Mustache Baby

Mustache Baby was written by Bridget Heos and illustrated by Joy Ang. These two individuals did an awesome job relaying the story of a baby who is born with a mustache. This story is a truly humorous read, that will leave children wondering: Will Billy's mustache make him behave good or bad!?

This imaginative picturebook was paired with Joy Ang's outline style illustrations. The pictures throughout the book enhance the story line and truly depict Billy's behavior. Readers can clearly see how Billy's mustache takes him from being a man of the law to a bad guy train robber once his mustache transforms.

What makes this story so humorous and easy to read  is its well defined conflict that is paired with illustrations that enhance the characterization. The plot is well organized and it develops, thickens, and progresses to the point you are left asking: "Is Billy really a bad guy now that his mustache has changed?" It is clear to see that children would become engaged in this book to see if Billy can overcome his bad mustache behavior.

 

Teachers should read this story to students between preschool and 3rd grade. Children will enjoy the cartoon styled illustrations throughout the book as well as the important message there is waiting to be revealed. While reading this story, teachers should ask questions such as: What do you think will happen next? What happened to Billy's mustache? Do you think Billy's mustache is changing his behavior? Is Billy responsible for his own actions? Why or why not? What is the moral of this story? What did the story mean to you?

 

Class activities:

 

1. Make mustaches out of construction paper, glue, and craft sticks.
2. Have the classroom participate in "Put Your Reading 'Staches on which involves having children read 25 books over a period of time, and encouraging them to journal about the books they have read. Each time they complete a book and a journal response, they stick a mustache to their bingo card.
3. Play Musical Mustaches (just like musical chairs).

 

Here is a short book review of Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos that encourages children to check the book out at the library:

I think this book is such a humorous and fun read for not only the home, but the classroom as well! Children will love Mustache Baby as well as these other books written by Bridget Heos such as:

• What to Expect When You're Expecting Hatchlings: A Guide for Crocodilian Parents (And Curious Kids)
• Let's Meet a Teacher (Community Helpers)
• Do You Really Want to Visit Jupiter?
• Do You Really Want a Horse? (Do You Really Want a Pet?)

"Not all those who wander are lost."

~J.R.R. Tolkien

 

References:

Heos, Bridget. Mustache Baby. New York: Clarion Books, 2013. Print.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DQBc9phHVw