Inch By Inch

Lionni, L. (1988). Inch By Inch. N.p.: Random House Inc.

Inch by Inch is written by Leo Lionni. Leo Lionni will be the basis for my mentor work. Inch by Inch is a young children's book about an inchworm that is threatened to be eaten by a robin, but convinces the Robin that he has an amazing ability to measure things. The robin decides that the inchworm is acceptable when he measures his tail. The little inch worm proceeds to measure many different types of birds, all the way until the end of the book when the last bird wants him to measure his singing. When the inchworm is threatened to be eaten if he doesn't measure the bird's singing he then measures his singing by inching away.

This book is well written and great for younger children. The story is one that little children find humorous as the little inch is seen to be witty and cute inching away from the strong bird. It teaches children to find solutions to threatening problems. The book also teaches children that there are more than one way to do something. Learning to think on your feet is an important emphasis in the book.

The illustrations are appealing to the eye. The illustrations are clearly cut outs on a piece of white paper. They really make the pictures seem almost 3-D and lifelike. The pictures of the animals represent a true idea of what each of those animals look like in real life. The food chain is also resembled as a part of an idea in this book as the birds want to eat the inch worm.

Discussions could be brought up about the food chain. For example, is it really possible that a worm could convince a bird of something? Why or why not? Where did the inchworm get its name? What other foods do Robin's eat besides inch worms? You could also discuss issues such as critical thinking problems and responding to threats, how to handle them and what is the best way to do it.

Literary Elements:
Tone: Bright, cheery, bewilderment, puzzling
Setting: In the grasses and trees of some place
Characters: Intelligent, witty, smart, endearing, fierce, demanding

Lexile: 210L

Age Level: 4-7

Mini Lesson: Food chain and Bullying