I just love cumulative tales. And I just love funny! So, I doubled loved this week’s selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday.
Don’t Slam the Door!
Written by Dori Chaconas
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
Candlewick 2010
Ages 3 – 7
Themes: Cause and Effect, Cumulative
Synopsis: (from Goodreads) A slamming door may not seem like a big deal, but in this escalating tale, it can have far-reaching (and very funny) consequences — including a limping, yelping Pa; a scared, bee-stung bear; and a whole house plunged into pandemonium!
Opening: Please don’t slam the door!
Don’t slam that old screen door!
A slamming door will wake the cat,
and heaven knows, we don’t want that,
so please don’t slam that door!
Resources: This is a great cause and effect book. HERE is an activity for identifying cause and effect in the story. And HERE is another activity on cause and effect. You can also use this story for sequencing. HERE is a suggested activity. (The book used in this sequencing activity is The Napping House, but any cumulative tale will work.)
Why I like This Book: This is a fast-moving, tons-of-fun story told in lively rhyme. The text and the illustrations compliment each other in a fantastic way. The illustrations are about a half a step ahead of the text so readers will be clued in to what happens next. The language is especially fun. Look how she describes the bear-“you silly, bee-stung, scaredy-bear.” Cute, huh? Over the last couple of years, I have read every cumulative tale I could get my hands on, and that has been a bunch. This is one of my all-time favorites! Don’t hesitate to check it out!
Oh! And while you’re checking things out, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s place and check out all the fantastic Perfect Picture Book Selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book -lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.
Penny Parker Klostermann 
This is the sort of text I wish I’d written!
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Love It! Very funny and I knew it was yours… Thanks for this, Penny!
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You know me well! I love the funny ones!
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Love such stories too, so much fun to read aloud.
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Yes! The read aloud factor is there in a BIG way!
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You have such a great feel for the fun in language, Penny. I try to read every book you recommend!
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This looks like such fun, Penny! And I love the activities! I can’t believe I haven’t read this one yet – got to get on that! Thanks for adding it to our list 🙂
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Yes! Get on that! I think you’ll really enjoy it. It’s a goodie!
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This sounds like a right-down, good and plenty o’ fun PB! I must check it out (from the library) 😀
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Plenty o’ fun is a great way to describe it! Do check it out!
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Oh boy, I think I say “don’t slam the door” about 5,000 times a day. This looks like a fun read. Thanks Penny!
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Ha! This should be perfect for you and your boys! Maybe it will make them think before slamming the door, but probably not 🙂
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Ooh, looks good! I also like cumulative tales.
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I imagine your students would find this book all kinds of fun!
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I never realized there was a “cumulative tale” genre of PBs. . .and enjoyable read!
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I’m not sure it’s a genre in itself, but I just Googled cumulative tales and got a whole list to check out at my library. I like writing them so I wanted to research.
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Like the theme of this book. I like the rhyme and book sounds very funny! Nice selection with great resources.
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Thanks! I think the activities will be a fun way for kids to study cause and effect.
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Sounds very Penny to me :0)
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It is very Penny! I’m not sure if my writing has a voice, but I think my choice in books has a voice!
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I think both :0) It’s easier for someone else to see too. I can’t wait to read a Penny book :0)
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I’ll look for this title Penny. Great resource ideas!
Love Hillenbrand too!
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Thanks, Cathy. Hope your library has it!
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This one looks soooo funny!! And I like Mr Hillenbrand’s artwork. I’ll be checking this one out!!!
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Yes…he is one talented illustrator! Glad I reviewed on that piques your interest.
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Thanks. Cumulative tales were my favorite as a kid, Will is great, and that rhyme is so fun to read aloud. It looks like you’ve picked a real winner!
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My debut book is a cumulative tale. I would love to write others. A good cumulative is hard to beat for read aloud purposes. This one is a winner in my opinion.
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I don’t know this book or author, but am a fan of Will Hillenbrand’s art. And I also love cumulative tales, rollicking rhymes and humor, so this is right down my alley. Thanks Penny!
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Go find it!!! It’s as rollicking as they come and very funny!
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Looks like a fun one Penny. (Plus, I’m sending this link to someone in my critique group as a comp title!)
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What is a comp title exactly? I’m thinking comparison for what’s already out there or for research?
It’s cute, Stacy. Your son will enjoy it, I believe.
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