The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot

     The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot written and illustrated by Scott Magoon is and entertaining book with a twist for young children to read. The illustrations support the text of the story. The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot is a fantasy picture book that will pull its readers in and make them want to read more. The story is about a young boy named Ben. Ben love to tell wild stories and to play tricks by using props to make it seem like a Bigfoot was nearby. Ben was so good at telling stories that nearby people believed him and came running. Some men and women along with their children would gather and wait for Bigfoot to appear. After some time they got tired of running at the sound of the boys screams to witness the sight of Bigfoot. One day Bigfoot happened to come across the Ben, he was shocked to see such a creature. While he was yelling “Bigfoot! Bigfoot! Bigfoot is stealing my bike! …and my dog” no one came running. No one believed Ben.

     I would definitely share this book with my future students.  The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot  is written in a practical manner and will encourage its readers to continue to read the story.  This book was written specifically for children four to eight years of age.  I agree with the age group for this book.  This book can be read to younger students and the older students can read alone or in pairs.  Students can be challenged with the book because there are large words that are introduced such as suspected, creature tenacious and determined.  The student will be able to use their phonological awareness to sound out the words.   After the reading the students and teacher could discuss the words they did not understand.

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot entertains but also provide a message to its readers.  The message is similar to The Boy who Cried Wolf  written by Aesop.  The lesson learned should be to never tell a lie because people will stop believing you.  This is a positive message that should be shared with children at a young age.

Page 211 of Literature and the Child states that fantasy may contain a "simple element such as a animal that act like humans or a complex as fully developed miniature worlds that reflect real life with a small twist".  Also by creating fantasy, "writers are able to explore complex issues with a depth that might be too disturbing when considered in the realistic settings".  This book is a great example of fantasy because we all know that Bigfoot does not exist. We also know that Bigfoot cannot ride a small child bike. The story was also humorous because Ben was actually scared when the creature really appeared. Bigfoot called Ben “Littlefoot”. I like how Bigfoot picked up the bike and asked to ride his bike. Then he asked the dog if he was coming along.

The illustrations in The Boy Who Cried Wolf  are very detailed and colorful.  Most of the drawing are simple lines with lots of detail.

With the combination of detail and color of different scenes, it seem to make the picture come alive.  The colors Magoon chose for the backgrounds also enhances the illustrations.  Another techniques he utilize is the words that help the character within the illustrations.

  

He uses the text to describe feelings, actions or conversation between the characters.

I personally like the book because it is humorous.  I also love the twist at the end of the story.  I like how Magoon married the text, storyline and illustrations together to create a great book.  This is a great example of a book that uses multiple techniques within the text and illustrations to produce an attractive and funny story.  Read the book to find out what happens at the end!

There are numerous motivational activities that can be done with the students.
1.  Have the students act out the characters in the story.  One person can be Ben, others could act as villagers and someone can pretend to be Bigfoot.  You can rotate parts if you have a large group of students.  Also students can make props to assist in the drama.

2.  For older students, have them write a summary of the story.  Then give examples of why it is dangerous to lie consistently.

My response questions:
1.  Who is Ben?
2.  What do Ben like to do?
3.  What did Bigfoot ask to borrow from Ben?
4.  Did you like the story?  Why or why not?


References:

Aesop, (2007) Aesop's Fables. Madison, WI, Forgotten Books.  

Galda, L., Cullinan, B.E., & Sipe, L.R. (2011).  Literature and the Child.  (7th ed., pp. 12, 24).  Belmont:  Wadsworth Pub Co.

Mogoon, Scott. (2013).  The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot.  New York, NY,  Simon and Schuster/ Paula Wiseman Books.