If you have read any of Anthony Browne’s books, or used them in your classroom, then you want make a note to write some “Voices in The Park Lesson Plans” as soon as you can!
Not only is Voices in The Park a power packed example of good writing (it’s only 32 pages), but it’s definitely his most analytical insight into human nature to date. Even though the psychological concepts are well within the reach of elementary school pupils, it’s a great read for adults as well.
The illustrations are brilliant and interactive as always, and the real message in this book about how the characters perceive their time and space differently from the same very common place setting (the city park). The version of events from the two adults in the book differs from the children.
Charles and Smudge (the Children) play together while the adults (Charles somewhat forthright mother and her companion) keep to themselves. Not only are the recollections of that in the city park different depending on the teller, even light, colors and other nuances are altered. It’s about where you are in life and how you perceive things because of that. It’s a great lesson and a nice message.