Unwrapping
Parker Plum and the Rotten Egg Thoughts: A Story about Learning to Look on the Bright Side
Authored by Billie Pavicic
Illustrated by Susan Gaber
* Age Range: 5-8
* Grade Level: PS-3
* Paperback: 31 pages
* Publisher: Boys Town Press: Illustrated edition
* Pub. Date: February 1, 2019
* Language: English
Unwrapping some wonderful illustrations for you to enjoy
Unwrapping the story
Parker Plum finds a very curious objective on his pillow in the morning when he awakens. He turns over and finds a little green egg resting along side of him. He has no idea where it has come from but scoops it up, places it in his pocket and is off to start his day.
He has many mishaps and misfortunes as the day begins such as: having to eat a terrible substitute breakfast because his mom is fresh out of his favourite waffles, missing his school bus ride because of him sulking so long over having to eat cold and lumpy oatmeal, and setting his mind in the mood that it is going to be a terrible, awful, no good day.
Parker remembers the little egg that is harboured in his pocket as his mom drives him to school. When he fishes it out and takes a good look at it he notices that it has grown substantially larger. Mmmmm... that's weird.
Once at school his day doesn't improve. Parker dwells negatively on all the things that he perceives is going wrong. It appears the more he spews this negatively into his mind and heart, and laments about the injustices he's experiencing, the more his egg swells up. It keeps ballooning in size until it is humungous and gives off a rotten, putrid odour. Whatever is he to do to irradiate this nightmare?
It's Mrs. Butterbott, the elderly lunch lady, who knows exactly how to defuse this rotten egg bomb. She confronts Parker with the fact that it can only be destroyed if Parker is willing to put aside his negative thoughts and feelings and replace them with positive, uplifting ones. It is his choice. Will he let go of all his pessimism and allow his mind to dwell on affirmative and optimistic things?
The illustrations are beautifully executed and visually bring the tale alive. The book is a great catalyst for discussions of self-awareness and self-control. It is a wonderful life lesson for kids to learn early on in life. Being positively charged instead of negatively charged can truly change your whole outlook towards life and make a difference in the lives of others around you. I definitely would recommend this book for parents, caregivers and educators to share with kids.
Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS!!!!!
Meet the author
I worked as an elementary school counselor for eight years before staying home with my children. I’ve always enjoyed writing, art, and being creative. I love spooky stories and anything strange and unusual.
What was your inspiration for writing Parker Plum and the Rotten Egg Thoughts?
As a child, I loved books that took me to a different world or were filled with unexpected surprises. I wanted to write a story that taught life lessons but captured the whimsy and wonderment in everyday life.
What can you tell us about Parker and his rotten egg thoughts?
Parker Plum is a fairly typical fourth grade boy with a big imagination and a healthy dose of curiosity. This combination allows him to believe in and appreciate all things peculiar. Parker’s rotten egg thoughts stem from everyday disappointments such as not getting his way, being late to school, and encountering an unexpected change in his routine. Parker’s challenge is to manage those disappointments in a way that doesn’t allow his rotten egg thoughts to take over.
About the illustrator
Susan Gaber has worked as a freelance illustrator at Newsday for 10 years.
She also did spot illustrations for magazines and illustration work for various publishers including Atheneum Books for Young Readers, August House, Dial Books, Doubleday, Dover Publications, Dutton, Candlewick Press, Child magazine, Ellen Anderson Designs, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Gulliver Books, HarcourtBrace, HarperCollins, Henry Holt and Company, House Beautiful, Home Magazine, Alfred A. Knopf, The New York Times, Pantheon Books, and many more.
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