The BFG part 1

     Oh how I love this book it gives so many great lessons for kids. This book is sweet and engaging, not only for me, but could be for students. Form the title of the book you know that the big friendly giant was going to be friendly, but when he showed up to take Sophie, I thought maybe he was mean. That idea of figuring out what might happen in the book based off of the title is a good exercise for students.

    I liked the relationship between the BFG and Sophie, they talked about themselves and the conflicts they have encountered. It is a true best friend relationship, well at least after Sophie realized that the BFG was not going to eat her.

      One thing I noticed right away was the language that was used. On page 28 the author writes, “make the giant cross.” I know that the language is different because the book is based in England and the author is from there as well. I think the language or word choice needs to be explained to students. The teacher can also use this as a way to introduce geography and culture to the class. I also think that the way the giant talks needs to be addressed or even use it as a launching point to talk about people learning English and how it can be difficult. The BFG explains his language the best on page 53, he states, “Words, he said, is oh such a twitch-tickling problem to me all my life. So you must simply try to be patient and stop squibbling. As I am telling you before, I know exactly what words I am wanting to say, but somehow or other they is always getting squiff-squiddled around.”

     Another thing I loved, is the author’s use of words to draw up images. The author uses great imagery on page 33, “The sun was up now and shining fiery-hot over the great yellow wasteland with its blue rocks and dead trees.” Doesn’t that put just a great image in your mind. Also, a great way to show students that they can put this style and images into their writing.

     There is so much I love about this book. I love the funky words because they are funny and remind me of Dr.Seuss. I love that the BFG captures dreams and gives them to kids, and that the dreams the author describes are descriptive. I love the BFG’s big heart.   

      The BFG also has some great lessons that he teaches Sophie. One that I like is on pg. 48 where he says, “Just because we happen not to have actually seen something with our own two little winkles, we think it is not existing.” Such a great line and I think that you can use this sentence for a great lesson on imagination and write something great.