Anna the Bookbinder

     

      Anna the Bookbinder is written by Andrea Cheng and illustrated by Ted Rand. Andrea Cheng has written many children’s picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels.  Ted Rand has illustrated many children’s books since the 60s.

      This book is about a girl whose father is a bookbinder. He binds books by hand and over the years has taught Anna how to. Whenever Anna’s baby brother is born she helps her father by finishing up an order so he doesn’t lose the customer. They learn as a family that slow and steady wins the race. The family has to face the struggle of diversity because they are not a wealthy family and they bind the books in a much slower way. The strength of the family makes them overcome their struggle because they work together to get the order completed.

      Anna the Bookbinder is a historical fiction. The story is based in the time of binding books by hand with needle and thread. It is a fictional story because it is made up although it seems as though it is true. The illustrations are realistic but reflect the time frame that the story takes place. The illustrator uses watercolor. He uses a great technique that shows the characters emotions. Just by looking at the illustrations, you can see the love that the family has for one another.

      The family does great work so they end up being respected by their customers. One of Saint Leo University’s core values is respect. Saint Leo University believes that “we value all individuals' unique talents, respect their dignity and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work.” Anna’s family definitely is respected for their talented work.

Discussion Questions:
·         What do you think the title means by bookbinder?
·         Does anyone you know ever some home smelling like their workplace?
·         Do you think you could have bound the books yourself like Anna did?

Activities:
·         For older grades, have students write their own book about something that is important to them. Build onto this activity by having them bind their book themselves just like in this book.
·         For younger grades, have students complete a beginning, middle, and end worksheet to check for comprehension.

Other books by this author:
·         The Year of Three Sisters
·         The Year of the Fortune Cookie
·         The Year of the Baby
·         Etched in Clay
·         Brushing Mom’s Hair
·         Where Do You Stay?

      Reference:

Cheng, A., & Rand, T. (2003). Anna the bookbinder. New York: Walker.