Analyzing Children Stories

1. Who is the main character? Is the character human or non-human? Describe the main character.

Fruit Salad - The main character in this story is an apple with a face and limbs who doesn't know what he wants to with his life.

McFeeglebee's Pond - The main character in this story is a young boy named  Georgie P. Johnson who really likes to fish.

Who Did Patrick's Homework - The main character in this story is boy named Patrick who never does homework.

2. Is there any dialogue? If so, what is the dialogue about? Does it help explain the problems, feelings, situations?

Fruit Salad - The dialogue in this story is mainly between apple and the other fruits, and it is about them trying to choose what they want to do after they leave the fruit bowl.

McFeedlebee's Pond - The dialogue in this story is between Georgie and his friends. The dialogue is his friends trying to convince Georgie not to fish at McFeeblebee's pond because he'll get in trouble.

Who Did Patrick's Homework - The dialogue in this story is between Patrick and the elf that helps him do his homework. 

3. What is the problem or conflict? Do you think it is a conflict young children can understand and relate to?

Fruit Salad - The problem in this story is that the apple doesn't know what he wants to do with his life after he leaves the fruit bowl. I think that children could understand this but it seems like a more teenager thing to worry about what they'll do after they leave home.

McFeedlebee's Pond - The conflict in this story is that McFeedlebee doesn't want people to fish in his pond but Georgie really wants to fish and relax at the pond. I think that this story could help kids understand not to use things that aren't theirs without permission.

Who Did Patrick's Homework - The problem is that Patrick wants to use the elf he found to help him do his homework, but the elf doesn't understand how to do any of the homework. I think this story could show kids that you can't take shortcuts if you want something done.

4. How is the conflict resolved? What is the message or lesson?

Fruit Salad - The conflict is resolved when all the fruit meet up again and decide they want to be composted. I think the message is that you don't always have to know what you're going to do with your life, even if your friends have already figured it out.

McFeedlebee's Pond - The conflict is resolved when Georgie had a dream that shows him what could happen if he fishes at McFeedlebee's pond. I think the message is that you should always ask for permission before you do anything on another persons property.

Who Did Patrick's Homework - The conflict is resolved when Patrick realizes he doesn't need the elf to help him with his homework. I think the message is that if want something done right, you should do it yourself,

5. How are the three stories similar and how are they different?

There isn't much similar about these stories, the main characters in McFeedlebee's Pond and Who Did Patrick's Homework are similar in that they both start off as troublemakers. There are a lot of differences thought, because each story has a totally different message and theme.

6. Why do you think the stories would be appealing to younger children? Provide specific examples.

I think these stories would be appealing to young children because they are all colorful and have fun characters. For example, the apple in Fruit Salad is pretty appealing because he has a face and he acts funny in the story.