Mo Willems dedicates Because to the memory of Charles M. Schultz, who greatly inspired and influenced him. Schultz was his because—because Willems loved reading Shultz’s “Peanuts” comics and then drawing them himself, Willems began his journey to becoming a beloved children’s author. When you read aloud Because, plan to introduce students to who and what inspired those around them. Share your own Because moments with students and invite other special guests to do the same. Seek out and celebrate Because moments in your community from:
What does the word “because” mean?
The girl learned everything she could about music “because it fed her.” What does that mean?
What do you think happens to the person that was “changed” at the premiere of “The Cold?”
Is there something you love as much as the girl in Because loves music? Describe your passion.
Who or what inspired your interest in something that you love?
Watch: The Story of the Story of Because
Listen to The Cold
Six New Narrative Picture Books for Your Mentor Text Basket from Two Writing Teachers
A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
A Page in the Wind by José Sanabria
The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle by Jude Isabella
Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora
What Is Given from the Heart by Pat McKissack
More
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