Two peas in a pod

Two peas in a pod is the fourth book from the acclaimed picture book collection by Chris McKimmie. It celebrates the power of childhood friendships and also the child’s resilience when faced with loss or separation. Violet and Marvin are best friends, and not even being a very long distance apart can ever change that. But, even though they are like ‘two peas in a pod’, Marvin and Violet learn to deal with their ‘aloneness’ and to enjoy the fact that they are individuals.

Violet and Marvin have lived in Raven Street since dinosaur time – almost! They play together and dream together until one day Violet moves ‘to the moon’ and Marvin is left all alone. What is he to do with himself? He mopes around, until one day his mum tells him that he’s off on a journey... to visit Violet!

 

Violet calls me Marvellous.

My real name is Marvin.

Mum reckons me and Violet are like two peas in a pod. It's true. We go together like fish and chips, hops and skips, the OO in Moo.

We lived next door to each other until, one day, Violet left and went to the moon.
 

Two peas in a pod utilize several key ideas or themes which flow through the book including friendship, difference and individuality, belonging and imagination. These themes are quite deep and meaningful which younger students may not understand however this book is for younger students. It would be an excellent classroom tool for older students to analyse and further explore the images used as it explores the way Violet and Marvin feel and express what is happening in the text.   

Two peas in a pod can be integrated into other curriculum areas to create meaning and generate connections to other curriculum areas such as art, technology and mathematics. The use of illustrations is an excellent way for students to be engaged especially the younger years. An excellent book with a unique Australian flavour.