Multicultural Literature Activity

By Sandal Miller

SLIS 5960

May 20, 2003

Elementary Selection:

The paper crane

by Molly Bang. New York: Mulberry, 1985.

v Notable / Best Books (American Library association)

v Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Illustration

v A Reading Rainbow Feature Selection

An impoverished, mysterious man visits a struggling restaruant that has had no business for a long time. The stranger has no money, yet the owner provides him a wonderful meal. The man gives the owner a magic crane, made from a paper napkin, that brings the restaurant good fortune. Beautiful 3-dimensional illustrations bring the pages to life

Author Molly was born in Princeton, New Jersey in 1943. She has lived in other countries, including Japan, and is interested in folklore and fable from many cultures. She has received many awards in her career, including the Caldecott Honor Book award for The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher. Se is both an author and illustrator, who uses several artistic techniques, to produce beautiful children’s books.

Pre-reading Activity:

Internet Activity –

Discuss the Japanese art form of origami.

Students visit the following web site: http://www.paperfolding.com/

Students research the web site to answer the following questions:

1. What does the Japanese word “origami” mean in English?

2. Name one simple model suitable for a beginner.

3. Find one interesting fact to share with the class.

After-reading Activity:

Discussion –

Discuss the actions of the restaurant owner upon meeting the stranger.

Ask what other actions the owner might have taken instead, and the possible outcomes.

Explore why the students think the mysterious stranger left the magical crane with the owner.

Why did the stranger come back?

What does the picture seem to say at the end of the book (the boy is playing a flute)?

Creation –

Origami Art Project:

Prepare one of the simple models described on the web site, called the Kabuto.

Display the folding instructions on the overhead.

Pass out paper squares to students, and assist with the art project.