Educational Activities: Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower by Diane Kredensor

On September 16, 2019September 16, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower
Author: Diane Kredensor
Illustrator: Diane Kredensor
Aladdin
2 July 2019
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Some superheroes can leap tall buildings in a single bound, some can crawl up a wall, some grow wolfsharp claws, and some have superhuman speed. And Superbuns? Her superpower is being kind. Super kind. She can’t help but be kind: watering a neighbor’s daisies; helping a friend cross the street; feeding a hungry goldfish.

Superbuns’ older sister Blossom is a super know-it-all who doesn’t believe kindness is a superpower. Not one bit. And all this kindness is slowing them down on their way to Grammy’s house, where a yummy carrot cobbler awaits.

But the sisters are being followed by a little fox, and when Blossom learns the fox is not after their cobbler but is lost, she discovers kindness really is a superpower after all.”

Need some reviews of Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower?

As a bonus, here’s an interview with Diane Kredensor at Geek Mom.

Educational Activities inspired by Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower by Diane Kredensor:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What type of creature is Superbuns?
- Why does Superbuns seem so happy?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- On the back cover is Blossom. What do we know about her?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Which of Blossom’s facts interest you the most?
- What type of cobbler/pie/dessert would YOU take to Grammy’s?
- What type of relationship do the sisters (Superbuns and Blossom) have?
- Why is Superbuns so scared of Miss Fox at first? Why does that change?
- Go back and revisit the pictures in this book. Which of them is your favorite? Why?
Writing–Try your hand at creating your own superhero story about a character with a power that isn’t so … well … super! What IS that power? How does the character use it to help people? What type of “villain” might your story have? What’s the confrontation/conflict between the “villain” and the superhero? How does it all turn out in the end?
Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following bunny-themed crafts:
- Bunny Bath Bombs–This craft requires quite a few ingredients, but the end result is worth it. Good CLEAN fun! 🙂
- Egg Carton Bunny–This one’s easy enough for preschoolers.
- Origami Bunny–You need special paper, but nothing more!
- Popsicle Stick Bunny–This one needs cutting and gluing. Add googly eyes for extra fun.
- Tissue Box Bunny–Cute as can be, though it needs a bit more measuring and cutting than some other projects.
Further Reading–Want to know about more books that showcase superheroes of all types? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten! by Lisa Robinson

On August 19, 2019December 12, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten!
Author: Lisa Robinson
Illustrator: Eda Kaban
Two Lions
1 August 2019
32 pages

Goodreads Synopsis: “Pirate Emma is about to start kindergarten! But Emma’s not so sure she’s ready for a new captain and crew. Especially since Cap’n Chu—the roughest, toughest, awesomest preschool cap’n ever—is right down the hall. So Emma decides to head back to the preschool ship to see if she can stir up a mutiny against kindergarten! Is that what she really wants? Or does she just miss her beloved Cap’n Chu? Batten down the hatches, mateys, because the first day of school is going to be stormy!”

Need some reviews of Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten?

Christy’s Cozy Corners

Cover2Cover

Kirkus

Publisher’s Weekly

Youth Services Book Review

And for a bonus, here’s a short interview with the book’s author and illustrator at Tara Lazar’s fine blog.

Educational Activities inspired by Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten! by Lisa Robinson:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- Where and when does this story seem to take place? What evidence do you see?
- What do you already know about pirates?
- If pirates don’t go to kindergarten, where DO they go?
- What do you imagine the kids on the back cover are saying to each other?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Which classroom appeals to you most–the pirate room or the space room?
- What do you think Pirate Emma missed most about preschool?
- Go back and revisit the pictures in this book. Which of them is your favorite? Why?
- How satisfied are you with the ending? Does Emma seem like she’ll be happy from now on?
Writing–Try your hand at creating your own first-day-of-school story. Tell it from your own experiences or make up a character like Pirate Emma who is having a hard time with the new situation. What kind of challenges might your main character face? How will they react when things don’t go as expected? What does your main character miss most about their old teacher/class? Will your story end on a happy note, a sad note, or something else entirely?
Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following pirate-themed crafts:
- “Exploding” Treasure Chest–Never considered how science fits into the world of pirates? Wonder no more! Let the fizzing (spoiler: it fizzes vs explodes) and the fun begin.
- Handprint Pirate–Could be a big mess–what hand-painting isn’t? But it’s something the kids will really enjoy.
- Pirate Ball Toss Game–Relatively easy to create, and it’s a cool addition to any pirate-themed party.
- Pirates’ Number Gold–Requires a bit of adult help and more supplies than normal, but the results are pretty darn cool!
- Toilet Roll Pirate and Parrot–These cuties are easy to make and look terrific.
- Treasure Maps–Why not use those leftover paper grocery bags for something fun like a treasure map?
Further Reading–Want more books that showcase pirates of one type or another? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: The Ant Farm Escape by Heather Macht

On July 15, 2019July 15, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

The Ant Farm Escape!
Author: Heather Macht
Illustrator: David Harrington
Pelican Press
17 January 2019
32 pages

Follow along through rhyming text as an ant colony is newly relocated to an ant farm and it’s time to break ground. They’re ready to build and (here’s a fun fact about worker ants), they’re all GIRLS!

Need some reviews of The Ant Farm Escape!?

Foreword

Goodreads

And for bonus #1, here’s the “story behind the story” of this book from Lynne Marie’s blog.

Here’s bonus #2, The Ant Farm Escape! book trailer.

And last but not least, here’s bonus #2: an interview with author Heather Macht (by Rhys Keller).

Educational Activities inspired by The Ant Escape! by Heather Macht:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you already know about ants?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What kind of equipment do the ants have? Does any of it surprise you?
- How many of the ants appear to be female?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Which of the ant facts surprise you the most?
- Would you like your own ant farm? Why/why not?
- How would you describe the style of the pictures?
- Go back and revisit the pictures in this book. Which of them is your favorite? Why?
Writing–Try your hand at creating your own ant story. Write what happens when the colony in this story leaves the ant farm and goes the nearby hill. Or tell the story of a single ant from this story or from your imagination. Who would have the most interesting story to share–a queen, a worker, or a whole group of ants?
Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following ant-themed crafts:
- Ant Puppet–Easy enough for the smallest to create, fun enough for everyone. Comes with a song, too!
- Egg Carton Ant Figure–Perfect for preschoolers.
- 3D Paper Ant–Very easy craft–black construction paper, scissors, and a glue stick. That’s it!
- Plastic Spoon Ant–Love DIY projects? Dig recycling? This video shows how to make a cool ant from a Styrofoam ball and a plastic spoon.
- Ant Printable–Super easy, though it has a bit more cutting than other projects listed here.
Further Reading–Want more books that showcase the small-but-awesome world of ants? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves by Lauren H. Kerstein

On June 17, 2019October 17, 2021 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves
Author: Lauren H. Kerstein
Illustrator: Nate Wragg
Two Lions
1 May 2019
40 pages

It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful—swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging.

Need some reviews of Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves?

Booking Mama

Mom Read It

The Children’s Book Review

Educational Activities inspired by Lauren H. Kerstein’s Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves:

Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- Where do you think Rosie and Charlie are making waves?
- What type of relationship do they seem to have?
- Does the story look like it’s about today or a long time ago?
After Reading–
- Among other things, this book is about safety at public pools. What do you now know about pool safety?
- What do you think Rosie likes most about Charlie’s gummy snacks?
- Which character do you think is most like you? Charlie or Rosie? Why?
Writing–This book ends with Rosie wanting to learn to read. Write the story of what happens the next day when Charlie tries to teach her to read. What kind of trouble does Rosie get into (we KNOW she gets into trouble)?
Crafts–With an adult’s help, try some of the following dragon-themed crafts:
- No-sew Dragon Mask–Requires a lot of fabric, but wow, it’s worth it. Perfect for a Halloween costume or around-the-house dragon fun.
- Gleaming Dragon Eyes–Marbles, paint, and lots of fun. You can use a paint pen instead, if you want.
- Paper Dragon Puppets–A 10-minute, nearly no-mess craft. It’s inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.
- Paper Dinosaur Hat and Back Spine–Easy enough for a 4‑year old to make.
- Dragon Bookmark–Makes an easy Chinese New Year gift too.
Further Reading–Who doesn’t like dragons, right? While the dragons in the following books aren’t swimming in a pool, they are doing some fun things. Which of these looks most dragon-tastic to you? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert by Morag Hood

On May 20, 2019May 19, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert
Author: Morag Hood
Illustrator: Ella Okstad
Aladdin
20 November 2018
32 pages

It’s time to meet the master of magical creatures–Sophie Johnson! She’s a top-notch expert on unicorns. Or is she?

Need some reviews of Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert?

And as a super bonus, here’s a video read-aloud version of this story.

Educational Activities inspired by Morag Hood’s Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- Does the story seem like it’s about today or a long time ago?
- What do you make of that expression on the unicorn’s face?
- Why does it seem to be raining glitter?
After Reading–In the story, Sophie says that magic is more important than mess. What’s one thing in your own life that’s “more important than mess”?
After Reading–Sophie does her best to care for her 17 unicorns. She teaches them to hunt for food and watch out for balloons. What other things do you think unicorns need to know? Or that they should watch out for?
Drawing–At the end of the story, Sophie points out that “Some people don’t even know what a REAL unicorn looks like!” Using crayons or colored pencils, draw what you think a REAL unicorn looks like on a sheet of paper.
Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following unicorn-themed crafts:
- Unicorn Dreamcatcher
- Unicorn Rocks
- Unicorn Costume (this one requires quite a bit of adult help!)
- Unicorn Piñata
- Unicorn Puppets
- Toilet Paper Roll Unicorn Gift Box
Further Reading–Want more books that feature the awesomeness that is unicorns? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: My Forest Is Green by Darren Lebeuf

On April 15, 2019April 15, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

My Forest Is Green
Author: Darren Lebeuf
Illustrator: Ashley Barron
Kids Can Press
2 April 2019
32 pages

With art supplies in tow, a young boy explores the urban forest near his home, then interprets what he sees with his art. The boy is a keen observer who uses poetic, rhythmic language to describe the diversity he finds through all four seasons.

Need some reviews of My Forest Is Green?

Goodreads

Publisher’s Weekly

Quill & Quire

Welcome to Our Campfire

Youth Services Book Review

Educational Activities inspired by Darren Lebeuf’s My Forest Is Green:

Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- Does the story look like it’s about today or a long time ago?
- Where do you think the boy is? Where is he going?
- What do you think the title means?
After Reading–Think about the last time you were in a forest. What do you remember about it most? Why color was YOUR forest?
After Reading–Each aspect of the forest inspires the boy to create a different type of art in response. Which art medium did you like most? The photography? Rock art? Charcoal rubbings? Something else?
Nature–With an adult–and perhaps some friends–explore a nearby forest. Be sure to carefully observe the natural world, just as the boy in the story did. Here are some options on ways to engage with the natural world:
Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following urban forest-themed crafts:
Further Reading–The boy in this story is a huge fan of art–he uses it to express himself and to understand the world around him. Want to read more about other kids who love art? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)