Title: Adventure on Klickitat Island
Author: Hilary Horder Hippely
Publisher: Dutton Children's Book
Copyright Date: 1998
Appropriate Age: 6-10
Read to or with a child:
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
One dark, stormy autumn night a child hears the animals on Klickitat Island crying because they have no shelter, and the child's Bear proposes a daring plan to help them.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Look for the rhyming words.
2. It's a great book for calming fears during a storm. Build a blanket tent and enjoy the book with a flashlight.
3. Excellent example of how teamwork works! Use the animals' example of teamwork before attempting to accomplish a big task.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Jennifer D. Cooke
Position/Role: Elementary Principal
School: Victor & Tetonia
District: Teton #401
Title: Martha Speaks
Author: Susan Meddaugh
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Copyright Date: 1992
Appropriate Age: 7-9
Read with a child:
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Martha, the dog, eats Alphabet Soup and can speak English. Martha "saves the day" because she can speak.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Warm and eat some Alphabet Soup. Share a bite with a pet to see if something happens.
Related Books/Topics: pets/cooking
Submitted By:
Name: Anne Vestal
Position/Role: 2nd Grade Teacher
School: Collister Elementary
District: Boise School
Title: More Spaghetti I Say
Author: Rita Golden Oelman
Publisher: Scholastic,Inc.
Copyright Date: 1977
Appropriate Age: 6-8
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Minnie loves spaghetti so much she can't stop eating it to play with her friend Freddy.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Make and eat spaghetti together. Boil spaghetti noodles, top with purchased or homemade spaghetti sauce (with or without meat) and have a family feast.
Related Books/Topics: Sing "On Top of Spaghetti" together.
Submitted By:
Name: Jan Waldrup
Position/Role: Title-1 Teacher
School: Farmin
District: #84
Title: Touchdown Mars! An ABC Adventure
Author: Peggy Wethered and Dr. Ken Edgett
Publisher: Putnam
Copyright Date: 2000
Appropriate Age: 5-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This beautifully illustrated ABC book is loaded with fascinating information on space travel and Mars. It is designed to read at different levels, depending on the age and interests of the children. They learn facts such as Mars has two potato shaped moons. Olympus Mars, a huge volcano, is more than three times the height of Mt. Everest and would cover the entire state of Arizona.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Edible Solar System: Sun Marshmallow with yellow frosting.
Mercury - mini M&M
Venus - yellow M&M
Earth - blue M&M
Mars - red M&M
Jupiter - Starlight mint
Saturn - butterscotch
Uranus - blue/green jellybean
Submitted By:
Name: Peggy Wethered Position/Role: Teacher and Author
School: East Canyon
District: Vallivue School District
Title: Simons Hook - A Story About Teases and Put Downs
Author: Karen Gredig Burnett
Publisher: GR Publishing
Copyright Date: 2000
Appropriate Age: 6-10
Read to (6-8) or with a child (9-10).
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Simon gets teased by his friends, and Grandma Rose teaches him how to handle being teased. By comparing teases to fishhooks, Grandma shows Simon how not to get "caught".
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Interaction - practice "not getting caught". Talk about the story. Talk about how you might react when being teased. Talk about how to treat others.
Related Books/Topics: Bullies are a Pain in the Brain.
Submitted By:
Name: Bev Davenport
Position/Role: Counselor
School: Cascade Elementary
District: Cascade, Idaho
Title: Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia
Author: Peggy Parish
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 6-10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Amelia Bedelia doesn't mind playing a new game she doesn't understand. She doesn't always understand the words used to describe a baseball game such as inning, at bat, bases and sealing. You will enjoy all the funny things Amelia did. This story is for people of all ages.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
This story elicits questions such as: Have you ever played a new game that you know little about? Will Amelia Bedelia be able to help her team? Talk about vocabulary and predict what might happen. Make a list of the funny things that happen with Amelia. Write a letter to a friend or grandparent, telling them about Amelia Bedelia playing her game.
Related Books/Topics: Good Work, Amelia Bedelia; Amelia Bedelia Helps Out; Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia; Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia.
Submitted By:
Name: Nancy Ash
Position/Role: Teacher
School: Homedale Elementary District: #370
Title: Imogene's Antlers
Author: David Small
Publisher: Crown/MacMillan
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 2nd
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Imogene is a young girl who doesn't let anything bother her even if she wakes up one day with antlers. Her antlers provide Imogene with many interesting experiences.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Ask child to describe the purpose of antlers. What would you do if you woke up and discovered you had antlers? Activity - Make your own set of antlers. Put anything you want on the antlers (pick one theme to stick with. Example: fruits, sports.)
Related Books/Topics: Animals Should Definitely Act Like People By Judi Barnett; The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings by Carolyn Bailey.
Submitted By:
Name: Linda Dixon
Position/Role: 2nd grade teacher
School: East Canyon
District: Vallivue #139
Title: Pigs in the Pantry
Author: Amy Axelrod, illustrated by Sharon McGinley-Nally
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 5-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
The Mom in the story gets sick and her family decides to make her favorite dinner, Firehouse Chili, which gets a little out of hand.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe: Recipe - Firehouse Chili
Recipe is included in the book. It includes many adaptations for a variety of tastes. Spend some time discussing how the family measured ingredients and followed the recipe, or rather how they didn't follow the recipe. This elicits conversation about why it is important to follow direction.
Related Books/Topics: Books by the same author: Pigs in a Blanket; Pigs to Market. Books have been designed around National Council of Teacher of Mathematics 13 Standards.
Submitted By:
Name: Debi Maughan
Position/Role: Early Childhood Special Educator
School: Wilson Elementary
District: Caldwell
Title: The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters
Author: Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Copyright Date: 1986
Appropriate Age: 8-10 years
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
The postman delivers letters to Mr.& Mrs. Bear, Occupants at Gingerbread Bungalow, Mr. Bigg at Beanstalk Gardens, H.R.M. Cinderella, B. B. Wolfe and Goldilocks. Actual letters on in envelopes in the book
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Read the following fairy tales, describe how it relates to the postman's letters, and follow up with activity. Goldilocks and the Three Bears - sort items into small, medium, and large. Jack and the Beanstalk - grown bean seeds. Hansel and Gretal - make gingerbread. Cinderella - Compare to Yeh Shen(Chinese), Mufaso's Daughters, Egyptian Cinderella, Walt Disney's Cinderella, Little Glass Slipper.
Little Red Riding Hood - Prepare a basket of goodies for a neighbor, friend or relative.
Related Books/Topics: The Three Little Pigs; The Three Little wolves and the Big Bad Pig; other Cinderella versions.
Submitted By:
Name: Beverly Hopp
Position/Role: Title-1 Reading Teacher
School: West Canyon Elementary
District: Vallivue School District
Title: Miss Rumphius
Author: Barbara Cooney
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 7-10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Miss Rumphius travels the world and returns to live by the sea. She promised her father she would do something to make the world more beautiful.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Plan a family activity for making your own small part of the world more beautiful, such as trash pick-up, recycling center, tree/flower planting. Do this activity as a community service.
Related Books Topics: Story of Johnny Appleseed; non-fiction earth-care titles.
Submitted By:
Name: G. Knight Position/Role: 2nd grade teacher
District: Wendell #232
Title: The Twits
Author: Roald Dahl
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 7-14
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Mr. & Mrs. Twit are disgusting, rude and very mean to each other and everyone they meet. They are always playing tricks on each other and are not nice to animals either. The animals all get together and teach the Twits a good lesson.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Make coupon books to hand out to family members. (Free dish washing, back rub, baby-sitting, etc.) Discuss how to treat others and pets; personal hygiene.
Related Books/Topics: Good manners and hygiene.
Submitted By:
Name: Karrie Jayo
Position/Role: 6th grade instructor
School: Hagerman Elementary
District: Hagerman #233
Title: The Enzo's Splendid Gardens
Author: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Books
Copyright Date: 1997
Appropriate Age: 6-10
Read to a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A boy drops his book to look at a bee in Chef Enzo's restaurant (The best spaghetti in town). A waiter trips on the book and tips his tray; otherwise he would have a very good day. Ladies spill their tea, the spaghetti is toppled when Enzo chases the cat that runs up the tree. This is a cumulative, rhyming tale that is a great read-aloud book.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Spaghetti (use bottled sauce for the working cook). Tossed salad (comes in a bag). Garlic bread. Ice cream with hot fudge and a cherry.
Activity - find rhyming words - think of other words that rhyme with them, enjoy the pictures! Tell the story sequence in order.
Enzo is Patricia Polacco's husband.
Related Books/Topics: Meet the other members of her family. Read The Keeping Quilt; The Bee Tree; My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother.
Submitted By: Becky Gison, Reading Specialist
School: Collister/Pierce Park
District: Boise
Title: All The Places to Love
Author: Patricia Macachlan (Wonderful paintings by Mike Wimmer)
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 5 - adult
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
All the Places to Love is a tender story, told by a young boy, of the special ways his parents and grandparents show their love for him and their appreciation of nature. At the birth of his little sister, the boy plans to share his rich heritage with her. This story shows she positive impact one generation can have on the next generation.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Parents or grandparents read to child.
2. Discuss the places you loved as a child.
3. Ask your child, or grandchild, to show you the little places he or she loves.
4. Do a scrapbook page to preserve the places you love.
Related Books/Topics: I'll Love You Forever by Robert Munch.
Submitted By:
Name: Louise Hansen
Position/Role: Second Grade Teacher
School: Hazel T. Stuart Elementary
District: #60, Shelley
Title: Than You, Mr. Falker
Author: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Book
Copyright Date: 1998
Appropriate Age: All ages
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Patricia was teased as a child because she couldn't read. Finally a teacher recognized a problem and hired someone to help.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Discuss with family how it feels to be teased. What can you do to change our school, classroom, or family?
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Melinda Harris
Position/Role: Teacher
School: Oakwood Elementary
District: Preston
Title: The Hundred Dresses
Author: Eleanor Estes
Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
Copyright Date: 1973
Appropriate Age: 7 -10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Wanda Petronskis is shunned and teased as an outsider until she wins a contest with her drawings of one hundred dresses. But it's too late because Wanda and her family have moved away.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Discuss and talk about peer-group acceptance and about showing kindness to each other
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Marie Leaf
Position/Role: 2nd grade teacher
School: Cascade Elementary
District: Cascade School District #422
Title: The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
Author: Trinka Hakes Noble
Publisher: Steven Kellogg
Copyright Date: 1980
Appropriate Age: K-4
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A class field trip to a farm becomes interesting when Jimmy brings along his pet boa constrictor to meet the farm animals. Everything from an egg fight, pigs on the bus eating the lunches, cows crying, to the goat eating the wash happens on the teacher's nightmare-come-true field trip.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe: Recipe - Bread Boas, 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf frozen bread dough, defrosted, 1/3 cup melted margarine, flour, currants or raisins, red and green food coloring. Materials/Supplies: 2 custard cups, 2 pastry brushes, saucepan, cutting board, oven, hot plate, aluminum foil, knife, hot pads, cookie sheet, measuring cup, wooden spoons.
Instructions:
1. Using the knife and cutting board, divide the bread dough into 6-8 pieces. Sprinkle the cutting board with flour and dip each piece of dough into flour.
2. On cutting board, roll each piece of dough into a snake shape and add 2 currants/raisins for eyes.
3. Melt 1/3 cup margarine in saucepan on hot plate.
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash (cont.)
4. Divide the melted margarine in half using the custard cups. Color one cup of margarine green and the other cup red.
5. Using the pastry brushes, paint the snake bread dough like a boa constrictor.
6. Place the "boas" on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Related Books/Topics:
1. Talk about the facts on Boa Constrictors.
2. Sequence the events in the book.
3. Make boa sock puppets.
Jimmy's Boa Bounces Back; Jimmy's Boa and the Big Birthday Bash.
Submitted by:
Name: Loretta D. Riener
Position/Role: Elementary Special Education Teacher
School: Kamiah Elementary School
District: Kamiah School District
Title: It's the Bear!
Author: Jez Alborough
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright Date: 1994
Appropriate Age: 3-6
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A little boy, his mom, and his teddy bear go on a picnic. A real bear comes along and the boy hides in the picnic basket.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Read story outside and have a picnic basket with the same lunch as in the story: Lettuce, tomatoes, cream cheese spread, hard boiled eggs, crusty brown bread, orange juice and cookies. Have child/children bring their favorite teddy bear. Have children share stories of family picnics, camping, being the wonderful state parks and forests we have in Idaho.
Related Books/Topics: My Friend Bear, by Jez Alborough. All books by Jez Alborough: Watch Out! Big Brother is Coming; Duck in a Truck; Cuddly Dudley.
Submitted By:
Name: Ann-Marie Rowe
Position/Role: Elementary Librarian
School: #304
District:
Title: A Kiss for Little Bear
Author: Else Homelund Minarik
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright Date: 1998
Appropriate Age: 6-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Little Bear draws a picture to give Grandmother. Then he asks her to deliver it; she does and is supposed to return with a kiss.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Draw a picture that makes you happy.
2. Share your picture with someone.
3. Share a stuffed bear with someone if you have one. (toy)
4. Make up your own bear story. (share)
5. Draw pictures with someone
Related Books/Topics: It's a Bear!; My Friend Bear; both by Jez Alborough.
Submitted By:
Name: Cindy Prall
Position/Role: 2nd grade teacher
School: Kamiah Elementary
District: #304
Title: John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat
Author: Jenny Wagner
Publisher: Penguin Books
Copyright Date: 1977
Appropriate Age: 5 and up
Read to child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Rose lived all alone with her dog names John Brown. One evening, the Midnight Cat appeared at her door. John Brown did not want to include her. "We are all right, just the two of us," he thought. Then Rose became very sad and ill, everything changed.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
This is a perfect story for helping children understand differences in people, and acceptance of others. Discuss how the story might have been different if John Brown accepted Midnight Cat; predict the ending. Discuss how you would act in that situation.
Related Books/Topics: Peter's Song by Carol Saul; Cheyenne Again by Eve Bunting.
Submitted By:
Name: Pat Herman
Position/Role: Title-1 teacher
School: Priest River Elementary
District: WBC #83
Title: You Are Special
Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Crossway Books
Copyright Date: 1997
Appropriate Age: 8 and up
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
The Wemmicks were wooden people. They put spots (negative), stars (positive), on each other according to how they felt about each other and if they were popular or not. One girl had no spots or stars that stuck on her. A boy asked her why. She told him to go visit their maker. He told him it doesn't matter how other people felt about each other, only his self and the boy matter.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Read to children. Discuss whether or not they let other people put labels (spots or stars) on them? Ask how it feels to have stars or spots put on them. Do they put labels on each other? How do you think it feels? Do the activity: put stars and spots on each other.
Related Books/Topics: Shadow boxes.
Submitted By:
Name: Brad Anderson
Position/Role: Counselor
School:
District: #251, Jefferson
Title: Mrs. Mooley
Author: Jack Kent
Publisher: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
Copyright Date: 1973
Appropriate Age: 3-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This story is about a cow that decides she can jump over the moon just like the cow in the nursery rhyme. All the animals in the barnyard think she is crazy and that she will never be able to do it. Mrs. Mooley tries to jump over the moon all night without success while the other animals are sleeping. Then, just as the moon is sinking in the west, the animals wake up and see Mrs. Mooley jumping over the moon. Now she thinks she can jump over the sun, stars, and the planets and the other animals believe she can too.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Introduce the story by having the children recite the nursery rhyme, Hey Diddle Diddle. Have the children recite nursery rhymes that they know and then teach them a new one. The children can help make mooncake/cupcakes for dessert: 1 yellow cake mix, yellow frosting, bake in round pan.
Related Books/Topics: Mooncake by Frank Asch. Nursery rhyme books
Submitted By:
Name: Debbie Lancaster
Position/Role: Title-1 Reading Teacher
School: Wendell Elementary
District: Wendell #232
Title: Babuska's Doll
Author: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright Date: 1995
Appropriate Age: 6-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Natasha is a very impatient, demanding little girl. She bosses Babushka ("grandmother" in Russian), asking her to stop whatever she is doing and play with her immediately. Natasha does not understand how her inconsiderate behavior affects others until Babushka allows her to play with her special doll, which teaches Natasha a lesson!
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Talk about the setting of the story. Locate Russia on a globe or map.
2. How are Natasha's and Babushka's activities different/same as yours? Have you ever acted like Natasha?
3. Use the Internet or the encyclopedia to learn something interesting about Russia.
4. Child could complete a copy of the "Good Citizen Report", telling about his/her good citizenship. (Parents or other family members may want to fill one out also.) Children can bring their reports back to school to share with their class.
Related Books/Topics: Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann; Granddaddy's Gift by Margaree King Mitchell; The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern.
Submitted By:
Name: Gayle Davis
Position/Role: Teacher/E.A/
School: Notus Elementary
District: #135 Notus School District
Title: Don't Forget the Bacon
Author: Pat Hutchings
Publisher: Mulberry Books
Copyright Date: 1976
Appropriate Age: 6-10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A child is sent to the grocery store for four items. As he walks, he recites the items to himself. He sees things along the way that begin to change the list. Six farm eggs become six fat legs . . . Finally he gets the correct items and heads home. When he sees his mom, he realizes he forgot the bacon. Lots of fun pictures and word play.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Children of all ages can help make the shopping list. Very young children could draw pictures as mom or dad writes the word. Children entering school could write the first sound or use invented spelling to write the sounds they hear. Older children can write the list as it is dictated. Any involvement draws the child into the importance of writing notes to be used later.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Carrie Aguas
Position/Role: Title 1 teacher
School: New Plymouth Elementary
District: New Plymouth
Title: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Author: Judith Viorst
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright Date: 1972
Appropriate Age: 4-10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Alexander has a day when everything goes wrong. He doesn't get to sit by the window in the car pool, he makes a mistake in front of the class, the only tennis shoes that fit him at the shoe store are just plain white, and his family has lima beans for dinner. Alexander decides the only thing he can do to escape is move to Australia.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
After reading this book to a young child, or sharing the reading with a school-age child, make a list of things that might cause each of you to want to "move to Australia". Examples: being called a name, having to redo an assignment, getting a flat tire, having to work late. This helps children see that everyone has to face little annoyances. It also provides a humorous way to say "Look out, I've had a bad day." All you need to say to each other is: "I think I'll move to Australia!"
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (cont.)
Related Books/Topics: It Could Always Be Worse by Margot Zemach.
Submitted By:
Name: Claudia Moberly
Position/Role: Title-1 Reading
School: East Canyon Elementary
District: Vallivue #139
Title: The Little Red Hen
Author: Retold by Brenda Parkes
Publisher: Rigby
Copyright Date: 1985
Appropriate Age: 4-10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
The Little Red Hen asks her friends to help her grow the wheat and finally make the break. No one will help until the bread is ready to eat, and then every one wants to help eat the bread, but the Little Red Hen won't let them have any because they didn't help.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
After reading the story, you could make bread together, or butter by shaking cream in a bottle. Also discuss the importance of working together and then sharing what you have made.
Related Books/Topics: The Little Yellow Chicken; The Yellow Chicken's House.
Submitted By:
Name: Dorothy Whitehead
Position/Role: Title-1 Teacher
School: Dworshak.
District: Cassia County.
Title: Knots on a Counting Rope
Author: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Publisher: Henry Hold & Company
Copyright Date: 1987
Appropriate Age: 6-12
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Grandpa and grandson sit around the fire as they have many times and tell the story of the grandson's life one more time. They discuss the challenges the grandson has faced, including his biggest challenge, his blindness. Grandpa and grandson tell this story jointly with much enthusiasm. The counting rope provides a record of all tellings of this story and the hurdles the boy has gone through.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
This story is written with both voices, as in a play. It is fun to take on the parts of the characters and get into the parts. Use emotion when reading the story. The paintings by Ted Rand enhance this story. After reading, select the picture that captures the most emotion. Which one shows joy? Which one shows sadness? Start a counting rope. Every time you tell the story of your child growing up and facing challenges, tie another knot in the counting rope. Some day, your child will take over the tellings.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Joe St. John
Position/Role: Principal
School: Lakeside Elementary
District: Plummer Worley #44
Title: Shoeshine Girl
Author: Clyde Robert Bulla
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright Date: 1975
Appropriate Age: 7-11
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Ten-year-old Sarah Ida is sent to live with her aunt for the summer. With no allowance, Sara Ida's "need" for money forces her to look for a job. The only person who would hire her is Al, owner of a shoeshine stand. From Al Sarah Ida learns about work, relationships, and life. When Al is injured, Sarah Ida has to decide whether to keep the stand open or walk away.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Supplies needed: A soft shoe brush, a small jar of water, an old toothbrush, cream shoe polish in colors to match family members shoes, an old cloth about 6" by 18", and old rag (optional).
After reading about Sarah Ida's shoeshine job, open your own family shoeshine stand. Shine each other's shoes following Al's steps: 1. Brush the shoes to remove dust; 2. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the shoe with the toothbrush; 3. Apply polish. (Al says applying with your fingers works best. If you or other members of your family can't tolerate the thought, use an old rag.); 4. Use the length of cloth to shine the shoes. Lay the cloth over the shoe, "stretch it tight . . . pull it back and forth . . . Rub it hard and fast. First the toe, then the sides, then the back." 5. Retie the shoelaces. These steps are done with the shoe on the person's feet. If all you own are shoes that aren't polished, you can at least brush and rub with the cloth.
Talk about how the shoeshine made you feel. Did it feel good to your feet? Did it relax you? Would you like to have your shoes shined another time?
Shoeshine Girl (cont.)
Related Books/Topics: Other books by the same author which deal with children growing up and dealing with changes in their lives: The Paint Brush Kid; The Chalk Box Kid; Daniel's Duck.
Submitted By:
Name: Leola Brookhard
Position/Role: Title-1 Teacher
School: Iona Elementary
District: Bonneville #93
Title: The Enormous Potato
Author: Retold by Aubrey Davis
Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd.
Copyright Date: 1997
Appropriate Age: 7-10
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
What has an eye and cannot see? A potato. This story is about a man and his family, and what happens after he plants an eye of a potato. The potato grows so big that they have to solve the problem of what to do with it.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Read this story on an evening you have potatoes for dinner. Discuss how potatoes grow, different ways to cook them, your favorite way to eat them, etc. Let children help peel them or chop them if age appropriate.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: LeeAnn Thomas
Position/Role: Title-1 Teacher
School: East Canyon Elementary
District: Vallivue
Title: How to Eat Friend Worms
Author: Thomas Rockwell
Publisher: Dell Yearling
Copyright Date: 1973
Appropriate Age: 7-10
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This is the story of a young boy, Billy, who has bet that he can eat 15 worms, over 15 days, in return for $50. After checking with the family doctor, his parents let him continue with the bet.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
After completing this story, it's fun to make coconut cookies. Then tell people all about the great book you read and pass out "worm" cookies". It's always good for a laugh! A treat of Gummi worms also goes well with this story or a dessert of "dirt cup, topped with Gummi worms (chocolate pudding).
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Pam Middlemas
Position/Role: Primary Teacher
School: Renaissance Charter School
District: Moscow
Title: Tacky in Trouble
Author: Helen Lester
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Copyright Date: 1998
Appropriate Age: 7-9
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Tacky is a penguin who lives with his five brothers, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. Tacky is definitely an odd bird that looks at the world differently. His hilarious escapades and fun-loving attitude help kids learn it's okay (or even better) to be yourself no matter how "tacky" others might think you are.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Make a list of things that make Tacky different from the other penguins. Ask if your child would rather be Tacky or one of the other penguins. Have your child draw a picture of Tacky. Discuss penguins and where they live. Enjoy a black and white treat, such as an Oreo cookie, together.
Related Books/Topics: Three Cheers for Tacky also by Helen Lester. Cudley Dudley. Penguins, Antarctica.
Submitted By:
Name: Sarah Roberts
Position/Role: 2nd Grade Teacher
School: Tetonia Elementary
District: #401
Title: Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs
Author: Tomie de Paola
Publisher: Puffin Books
Copyright Date: 1973
Appropriate Age: 7-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A small boy enjoys his relationship with his grandmother and great-grandmother, but he learns to face their inevitable death.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Look at family albums together to discuss members of your own family who you and/or the child have loved and have died.
Grandma's favorite recipe for ___________ would be fun to make together.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Kenna Kearsley
Position/Role: Librarian
School: Victor Elementary
District: Teton School District #401
Title: Everybody Needs a Rock
Author: Byrd Baylor
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Copyright Date: 1974
Appropriate Age: Primary
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This book talks about the steps to finding the perfect rock.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
After reading this book, a nature walk and picnic would put to use the guidelines set forth by the author for finding the perfect rock.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Cindy Cirard
Position/Role: 3rd grade teacher
School: Trail Wind Elementary
District: Boise
Title: Bark, George
Author: Jules Feiffer
Publisher: Harper Colins
Copyright Date: 1999
Appropriate Age: 4-8
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
George, the dog, just doesn't seem to be able to bark.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Use a paper bag to make a puppet. Color the bottom of the bag (attach ears, nose, eyes if materials are available). Use the puppet to act out the story. Conversation topics could include questions such as - What would you do to help George bark? What would you do if you were George? What kind of a dog do you think George is? What is your favorite dog? If you could have any pet, what would it be?
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Rogene Meyer
Position/Role: Title-1 Teacher
School: Harrison Elementary
District: Twin Falls
Title: Jeremiah Learns to Read
Author:
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: K-6
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Jeremiah is an older man that goes back to school with small children to learn to read. This story has a good moral - encouraging all to read.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
This story could create great conversation about learning to read at all ages. Families could share (or give away) books to needy organizations. Families could write about their love for reading. A topic of conversation could be overcoming difficulties and how to problem solve.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Deidre Taylor
Position/Role: Principal
School: Roberts Elementary/Middle Schools
District: Jefferson District #251
Title: Strega Nona
Author: Tomie de Paola
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright Date: 1975
Appropriate Age: 5-8
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Strega Nona has a magic pasta pot that makes pasta for her. Big Anthony works for Strega Nona. One day, when she is gone, he gets the magic pot to make him some pasta. The problem is he doesn't know how to make it stop!
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Serve with spaghetti! Pasta patterns: Get different types of pasta like spirals, rotini, shells, bow ties, etc. Use the pasta to make a pattern. See if your child can figure out the pattern you made and recreate it. Switch and let the child make the pattern and the adult recreate it. Use more complex patterns for older students. Locate Italy on a map and talk about the place where the story takes place
Related Books/Topics: Spaghetti and Meatballs For All by Marilyn Burns. Sing "On Top of Spaghetti".
Submitted By:
Name: Cathy Beals
Position/Role: Title-1 teacher
School: Hawthorne School
District: Boise.
Title: Strings - An Introduction to Musical Instruments
Author: Dee Lillegard
Publisher: Children's Press
Copyright Date: 1998
Appropriate Age: 5-9
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This story tells all about the string family of the orchestra in a very reader friendly way.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Attend a real symphony or listen to classical music and try to identify the instruments of the orchestra. Many fee concerts are offered throughout the summer months that are a good introduction to music and instruments. Talk with your child about music you like or have heard and ask them about what they like. Together, you can try to determine what instruments make that music.
Related Books/Topics: Series: There is a book for each family of the orchestra.
Title: For Home and Country - A Civil War Scrapbook
Author: Norman Bolotin and Angela Herb
Publisher: Lodestar Books Laing Communications
Copyright Date: 1995
Appropriate Age: 8+
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Young readers will find a panoramic view of the civil war period.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Create your own family scrapbook to preserve your family history. This can be as simple as gathering pictures or drawing pictures of each family member and writing a diary of activities.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name:
Position/Role:
School:
District:
Title: Stringbeans Trip To The Shining Sea
Author: Vera B. Williams
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright Date: 1988
Appropriate Age: 7-9
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Stringbean Coe and his brother, Fred, make a long, long trip one summer in Fred's truck. The postcards are a chronicle of their journey.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Design your own postcard to send to someone from some place you have traveled, or design a postcard about some place that you might want to visit in a book.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name:
Position/Role:
School:
District:
Title: Shiloh
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Publisher: Dell Publisher
Copyright Date: 1991
Appropriate Age: 9-12 years of age
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Shiloh is about a boy named Marty and his love for a dog named Shiloh. Marty lives in a southern town called Friday. He befriends a beagle-hunting dog. He keeps Shiloh a secret from his family. In order to feed the dog, Marty saves his leftover food for the dog. The dog's owner, Judd Travers, stops by the family place to inquire about his missing dog. Of course the family doesn't know about Shiloh. Meanwhile, Marty has built a dog pen on the family's property and the dog is attacked in his pen and chewed by a german Shepard.
Marty is on his way to tell Judd about the dog and sees Judd shoot a deer out of season. Marty says he is going to tell his father about the deer, but Judd won't let him go. Marty tells Judd about Shiloh. So between the two, they make a plan for Marty to work off the price of the dog, and Marty promises not to tell anyone about the deer. Of course Judd is not kind to Marty. He forces him to work hard and Marty has to repeat many of the projects. By this time, the dog has returned home from the vet and the entire family has fallen in love with Shiloh. After a period of time, Marty has paid the debt to Judd Travers and Shiloh becomes a member of Marty's family. Valuable lessons are taught through this book. The price you pay keeping secrets, love and respect of animals, family love and devotion, responsibility and growing up to become a respectable adult.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
A family could purchase a new puppy, possibly a hunting dog. As the pup grows and becomes a new member of the family, allow the kids to take an active roll in feeding, grooming, vet care, cleaning the pen or kennel, and have the entire family read the story of Shiloh and develop responsibilities for all concerned. When the time comes they might not have interested in. These are some fun ideas for the entire family.
Related Books/Topics: Read books on how to train your bird dog to hunt. There are many books of this type at the public library and information can be found on the Internet. Many pet stores carry books on training and hunting as well as the proper care of dogs.
Submitted By:
Name: Catherine J. Halen
Position/Role: Title-1: Paraprofessional
School: Deary Elementary
District: Whitepine
Title: The View from Saturday
Author: E. L. Konigsburg
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Copyright Date: 1996
Appropriate Age: 9-12
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Four sixth graders are unlikely winners in an Academic Bowl competition. Along the way, they also become close friends. The characters are clever and complicated, and the narrative includes a series of flashbacks that are full of quirky and intriguing plot twists.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
The friends in this novel meet over tea parties. Have your own tea party as a family - complete with (herbal) tea, cookies, and tiny, crust-less sandwiches!
Related Books/Topics: Other wonderful books by E. L. Konigsburg include Up From Jericho Tel and From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil.
Submitted By:
Name: Elyse Thorpe
Position/Role: GT Facilitator
School: Lewis & Clark Middle School
District: Meridian
Title: The Sign of the Beaver
Author: Elizabeth George Spear
Publisher: Dell Publishing
Copyright Date: 1983
Appropriate Age: 9+
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
12-year-old Matt survives alone in the Maine wilderness in 1768 when his father leaves to bring the rest of the family to the homestead they've built. Matt meets an Indian boy, Attean, and develops a friendship. In return for teaching Attean to read, Matt learns the Indian ways of survival. Mutual respect between the two cultures increases as each boy learns the value of friendship.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Attean teaches Matt to make fishing line and hooks from roots and twigs. Discuss the differences between modern and ancient fishing methods. On a camping trip, try Attean's way. (see p. 48-50) Roast the fish you catch (by whatever method you choose!) as Attean does.
Many examples of food preparation are given throughout the book, as well as dietary issues. This book is easily related to cooking and nutrition.
Related Books/Topics: Naya Nuki by Kenneth Thomasma
Submitted By:
Name: Shayna Sklar
Position/Role: 4th grade teacher
School: White Pine Elementary
District: Boise
Title: The Incredible Journey
Author: Sheila Burnford
Publisher: Dell Yearling
Copyright Date: 1960
Appropriate Age: 8-10
Read to a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Together, these three house pets faced starvation, exposure and wild forest animals to make their way home to the family they love.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Treat a dog extra special this week. Take your own or your neighbor's dog for a particularly long, companionable walk.
2. Hire yourself out as a dog-walker in the neighborhood (put up advertisements). Donate your profits to the local Humane Society.
Related Books/Topics: Ribsy, Old Yeller, Kavic the Wolf Dog.
Submitted By:
Name: Welcolm Weisel
Position/Role: Library Manager
School: Dalton Elementary
District: #271
Title: The Chronicles of Narnia
Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 8-12
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This is a fantastic series that thrills a child's imagination. It involves several different children (depending on the book you are on) and their interaction with the creatures of Narnia where magic is still very much alive.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Talk about the difference between fantasy and reality.
2. Predict outcomes.
3. As your child how he or she would react to obstacles characters encounter.
Related Books/Topics: Fantasy.
Submitted By:
Name: Kristine Claybrook
Position/Role: Teacher (Family and Consumer Science)
School: Lakeland High School
District: Lakeland
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J. K. Rowling
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 10-14
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A young boy who is living with very mean relatives finds out that he is really from the secret world of magic and wizardry. He starts to attend a school for magic and then his world expands.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Role playing. Discussions about real live versus fantasy, drawing, character designing such as picking a character and based on the description, draw them. Design a "fast" broom; design better school uniforms.
Related Books/Topics: Other books in this series. Books by Leomony Snicket. The Chronicles of Narnia; The Tolken series. The More Flower Series.
Submitted By:
Name: Sherma Daarud
Position/Role: 6th Grade Teacher
School: Hagerman Elementary
District: #233
Title: Beetles Lightly Toasted
Author: Louis Sachar
Publisher:
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 11-13 years
Read to a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
The main character is trying to win the local 5th grade writing contest, a dream of his for years. The only problem is that the topic this year is "conservation". He decides that bugs and worms would make a great food supplement. The fun begins when he tests his recipes on his unsuspecting friends.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Spend time discussing how everything that we eat is natural. Bugs and worms eat the same items that humans do, so why can't they be part of our food chain?
2. Research an insect and try to find them around your house. Study their habitat.
Related Books/Topics:
Submitted By:
Name: Randy Maves
Position/Role: 7th Grade English
School: Castleford Schools
District: Castleford District #417
Title: The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Publisher: Puffin
Copyright Date: 1978
Appropriate Age: 10 and up
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Sixteen people named in Samuel W. Westing's will, must figure out which heir killed sam in order to win his $200 million dollar inheritance.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. Keep track of the clues! Although the plot is complex, full of characters and red herrings, diligent readers can figure out "whodunit".
2. Follow the stock market; keep track of paper products such as Procter and Gamble on the Dow Jones!
Related Books/Topics: The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) by Ellen Raskin. Agatha Christie novels; Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
Submitted By:
Name: Susan Reddick
Position/Role: 7th Grade English Teacher
School: Payette Lakes Middle School
District: McCall - Donnelly
Title: Run For Your Life
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publishing
Copyright Date: 1995
Appropriate Age: 10-16
Read to a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
When a diphtheria epidemic hits her 1840 village, thirteen-year-old Jessie discovers it is actually a 1996 tourist site under unseen observation by heartless scientists, and it's up to Jessie to escape the village and save the lives of the dying children.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Parents can discuss with their children the importance of medicine and health, vaccinations, illness in families, advances in medicines, importance of truthfulness. Families can check their vaccination records to make sure all are current. Family outing to Bonneville County Museum (they have many displays centering on the mid 1800's).
Related Books/Topics: Little House on the Prairie Series by Caddy Woodlawn
Submitted By:
Name: Cathleen Dargie/Bev Ellis
Position/Role: 5th grade teachers
School: Shelley School
District: District #60
Title: My Side of the Mountain
Author: Jean Craighead George
Publisher: Puffin Books
Copyright Date: 1988
Appropriate Age: 10-14
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Sam Gribley, a young boy, runs away to the Catskill Mountains to forge a life of his own in the wilderness. Along in the mountains, Sam learns about courage, danger, and the true meaning of companionship. He captures all this in his journal.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Create a family "camp out" night. Build a fort together, inside or outside. Give everyone a spiral notebook as his or her journals. Talk about the jobs Sam had to master on his own in the wilderness. Have family members pretend doing some of these tasks and then write their experiences of what they encounter in their journals.
Related Books/Topics: Naya Nuki by Kenneth Thomasma.
Submitted By:
Name: Kim Mills
Position/Role: 5th gr. teacher
School: Oakwood Elementary
District: Preston School District #201
Title: Stoton
Author: Chris Crutcher
Publisher: Laurel-Leaf (Bantam)
Copyright Date: 1986
Appropriate Age: 14+
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Four best friends are on a school swimming team. They bond together to make it to the State meet. The story takes them through a series of obstacles and their fight to overcome them. Along the way, one friend develops leukemia, another is abused, and one has troubles in his relationship with his girlfriend. Lots of humor and action creates lots of reading interest.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Discuss various issues and questions:
1. What role do parents play in the lives of their children?
2. What is true friendship?
3. What are the results of drugs on kids?
4. What is it like to be devoted to a cause or sport?
5. How do you deal with loss and difficult circumstances?
Issues: Racial problems, relationships, drugs, abuse, etc.
Related Books/Topics: Running Lose, The Chocolate War, Shabana.
Submitted By:
Name: Kirk Brower
Position/Role: English Teacher
School: Melba High School
District: Melba
Title: Alive!
Author: Piers Paul Read
Publisher: Avon Books
Copyright Date:
Appropriate Age: 14 - adult
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
A Uruguay Ruby team plane crashes in the Andes and the survivors live for 90 days before two of them walk out for help.
This is an excellent book for teenagers who want to find out what is going to happen next.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
Discuss what makes a hero. What are the characteristics of a real hero? Who are your heroes and why?
Alive!
Related Books/Topics: Movie "Alive!"; "Alive 20 Years Later."
Submitted By:
Name: Cyntia S. Plastino
Position/Role: ESL Teacher
School: Twin Falls High
District: Twin Falls.
Title: A Girl of the Limberlost
Author: Gene Stratton Porter
Publisher: Gosset and Dunlap
Copyright Date: 1909, 1986
Appropriate Age: 11 & up Level 5.2
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This is the story of Elnora Comstock, and impoverished girl growing up on the edge of the Limberlost swamp. Elnora is deeply wounded by her embittered mother's lack of sympathy or her aspirations of going to school. Elnora finds comfort in the nearby Limberlost swamp, where she collects moths for the Bird Woman. By selling her moths, Elnora is able to pay or her education, even though her mother tries in the worst way to discourage her.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
In the winter, you could pile up pillows and drink hot chocolate while reading the story together. By turning off the TV and reading together the story line sparks conversation and encourages discussion. In the summer, you could try to find moths as Elnora did in the story and start your own moth collection. You could discuss the field of entomology, the environment, or hobbies in general. The story also allows for discussion of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.
Related Books/Topics: Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter
Submitted By:
Name: Marria K. Coriell
Position/Role: L.E.P. Educational Assistant
School: Glenns Ferry High School
District: #192
Title: The Hobbit
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Copyright Date: 1969
Appropriate Age: 10 - adult
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
The Hobbit is a delightful fantasy about a placed called Middle-earth and a charming little creature - the Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, is caught up in an adventure with dwarves, a wizard, goblins, and several other creatures in Middle-earth. An adventure is unheard of for Hobbits, so for Bilbo to go on one is incredible. The story begins with Bilbo, 13 dwarves and a wizard setting out to reclaim the treasure that was taken from the dwarves' ancestors by the fierce dragon, Smaug. There are many adventures along the way, including Bilbo's finding the One Ring of Power and brining it back to his home in the Shire.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
An activity that would go well with this book is map reading. Bilbo loved maps, all kinds of maps. There are several maps in the book that you can use to follow the Hobbit's trail to the mountain where Smaug lives. You could also get a map of your town and do some map reading that is based on reality.
Another activity that would go well with this book is riddle telling. At one point in the story, Bilbo must answer riddles to save his life. There are many riddle books that you can buy that can be used for various age levels.
Related Books/Topics: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Submitted By:
Name: Mike Brown
Position/Role: Special Education Director
School:
District: Jerome School District #261
Title: The Prydain Chronicles; The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of LLYR, Aran Wanderer, The High King.
Author: Lloyd Alexander
Publisher: Dell
Copyright Date: 1965
Appropriate Age: 8 - adult
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
Five fantasy adventure novels of the Kingdom of Prydain and its inhabitants, the pig-keeper to the 379-year-old wizard, the High King Math, and more. A wonderful series of books that appeals to children and adults.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
This book teaches great lessons in life. You could hold many discussions about growing up, initiated by phrases in this book. Discussion topics could include the difference between fantasy and reality, or how the characters handle their problems. Another good discussion starter is predicting how the stories will end or what will end or what will happen next. Older children could talk about what additional stories could be written.
Title: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Author: Avi
Publisher: Avon Books
Copyright Date: 1990
Appropriate Age: 11-14
Read with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
(1800)13-year-old Charlotte undergoes a complete transformation while on a trans-Atlantic passage on the Seahawk. She is accused of murder, brought to trial and found guilty. Her knowledge of self and her confidence enable her to survive. Packed with action & twists!
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
1. What items would you pack if you were making this trip?
2. Try carving a coconut into a face.
3. Research sailing ships of the 1800's.
4. If Charlotte chose to write a letter to her family 10-year later, what would it say?
Meal: English "tea" with biscuits (cookies).
Related Books/Topics: Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson.
Submitted By:
Name: Sheryce Davis
Position/Role: Teacher (6th Grade)
School: Eagle Middle School
District: Meridian
Title: From Sea o Shining Sea
Author: Compiled by Amy L. Cohn
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright Date: 1993
Appropriate Age: All
Read to or with a child.
Brief Synopsis of the Story:
This treasure celebrates and explores our natio and its folklore. More than 140 American folk tales, folk songs, poems, and essays are placed in historical context and connected by 300 illustrations done by eleven Caldecott Medal and four Caldecott Honor Book artists. This book is fantastic.
Interaction, Activity, or Recipe:
This book is full of folklore introduced through story, art, and song. Just sharing a story or song a night will take the reader on a grand tour through United States history.
