Apt. 3 facts for kids
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| Author | Ezra Jack Keats |
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| Illustrator | Ezra Jack Keats |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
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Publication date
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1971 |
| ISBN | 0-14-056507-8 |
| OCLC | 155082 |
| [E] | |
Apt. 3 is a special children's picture book written and illustrated by the famous American author Ezra Jack Keats. It was first published in 1971. This book takes young readers on a journey through a city apartment building, exploring sounds, friendship, and discovery.
Contents
What is Apt. 3 About?
Apt. 3 tells a heartwarming story about two brothers and their adventure. It shows how listening closely can lead to amazing new friendships.
The Story of Sam and Ben
The story of Apt. 3 follows two brothers named Sam and Ben. They live in a busy apartment building in the city. One day, they hear a beautiful sound floating through the hallways. It is the sweet music of a harmonica.
This lovely melody makes the brothers curious. They decide to explore their building to find out where the music is coming from. As they search, they discover many different sounds and smells. These come from all the diverse people living in their city building.
Finally, Sam and Ben find the source of the beautiful music. They meet a blind man who plays the harmonica. This man "sees" the world not with his eyes, but with his ears. He uses sounds to understand everything around him. Their search ends in a wonderful new friendship.
Who is Ezra Jack Keats?
Ezra Jack Keats (1916–1983) was an American author and illustrator. He is famous for his children's picture books. Keats was a pioneer in children's literature. He was one of the first to feature diverse characters in his stories.
Keats's Style and Themes
Keats often used a special art style called collage in his books. This means he used different materials like paper, fabric, and paint to create his pictures. His stories often focused on city life and the everyday adventures of children. He explored themes like friendship, discovery, and the importance of imagination.
His most famous book is The Snowy Day, published in 1962. This book won the Caldecott Medal, a very important award for children's books. Keats created many beloved characters, including Peter, who appears in several of his books.
Why is Apt. 3 Important?
Apt. 3 is important because it teaches us about empathy and how we connect with others. It shows that people can be different but still find common ground.
Exploring Themes in the Book
The book explores several important ideas. It teaches young readers about understanding and accepting others. It also highlights how our senses help us experience the world.
Friendship and Discovery
A main theme in Apt. 3 is friendship. Sam and Ben's journey to find the harmonica player leads them to a new friend. This shows that reaching out to others can bring unexpected joy. The book also celebrates discovery. The brothers discover new parts of their building and new ways of seeing the world.
Sounds and Senses
Another key theme is the power of sound and other senses. The blind man in the story uses his hearing to "see" his surroundings. This helps readers understand how different people experience the world. It encourages us to pay attention to all our senses. The book reminds us that there is beauty and wonder in everyday sounds.
