Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny S. (2011). Same, Same but Different. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. Two picture pals exchange illustrations and brief blurbs, telling each other about their lives, homes, and environments in general. By asking insightful questions, they come to recognize aspects that are the same, yet different between them in their two worlds. In the end, they question whether they really are from two different worlds. Picture Book, JMM.
Thoughts: I loved this book. I found the pictures to be extraordinary, displaying the different worlds of each boy. I liked how the author begins the story showing where in the world they are located and then becomes more specific as the book goes on, showing their cities, homes, animals, methods of transportation as well as their languages and alphabets.My favorite part comes at the end of the book. On a two page layout, the illustration shows both boys sleeping in their rooms with the pictures and letters we saw on previous pages hanging up on their walls. It adds a spectacular touch and really pulls the book together at the end. I also think it shows the impact that someone’s writing, or drawing, can have on another person.Through their picture pal relationship, both boys share their lives with one another and begin to feel like they are from, and belong in, the same world. They are able to look past their apparent differences and see similarities between their two very unique worlds.
Classroom Applications: Since Kostecki-Shaw offers so many unique and wonderful examples of how the two main characters lead different lives, it gives students a perfect opportunity to learn more about another class in a different part of the world. Due to the fact that this book is geared more towards the younger elementary grades, a class can work together to generate their own questions to ask their buddy class. Coming up with questions as a group rather than individually may produce more informative results since these young brains can bounce thoughts or insightful questions off of each other. Buddy classes can stay in touch through pictures and brief descriptions, by writing letters, or by skyping if this resource is available. Good questions that can be pulled from this book and used as a starting point include: How many people live in your house? What is your alphabet? What is your favorite hobby/pastime? What kind of animals do you have? Where do you live? Is it a city or a town? How do you get places? How do you say this (pick a word) in your language? With these starting questions, children can then come up with their own questions to ask as they learn more about their buddy class.