Grizzly Bears

Eye of the Grizzly
Mike Graf, Marjorie Leggitt

Explore Yellowstone with the Parker family – go camping in the back country, listen to wolves howling at night, ride out a thunderstorm, encounter a charging grizzly bear. An adventure story combined with park nature and lore, ideas for family hikes and camping spots, and tips for wildlife and outdoor safety. (Illustrated chapter book)

Saw several today, including a mama and her cub.  Here is a pic of some more. 

Bison

Bison            Cherie Winner

Bison are big and you’re sure to see them in Yellowstone. Find out how bison are the largest land animal in North America, have good hearing and sense of smell, but don’t see well, live in herds, and are fierce fighters. (Illustrated chapter book)

Here they are "up close and personal"!

Yellowstone National Park - Born Wild

Born Wild in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks     Henry H. Holdsworth

Fabulous photos of young animals in Yellowstone National Park – bison calves rubbing noses, fuzzy brown moose calf, foxes playing, grizzly cubs following their mom, mule deer fawns in the meadows, and more. (Picture book)

Long hike today - partially in the snow! 
Check out the views .................

Yellowstone Day Hikes

A Ranger's Guide to Yellowstone Day Hikes          Roger Anderson, Carol Shively Anderson

This is our favorite guidebook for day hikes in Yellowstone. Each hike has the level of difficulty distance, trail directions, and detailed notes about plants and animals, geology, and observations by early explorers. (Guidebook)

I must have hiked for miles today!  Maybe I will be ready for a 5K when I return.  Here is Steamboat Hot Spring. Awesome!

Yellowstone National Park

Well, I am here!  Yes, in Montana!  A visit to this incredible place has always been on my "list" of things to do and here I am!  Each day I will try to post a book about one of nature's wonders for you to enjoy with me.

Yellowstone National Park        by       David PetersenFun facts about Yellowstone National Park – geysers, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs, petrified forests, wildlife (bison, pronghorn, elk, wolves), lakes and waterfalls, Indians and explorers. (Easy reader)

Here is a picture of the view from the deck of the house we are staying in.  Breathtaking!

Yellowstone National Park

I leave for vacation in less than 24 hours, can't wait to see this beautiful place with my own eyes.  Follow the journey with me through these books. Going to Yellowstone by Peter and Connie Roop All about Yellowstone, starting with the geology (shaped by volcanoes and glaciers), Native Americans who lived here year-round, explorers in this “land of wonders,” thermal features, landmarks (Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone), fires and wildlife. Good for older kids. (Illustrated chapter book)

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Blueberries for Sal

Taken from Children's Books - In 1949, this charming book was designated a Caldecott Honor Book. The two human characters in the story, little Sal and her mother, are said to be based on Robert McCloskey's wife, Margaret, and daughter, Sarah. When Sal and her mother climb Blueberry Hill to pick blueberries another mother and "child," a bear and her cub, are climbing up the other side of the hill to pick blueberries. The story of how "Little Bear and Little Sal's mother and Little Sal and Little Bear's mother were all mixed up with each other among the blueberries on Blueberry Hill" contains the perfect blend of humor and suspense for young children. McCloskey's black and white illustrations are full of movement and life.
A great story for sequence and characters.

Here's a pic of my blueberries for tasting.  Happy summer!

Mysteries in Yellowstone

The Land of Curiosities
Adventures in Yellowstone, 1871 - 1872
Lost in Yellowstone, 1872 - 1873
Deanna Neil

Adventures of James and his sister Alice in Yellowstone – uncovering a plot to kill off the buffalo herds, surviving in the wilderness alone, learning the ways of the Shoshone, and exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. (Illustrated chapter book)

Bookstores

Well, with the advent of electronic books, readers, audio and all of that,  bookstores have taken on a new "look".  Whether it is hunting the shelves of a used book store or hunting online, looking for that wonderful story hidden in the pages of a book, hidden in the shelves or eletronic sites, finding that memorable story is exciting.  These are not meant to advertise the store, but share with you some memories. Here are a few fun places for you to "visit" (at least virtually).

Northshire Bookstore - a great shop locasted in Manchester Vermont. First editions, signed copies, a wonderfully, relaxing and fun children's section, not to mention a cafe with great yummy treats!

Eight Cousins - a small shop located in Falmouth Massachusetts, this shop specializes in children's books and other gifts. Visits by authors and illustrators add to the excitement of this shop.  The quintessential New England location, near the green in a small shore town.  Stop by ............

The Doylestown Bookshop - located in Doylestown PA, this shop has everything from Book Clubs, to Educators' Discounts to free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount (gotta love that!).  A neighborhood feel in a great Buck County Pennsylvania town, this shop has everything!  Check it out ................

The Moravian Bookshop - How can one resist this one! Autographed copies of first editions, author's visits and wonderful gifts spill from the shelves of this shop in historic Bethlehem Pennsylvania. Whether you are hunting for that "just right" book for a new mom, a special birthday gift for a friend or a wedding remembrance, this place has it all.  Not to mention great deli snacks and yummy gelato to eat as you walk around this quaint city.   Plan a visit during Musikfest in August.

While all of these shops are in the Northeastern United States, I am sure that you have many in your corners of the world, add a comment and post so that others may visit and keep these businesses alive!

"When you sell a man a book you don't sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.  Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night - there's all heaven and earth in a book, a real book." - Christopher Morley

Happy Father's Day!

Some books to share for Father's Day -

A Perfect Father's Day by Eve Bunting, Susan Meddaugh (Illustrator)
A charming story of a young girl and her relationship with her father. She wants to spend Father's Day with her Dad doing all the things he loves to do. Instead, they end up doing all the things that SHE loves to do and the perfect Dad makes her believe they are things HE loves to do.

Daddy Kisses by Anne Gutman, Georg Hallensleben (Illustrator)
What could be sweeter than adorable baby animals snuggling with their daddies? This simple board book with warm illustrations feature a variety of animals and celebrate the affection between fathers and children. Cuddles and kisses will surely abound when reading this aloud!

Father's Day by Anne Rockwell, Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)
What's the perfect gift for Dad?
In Mrs. Madoff's class, it's a book made just for him. First the kids think about their special moments with their fathers. Sam's dad is so strong, he can carry Sam on his shoulders. Eveline's dad sings to her when Maman has to work at night. Jessica writes about her father in Texas ... and her stepfather at home. And when it's time to celebrate at school, both of her fathers give Jessica the best surprise of all.
Here is a new Mrs. Madoff book for families to cherish on Father's Day and every day of the year.

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day byHarry Allard

If you have a field day coming up, here's a great book to share.   This book in a series of books about this special teacher are fun stories for all ages.  Check out these activities, such as writings, crossword puzzles and collaborative events. Videos, clips and many lesson plans are available in a multiple of places.  Simply search the title.

Have a fun field day!

Flag Day - June 14 in the United States of America

Flag Day - June 14

 Pam Ryan tells about her book The Flag We Love 

"The Flag We Love is a picture book on the American flag. It is written in simple poetry with a short facts section on each page. Beginning with the stars and stripes, it depicts the emotions and symbolism associated with the flag. The research was intense but interesting. I have fascinating research slides including every flag planting on the moon. I enjoy showing this book and the slides to teachers and children." 

The cover above is from The Flag We Love by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Text copyright 1996 by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrations copyright© 1996 by Ralph Masiello. Used by permission of Charlesbridge Publishing. All rights reserved.

Here's a great Flag Day quest to test your knowledge of the U.S.A. flag.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

http://school.familyeducation.com/literature/childrens-book/34845.html

It's not easy for duck parents to find a safe place to bring up their ducklings, but during a rest stop in Boston's Public Garden, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard think they just might have found the perfect spot. When Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings are stuck at a busy street in downtown Boston, their policeman friend Michael rushes in to stop traffic and make way for them.
Many activities to share this wonderful story! An integrated plan found as well.



Check out the sculpture in Boston's Public Garden as well.  Beautiful!

Henry and Mudge - Cynthia Rylant

Wonderful stories for beginning readers and the introduction to the world of "chapter" books. Some great ideas for book clubs,  word work and writing. These beginning stories, in a series are great ways to develop stamina in young readers.  Links to state standards are included for those that need that connection.  What's better than a boy and his dog!

Patricia Palacco - Where does one start?

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
The many titles, give me a sense to say - which one to select to share with you --------- so here are a few -

Thank You, Mr. Falker - an inspiring story about a teacher and a young girl and how she learns to read

Pink and Say - a study in two characters and friendship during the Civil War

Thundercake - a must read for anyone that has some angst about thunderstorms.  You must try to bake the cake.

 Interviews with the author, as well as an author study, will give you many ideas on sharing these wonderful stories with your children of any ages.