Looking Up written and illustrated by Stephan Pastis is a well told chapter book about disappearance, loneliness, and loss. The storyteller is a girl by the name of Saint who likes piñatas, collects figurines of knights, and is determined that her neighborhood will not disappear.
The black and white illustrations are full of both good sense and playful nonsense. The 22 clever chapters detail her efforts to save her neighborhood including Punchs’ Toy Farm and Mrs. Trifaldi’s house. In fact, the beloved Beefy Bee Store is being sold so that Hight-Tech Solutions can move into that space! Throughout the book Saint asks important questions such as “Why is everyone so eager to replace the past with the present?”
At the beginning of the story Saint, after working very hard to win him over, makes friends with the boy across the street by the name of Daniel. Eventually they work together to stop the real estate company, Chuck Les Homes, from taking everything over. However, in the end nothing works even after they hide the “For Sale” signs and tell buyers the real estate is contaminated!
The fun fades away in the last several chapters when Saint, crying in her mother’s arms, reveals that she misses her late father. The author gently puts everything in place for the reader.
Looking Up skillfully written and illustrated by Stephan Pastis is designed for readers 8-12 years of age. (Aladdin/Simon and Schuster)2023.
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and the activity questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for Looking Up
There were many supporting characters in this story such as Daniel, Muffins, Mrs. Trifaldi, Sparrow, James ‘Baby’ Bellachi and Daniel’s Uncle. Which one did you enjoy most? Why?
How did Saint and Daniel try to stop the sale of houses and stores in their community? Make a list. Then add how you would nonviolently try to stop the sale of houses and stores in your community.
When did you understand that Saint was mourning more than the loss of her neighborhood? How did her mother finally help Saint with her grief about the loss of her father?
Saint collected many things such as knight figurines. Draw a picture of what you collect. Have FUN!
