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I bought this book last November at the South Ken Kids’ festival in London (more about the whole event here) where I met the fabulous author and illustrator Matthieu Maudet for the second time. Check out how he signed the book for me below!
Language of text: French
Type of text: picture book
Author or source: Michaël Escoffier & Matthieu Maudet
Intended age of students: Key Stage 1/2/3
Source reference: 9782211205184
Approaches:
First I want to look at the cover with the children and let them predict what the story might be about, what the title might mean. This in itself should be easy and fun already! Yes, it is about the day a little boy finds a mammoth in the fridge! The whole book can then be read through in French as it is nice and simple.
Rationale:
The story is simple enough, there aren’t many words, the illustrations are very clear, so it can be read through, all in French.
The children will love to join in with the French onomatopoeia in the story and the counting to 3.
I love the reference to the idiomatic phrase “Il n’y a pas le feu au lac” (meaning there is no rush) when the firemen say that they have to go because “il y a le feu au lac”!
Outcomes:
You could tell the children about the different numbers you need to dial for help in different countries (112, which can be used in the UK too).
As an extension, the children will absolutely love choosing their character and acting this story out in small groups.
They could send re-write the story and just change the character of the mammoth (I am guessing the unicorn at the end will be a popular one!); they could also change where it is, where it goes and hides, what it eats etc.
Topics or themes:
Stone Age; imaginary friends; a bit of fun
Grammar:
the imperative
How much time required:
1-2 lessons

There are more ideas on how to exploit this story here.
You can buy it here on Amazon.co.uk.
Do you like this book? You may also enjoy these by the same author or illustrator!