Book Bag Activities for
A Bad Case of the Stripes
By: Sara Brown

• Shannon, David. A Bad Case of the Stripes. (1998). Blue Sky Press.

Rationale:

• I think this book is an amazing picture book as well as a book that contains a serious message to kids, be yourself. I feel the character in this story is one students will be able to relate to and identify with. This books takes the fear of “being yourself” and makes it into a fun loving story that encourages kids to be their own unique people.

About the Author:

• David Shannon is a highly praised author and illustrator. Born in Washington, DC, Shannon grew up in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California with a fine arts degree and then moved to New York City where continued his illustration work. His editorial illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, Time, and Rolling Stone, and his artwork has graced a number of book jackets. Shannon has written and illustrated such books as No David, David Goes to School, The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza, The Bunyans, How Georgie Radbourn Saved Baseball, The Rain Came Down, and A Bad Case of Stripes. Shannon relies on many of his own experiences to get the ideas for his books. He now lives with his wife, Heidi, their daughter, Emma, and their dog, Fergus, In Las Angeles California.

Questions to use with the story:

• Before: Look at the cover of the book. What do you predict the book might be about?
• During: What did Dr. Bumble say about Camilla’s stripes? What happens to Camilla’s stripes when the kids at school start yelling? Have any of you ever had any experience with the media? After Camilla has talked with all the doctors and no one knows anything, what are your thoughts on what is wrong with Camilla? How do you suppose Camilla’s life would be like if she was never able to get rid of her stripes?
• After: After reading this story and seeing what cured Camilla, what lesson could we take away from this story? What types of feelings were you feeling after we finished the book?

Activities to use with the story:

• Provide students with a blank picture of Camilla. Have students use their imaginations to create a new pattern that Camilla might have experienced throughout the story.
• Have students turn the book into a play with all the parts included. Perform this play and discuss its message with a younger class.
• Have students reflect on a time when they changed themselves to “fit in” with a group of people. Have students use this experience to create a creative writing story about their experience. Share with partners or in small groups.
• Have students recall a favorite song of theirs. Have students use the beat of this song to create a new song about Camilla’s feelings throughout the book and how they have changed from beginning to end.
• Have students read the book aloud to a book buddy and facilitate a discussion about the book. Allow the student to be the “teacher” of the book to the younger peer.
• Have students do an author study with the author David Shannon. Read various books aloud from the author and allow the students to discuss their feelings about the similarities and differences of the books through literature discussion groups lead by the teacher and helpers.
• Have students participate in a paired activity and have one student pretend like the doctor and have the other student be Camilla. Have the “doctor” and “patient” be creative and “diagnose” Camilla’s illness. Have students switch roles.
• Have students interview a role model or a person they look up to. Have students compile questions about being yourself and share with the class about why their role model thinks it is important to be yourself.
• Discuss with the students what the media is and what role they played in the story of Camilla. Afterwards, take a trip to the local TV station to see how and why the station covers the stories it does.
• Have students produce a creative book report. Invite them to display their knowledge of the book in their own unique way, remind them to use their imaginations!

Props:

• Lima Beans
• Stethoscope
• Thermometer
• Patterned cloth
• Face paint to paint own stripes

Bibliography of other related books:

Books by David Shannon:

• Duck on a Bike
• The Rain Came Down
• The Bunyans
• The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza
• David Goes to School
• No David
• How Georgie Radburn Saved Baseball

Books About Self-Esteem/ Being Yourself:

• Don’t Feed the Monster on Tuesday’s by Adolph J. Moser
• Cliques, Phonies, and Other Baloney by Trevor Roman
• Ruby the Copy Cat by Peggy Rathmann
• Nappy Hair by Caroliva Herron

Assessment Plan:

• Have an interview with the teacher. Have students be ready to talk about what they learned, liked and disliked about the book. The teacher can facilitate a discussion with the student to be sure the student was learning. This interview can also be used as a time for the student to assess you as a teacher and the book. Students can voice their feeling and concerns about the book, the activities they were required to complete and their overall thoughts and feelings on the book.