“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” is an animated 15 minute film by William Joyce (2011) and is an excellent media resource for responding to and evaluating texts (Reading expectation 1.8) and making inferences. (Reading expectation 1.5) This film is ideally suited to junior and intermediate students.

Here are some questions which will assist you in your discussions with your students:

1. Different renditions of the nursery rhyme “Pop Goes the Weasel” play throughout the film. How does this music help viewers understand the film?
2. William Joyce, the film’s creator, chose to shoot parts of his work in black and white and other parts in colour. How does this technique communicate Joyce’s message?
3. The role of librarian in this film could be described as “a calling.” Explain with examples.
4. The film portrays reading and writing as important human activities. Explain with examples.
5. Joyce’s film is full of recurring images. Pick two of the following images and explain how they help viewers understand the main idea of the film:

• Humpty Dumpty
• The hat and cane
• The woman in the polka dot dress
• The bicycle