Category: Educational Activities

Educational Activities: Fonchito and the Moon by Mario Vargas Llosa

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Fonchito and the Moon
Author: Mario Vargas Llosa
Illustrator: Marta Chicote Juiz
18 October 2022
Kales Press
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Fonchito falls in love for the very first time and discovers that there is nothing one cannot do for a loved one, even if what they wish for is the moon!”

Need some reviews on Fonchito and the Moon?

Educational Activities inspired by Fonchito and the Moon:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What do you think of when you think about the moon?
    • What’s happening on the front cover?
    • What’s interesting about the back cover?
    • Where and when does this story seem to take place?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did you react when Nereida said she’d only let Fonchito kiss her on the cheek if he got the moon and gave it to her?
    • What other ways can you think of that Fonchito could get the moon for her?
    • Do you think Nereida really wanted him to kiss her?
    • Which picture did you like the most? Why?
    • What did you think of the book’s ending?
    • Did you like this book? Why/​why not?
  • Drawing–How do you like the illustrations of the moon? Does it look like what YOU think the moon looks like? Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own moon art for this story or simply to be art all on its own. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
  • Crafting–Since the moon plays such a big role in this story, let’s enjoy some moon crafts! 
  • Further Reading–Learn more about the moon by reading these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: The Path by Bob Staake

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The Path: A Picture Book About Finding Your Own True Way
Author: Bob Staake
Illustrator: Bob Staake
5 April 2022
minedition US
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “From New Yorker cover artist Bob Staake, this inspirational guide to finding your authentic self through life’s challenges is a hip new take on the graduation book.

Award-​winning author and New Yorker cover artist Bob Staake’s lyrical words and stunning illustrations will lead children and adults alike to discover the encouraging truth that our path through life is not only challenging and beautiful—it is all our own to discover and invent. With a bonus The Path poster from Bob Staake inside the jacket!

“You will walk. You will walk along a well-​worn path that many people have taken—and long before you.” So begins this inspirational journey over gentle, grassy hills, through fields of wildflowers, over raging rivers, up steep mountains, and even through a dark, chilly cave. When it splits in two, you will have to decide what to do next—and you’ll create a path that’s unique to you.”

Need some reviews on The Path?

As a bonus, here’s the book trailer for The Path.

Educational Activities inspired by The Path:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What’s happening on the cover?
    • What do you think of when you think of paths?
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What differences do you notice between the front and back cover?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Which part of the journey was most surprising?
    • Which picture did you like the most? Why?
    • What did you think of the book’s ending?
    • Did you like this book? Why/​why not?
  • Writing–When have you created your own path in life? If you have, write down the story of what happened. If you haven’t, imagine what you might have done differently in the past and write that story. Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own art, if you want. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
  • Crafting–A lot of what happens in The Path happens in the woods, so here are some crafts related to that environment: 
  • Further Reading–Learn more about finding your own path and overcoming challenges by reading these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: K is for Kindness by Rina Horiuchi

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K Is for Kindness
Author: Rina Horiuchi
Illustrator: Risa Horiuchi
26 April 2022
Viking Books for Young Readers
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “From aardvark to zebra, this delightful cast of animal characters illustrates the many ways to show kindness to others, while teaching the youngest readers their ABCs.

Debut author/​illustrator and sister duo Rina Horiuchi and Risa Horiuchi have crafted a warm and tender gift that affirms kindness can be found anywhere.”

Need some reviews on K Is for Kindness?

As a bonus, here’s a Storytime Read-​a-​loud of K Is for Kindness.

Educational Activities inspired by K Is for Kindness:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What’s happening on the cover?
    • What does “kindness” mean to you?
    • What does “empathy” mean to you?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Which of the animals were you most surprised to see in this book?
    • Which rhyme was your favorite? Why?
    • Which picture did you like the most? Why?
    • The book asks “What’s something nice that you might do today?” What’s your answer?
    • What did you think of the book’s ending?
    • Did you like this book? Why/​why not?
  • Writing–What other acts of kindness might have been included in this story? Write your own scene with animal characters doing their own kind actions. See if you can match the rhyme pattern found in the book. Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own art, if you want. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
  • Crafting–This book includes a lot of animal characters. Let’s stick with that theme and make crafts that feature some of the animals from K Is for Kindness.
  • Further Reading–Learn more about kindness by reading these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Sarah Rising by Ty Chapman

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Sarah Rising
Author: Ty Chapman
Illustrator: DeAnn Wiley
24 May 2022
Beaming Books
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Sarah starts her day like any other day: she eats her toast and feeds her bugs. But today isn’t a day like any other day. Today, her dad brings her to a protest to speak out against police violence against Black people. The protesters are loud, and Sarah gets scared. When Sarah spots a beautiful monarch butterfly and follows it through the crowd, she finds herself inside the no-​man’s land between the line of police and protesters. In the moments that follow, Sarah is confronted with the cruelty of those who are supposed to protect her and learns what it feels like to protect and be protected.

Inspired by the protests that happened during the Minneapolis Uprising after the police killing of George Floyd, Sarah Rising provides a child’s-​eye view of a protest and offers an opportunity for children to talk about why people take to the streets to protest racial injustice. Readers will gain a new appreciation for how important it is to be part of a community of people who protect each other.

Backmatter includes a note from the author about his experience growing up as a Black boy in the Twin Cities, information about the Minneapolis Uprising, and practical ways kids can get involved in activism.”

Need some reviews on Sarah Rising?

As a bonus, here’s an interview with the author at Tara Lazar’s blog.

Educational Activities inspired by Ty Chapman’s Sarah Rising:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • When and where do you think this story takes place?
    • What is the child doing on the front cover?
    • What emotion is that child feeling? Are the other people feeling the same thing?
    • What do you think this story will be about? What makes you think that?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Were you surprised by the pets that Sarah had? What type of person has pets like that?
    • What did you predict was going to happen when Sarah’s dad said she wasn’t going to school that day but instead was going with him to a protest?
    • How did you react when the policeman smacked the butterfly?
    • When Sarah ran off with the injured butterfly and got lost, how did the art change?
    • At the end of the book, Sarah was yelling along with everyone else? Why didn’t she yell and chant before?
    • Which picture did you think was the most powerful? Why?
    • Did you like this book? Why/​why not?
  • Discussing–Sarah Rising is a story about a very challenging topic. What questions do you have? How did it make you feel? Is there any part you didn’t understand? If you were Sarah, would you have done anything different? Whatever you think, feel, or wonder is perfectly okay. Read the book again with an adult family member or friend, then talk about what you think, feel, and wonder. Listen to what they think, feel, and wonder, too.
  • Writing–If this book had a sequel, what would it be? Write that story yourself in any way that you choose. Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own art, if you want. Consider sharing your story with a friend or family member.
  • Listening–Many real-​world kids are involved in real-​world activism. In the video below, how does Michael’s story connect with Sarah Rising?

  • Further Reading–Learn more about children and activism by reading these exciting books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Eggasaurus by Jennifer Wagh

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Eggasaurus
Authors: Jennifer Wagh
Illustrator: Hallie Bateman
26 April 2022
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “In this funny and winsome epistolary picture book, a young boy who orders a dinosaur egg ends up with more than he—or his dad—bargained for!

All Maximus wants is a pet dinosaur—is that really too much to ask? But when his dad tells him he must send the egg back to where it came from, a mysterious company called Eggasaurus, Inc, a hiccup in communication leads to Max getting more…and more…and MORE eggs! Can he and his dad find a compromise before the eggs hatch and the baby dinosaurs take over their home?”

Educational Activities inspired by Jennifer Wagh’s Eggasaurus:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What is the child doing on the front cover?
    • What emotion is that child feeling?
    • Who is the other person with that child?
    • What is the child doing on the back cover?
    • How are the two images of the child the same? How are they different?
    • Does what’s inside the box really look fragile?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • The story is told entirely through an exchange of letters. Which letter and its accompanying illustration did you like the best? Why?
    • Have you ever had to ask for a refund before? Did it work out?
    • What actions did Maximus take to show responsibility for the eggs and the dinosaurs in the story?
    • How did the dad’s feelings about the eggs and the dinosaurs change throughout the book?
    • In the final letter, there’s a special delivery mentioned. What do you think it’ll be?
  • Writing–The story is told through an exchange of letters between Maximus and the company Eggasaurus, Inc. The book ends with a letter from Eggasaurus, Inc. that provides him with a certificate to run an official Dinosaur Day Care. Help out Maximus by writing a letter that’s his reply to Eggasaurus, Inc. Consider using colored pencils or crayons to create pictures of the Dinosaur Day Care to go with your letter.
  • Crafting–Since dinosaurs hatch, chomp, and romp throughout the story, let’s create some fun dino crafts. Ask an adult for help, just to be on the safe side: 
    • Dino Feet: Have an adult help with the scissors and then get ready to do some stomping!
    • Edible Dino Eggs: All this crafting makes dinosaurs hungry, so stir up a batch of these yummy dino eggs!
    • Paper Dinosaur Hat: Every good dino needs spikes down its back, so work with an adult to cut out triangles, or design your own style spikes for this cool dinosaur hat.
    • Papier-​Mâché Dinosaur Eggs: Decorate your egg however you want since every dino egg is unique!
    • Pterodactyl Eggs in a Nest: Make certain no one has food allergies before making this edible craft (it has peanut butter)!
  • Imagining–Many dinosaurs have long, interesting names. Here’s a short classroom-​friendly video that shares the names of many popular dinosaurs. Now use your imagination to invent your own dinosaur name by filling in the blanks below: 
    • If I could create any type of dinosaur, I would create a (herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore) _____________.
    • My dinosaur looks like _______________.
    • For fun, my dinosaur likes to_______________.
    • So, I would name my dinosaur ______________.
  • Further Reading–Are you enjoying spending time with dinosaurs? Learn more about real and imaginary dinosaurs by reading these exciting books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Joshua Walls is a children’s author and travel writer who isn’t afraid to fuse, challenge, or deconstruct genres in the pursuit of creating compelling stories. Currently, he lives in Sarasota, FL where he’s pursuing a BFA in Creative Writing at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also the co-​founder and co-​host of the Fluff It podcast.

 

Educational Activities: The Struggle Bus by Julie Koon

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The Struggle Bus
Authors: Julie Koon
Illustrator: Julie Koon
8 March 2022
Kind World Publishing
36 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Sometimes things are really tough. It’s just too hard, you’ve had enough. Grumble, rumble, bump, and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door. Strap in and hold on tight! Through all the ups and downs, you have what it takes to do hard things.

Rolling, rollicking rhymes take readers on a journey of perseverance, where challenges are faced and mountains are climbed.”

Need some reviews of Struggle Bus?

Educational Activities inspired by Julie Koon’s The Struggle Bus:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What is the child doing on the front cover?
    • What emotion is being felt by that child?
    • If that child spoke, what do you think would be said?
    • How do you think this story will end?
    • From looking at this cover, what other books does this remind you of?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did you feel when the child stepped about the struggle bus?
    • Did the struggle bus look like you imagined it would?
    • How did you react to the repeating line “grumble, rumble, bump and roar”? 
      • Did you notice that the last word in that repeated line changed a number of times?
    • How surprised were you when the struggle bus SOARED?
    • Which picture/​scene did you like the most? Why?
    • What was the most interesting part of the back matter?
  • Writing–Think about a time where you rode your own struggle bus. What struggles were you facing? What were you feeling? How did things change for you? Write about that time in whatever way you choose–a poem, a story, a rant, song, or something else! Use pencils, crayons, or markers to add pictures or decorate it, if you want. Consider sharing your writing with an adult and explaining your creative choices.
  • Playing–With a couple of friends or family members, play “Simon Says Feelings.” For example, say: “Simon says…look mad!” Feel free to discuss those feelings or ask questions about them between rounds or after the game is over.
  • Crafting–Making crafts is a fantastic way to explore, share, and engage with your feelings. Here are a few of our favorites: 
    • Emotion Faces–These conversation starters are easy to make.
    • Emotion Masks–A little more involved than some of the other crafts, but it’s not too challenging for kids to create.
    • Emotion Painting–This is designed for a classroom teacher, but it’s easily adapted to a family setting, as well.
    • Emotions Wheel–This printable craft has three different version that range in levels of complexity.
    • Feeling Spinner–This paper plate craft can help young people identify and talk about emotions.
  • Further Reading–Enjoy a few more picture books about feelings. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)