries on different colours.

Content and Illustrations: Sylvie is an endearing little flamingo who wonders "Why are we pink?" When she learns they are pink because of the little pink shrimp they eat, Sylvie decides to try out a wide array of colours (brown chocolate and purple grapes) and patterns (floral hat and paisley bathing suit).  Sylvie's expressions and poses in the pictures lend movement to the illustrations and the story flows quite beautifully.  But after having a little too much to eat, Sylvie decides perhaps pink is the best colour for her after all -- with a little twist!  

Recommended Audience: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Inquiries and Activities: 
  • Create an art piece with a swirly background like in the book.  Use two to three complimentary colours and using your fingers or paint brush create your background.  Colour a picture on a separate page or cut a picture out of a magazine and glue it on to your swirly background once it has dried.  Display your artwork.  
  • What does Sylvie learn about herself?  Would you like to try on different colours the way that Sylvie does?  
  • Do a little research on Flamingos.  Are they really pink because of what they eat?  What else can you learn about Flamingos
  • What is your favourite food or colour and why?
  • What foods should you eat to keep healthy?  

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