Look closely. Look very closely. Is it ? flakes of oatmeal? A moldy orange? Give up? Just turn the page and, lo and behold, it's a spotted toadstool! See what looks like gummy candy revealed as a millipede, a woolly scarf as frost on leaves, and many more surprises when you look closely through the forest. The Looking Closely series takes children on a journey of discovery through four environments -- the forest, the shore, the desert and the garden. Frank Serafini's camera lens enlarges each world through the magic of close-up photography. Young eyes will rediscover our planet as a place of beauty, mystery and delight. Readers are first challenged to guess the identity of each closeup photograph. The next page reveals the entire photograph of the plant, animal or natural object accompanied by a simple but detailed description of the habitat. By inspiring children to ask questions and use their imaginations, these books help build problem-solving skills. They also encourage curiosity about environments that, examined this closely, are full of unexpected wonders.
* AMAZING RESOURCE FOR WONDERING
Found September 26, 2014 @ http://www.amazon.ca/Looking-Closely-through-Forest-Serafini/dp/1554532124
* AMAZING RESOURCE FOR WONDERING
Found September 26, 2014 @ http://www.amazon.ca/Looking-Closely-through-Forest-Serafini/dp/1554532124
Solomon's Tree by Andrea Spalding
"Solomon has a special friendship with a big old maple outside his house. He knows the tree in all seasons and weathers. When a terrible storm tears it up by its roots, Solomon is devastated. But through the healing process of making a mask from part of the tree with his uncle, he learns that the cycle of life continues and so does the friendship between himself and the tree." (book cover, Orca Book Publishers, 2002) * Delightful story with wonderful images and sensory description * Aboriginal Themes |
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Tree by Danny Parker
"A sapling grows in the shelter of an older tree, where he is happy and safe. One day a violent storm destroys everything the sapling knows, and he suddenly finds himself unprotected and alone. But as the sapling grows, he gradually discovers that every end is a new beginning." (book cover, Little Hare Books, 2012) * Great book to pair with Solomon's Tree (see above book) for a compare/contrast * Circle of Life theme Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
"It all began when Floyd got his kite stuck in a tree... A laugh-out-loud story of determination and inventiveness." (book cover, Harper Collins, 2007) Full Curriculum Teaching Ideas and Resources for Stuck: click button. |
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The Giving Tree by Shel SilversteinThis delightful book is especially suitable for just before Christmas. It can be used as an intro to Christmas giving and possible setting up a food bank at your school. Other ideas?
A great resource package to go along with the book can be found at this website for about $5.00. See the examples to the right for an idea of what's offered. http://www.uniqueteachingresources.com/Giving-Tree-Lesson-Plans.html |
Melissa Parkington's Beautiful, Beautiful Hair by Pat Brisson, Suzanne Bloom (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator)
4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 29 ratings · 14 reviews
Spectacular!" "Gorgeous!" "Fabulous!" Those are some of the words people use to describe Melissa Parkington's hair, which is long, thick, and so shiny that it seems to sparkle. But Melissa would like to be known for more than her hair. Melissa wants to do something spectacular. But everything she tries doesn't seem to work out. Then one day she discovers that she can do something special - with her hair. Pat Brisson's engaging and thought-provoking story features lively illustrations by Suzanne Bloom.
Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 10/1/2006 Pages: 32 Reading Level: Age 6 and Up (less)
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published October 1st 2006 by Boyds Mills Press
* good book to discuss what makes up your identity: external vs internal qualities
4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 29 ratings · 14 reviews
Spectacular!" "Gorgeous!" "Fabulous!" Those are some of the words people use to describe Melissa Parkington's hair, which is long, thick, and so shiny that it seems to sparkle. But Melissa would like to be known for more than her hair. Melissa wants to do something spectacular. But everything she tries doesn't seem to work out. Then one day she discovers that she can do something special - with her hair. Pat Brisson's engaging and thought-provoking story features lively illustrations by Suzanne Bloom.
Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 10/1/2006 Pages: 32 Reading Level: Age 6 and Up (less)
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published October 1st 2006 by Boyds Mills Press
* good book to discuss what makes up your identity: external vs internal qualities
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Published on 16 Jul 2012 by Harcourt, Inc. "'Whoever You Are' by Mem Fox is a story which celebrates cultural diversity. It discusses differences and highlights similarities of people around the world. The author describes it as a book about peace and equality." found @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9swWI5SPKQ |
This reading on youtube is read by a woman with a lovely Australian accent - more fodder for discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9swWI5SPKQ |
This delightful book is a fun way to learn about trees, specifically their needs and ecology (interaction with animals) It has cross-curricular teaching activities and quizzes for free on its homepage. There is an e-book available as well as free online resources and support @ www.SylvanDellPublishing.com
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The Tree That Bear Climbed
by Marianne Collins Berkes (Arbordale Publishing, (2012) "The Tree That Bear Climbed is a creative twist on the classic, The House that Jack Built. Young listeners and early readers will love the rhythmic repetition as they learn about the many parts of a tree. Beginning with the roots that anchor the tree, this cumulative verse story climbs to a surprise ending. Why is the bear so eager to climb the tree and what happens when he gets to the top? Kate Rietz's vivid and detailed illustrations will enthrall children of all ages." as found @ http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14478562-the-tree-that-bear-climbed# ISBN 1607185377 (ISBN13: 9781607185376) |
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House Held Up by Trees
by Ted Kooser (Candlewick Press. 2012) "From Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Ted Kooser and rising talent Jon Klassen comes a poignant tale of loss, change, and nature's quiet triumph. When the house was new, not a single tree remained on its perfect lawn to give shade from the sun. The children in the house trailed the scent of wild trees to neighboring lots, where thick bushes offered up secret places to play. When the children grew up and moved away, their father, alone in the house, continued his battle against blowing seeds, plucking out sprouting trees. Until one day the father, too, moved away, and as the empty house began its decline, the trees began their approach. At once wistful and exhilarating, this lovely, lyrical story evokes the inexorable passage of time — and the awe-inspiring power of nature to lift us up." -as found @ http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12833946-house-held-up-by-trees ISBN 0763651079 (ISBN13: 9780763651077 On the youtube to the left, Ted Kooser, author, speaks about the house that inspired the book. Informative listen. |
There's Only One of Me!
by Pat Hutchins "DaughterSisterHalf-sisterStepdaughterStepsisterCousinNieceGranddaughterGreat-GranddaughterThere are so many things to be when the relatives are coming to your birthday party! But sometimes the best thing of all is to be a birthday girl. Oh, happy birthday!" as found @ http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/773159.There_s_Only_One_of_Me_ Published March 4th 2003 by Greenwillow Books ISBN 0060298197 (ISBN13: 9780060298197) |