by Dr. Seuss
read aloud kindergarten, readability grade 2
Gertrude McFuzz is not happy with her appearance. She wishes she has two feathers like Lolla-Lee-Lou instead of just one. So, she goes to uncle Dr. Dake who tells her about a pill-berry vine that gives birds more feathers. This pill-berry vine causes more trouble than its worth, though, when Gertrude McFuzz ends up in a very odd predicament. Dr. Seuss has done it again; he’s wrapped the important message of being happy with who you are around a hilarious story.
- Before reading aloud this story ask children if there was a pill-berry bush that could change anything about their bodies, what would they change?
- Draw a picture of how they would like to look like after eating these berries.
- After reading the story, ask if anyone’s opinions about themselves have changed. Have a discussion about positive self image.