Category: Educational Activities

Educational Activities: Headstrong Hallie! by Aimée Bissonette

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Headstrong Hallie! The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female “Fire Guard”
Author: Aimée Bissonette
Illustrator: David Hohn
15 March 2021
Sleeping Bear Press
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Hallie Morse Daggett loved spending time outdoors, hiking among the tall trees of the forests in California’s Siskiyou Mountains. She wasn’t afraid of the bears, coyotes, and wildcats. But Hallie was afraid of fire and understood the threat it posed to the forests, wildlife, and people. And more than anything, she wanted to devote her life to protecting her beloved outdoors; she decided she would work for the US Forest Service. But in the 1880s the Forest Service didn’t hire women, thinking they couldn’t handle the physical challenges of the work or the isolation. But the Forest Service didn’t know Hallie or how determined she could be. This picture-​book biography tells the story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the first woman ‘fire guard’ hired by the US Forest Service, whose hard work and dedication led the way for other women to join the Forest Service.”

Enjoy some reviews of Headstrong Hallie!

Educational Activities inspired by Aimée Bissonette’s Headstone Hallie! The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female “Fire Guard”:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What does the term “headstrong” mean?
    • What is the woman looking at through her binoculars?
    • What do you think a fire guard does?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Why wasn’t city life a good fit for Hallie?
    • While Hallie was a brave person, she feared one thing–fire. Why was she so afraid?
    • How did Hallie feel when she asked to help fight fires and was told no again and again?
    • How important is the job of fire guard?
    • What do you think Hallie liked most about being the lookout up at Eddy Gulch? 
      • Is it a job you could see yourself doing?
    • What other story/​book/​film/​TV show does Headstrong Hallie! remind you of?
  • Back Matter–Since Back Matter isn’t always read with the actual story, let’s address it separately. Now that you’ve read the Back Matter: 
    • Do you think Hallie changed her mind about dogs? Why/​why not?
    • What is the most surprising part of Hallie’s life?
    • How does it make you feel to know that we don’t have very many actual facts about Hallie’s life?
  • Writing–Imagine what it was like for Hallie as a lookout at Eddy Gulch. What did Hallie think about? What animals did she see? What did she eat, do, or read? Write about one or more of those moments, and use specific details to make your writing come alive for readers. Then, consider sharing your story with a friend or adult. Feel free to discuss your creative choices.
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an art- or forest-​loving adult to help: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about forests have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle

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Anonymouse
Author: Vikki VanSickle
Illustrator: Anna Pirolli
9 February 2021
Tundra Books
40 pages

I’ve always liked street art, and the work of Banksy seems to serve as an inspiration for this fine, fun tale.

Book description from Goodreads: “Animal-​friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a name: Anonymouse. For fans of Sidewalk Flowers and Art & Max.

Art for the birds.
Art for the ants.
Art for the dogs, cats, and raccoons.
Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home.
But who is creating it?
Only Anonymouse knows for sure …

This clever tale mixes street art, animals, and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature’s spirit — human or animal — when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli’s stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of colour and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle’s subtle but evocative text.”

Need some reviews of Anonymouse?

Educational Activities inspired by Anonymouse:

  • 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’s strange about the A in the title? 
    • Why do you think the artist chose the bright pink berry color to use on the cover?
    • What kind of animals do you see on the front and back cover? 
      • Are there any that surprise you?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book: 
    • Which of Anonymouse’s pieces of art did you like the most?
    • Why do you think Anonymouse kept his identity a secret?
    • How did you feel when Anonymouse seemed to vanish from the story? (“There hadn’t been anything new from Anonymouse in a long time.”)
    • Is Anonymouse gone for good? 
      • If not, why not?
    • In what ways were the animals affected by the artwork of Anonymouse?
    • What other story/​book/​film/​tv show does Anonymouse remind you of?
  • Writing–There are a number of mysteries at the heart of this story. 
    • Who IS Anonymouse?
    • Why does Anonymouse choose to remain anonymous?
    • Where does Anonymouse go when he’s not creating public art?
    • Why does he give away his art versus sell it or display it in a gallery or museum?
    • Take any one of these as inspiration, then write a brief story that explains the answer. Handle it in any way you that you choose–silly, serious, scary, weird. When you’re done, consider sharing it with a friend or adult. (Artists of all types–including Anonymouse–love to share their work with others.)
  • Art–Clearly this is a book about creating visual art. Use crayons, colored pencils, or makers to create your own artistic response to it. If an adult agrees and will supervise, perhaps let your canvas be a wall, a sidewalk, or anything like Anonymouse used in the story! Otherwise, paper or poster board is still a terrific option. Consider sharing your artwork with a friend or adult, and explain your creative choices.
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an art- or mouse-​loving adult to help: 
    • Big Paper Mouse–This one’s got a video to show you every step.
    • Easy Paper Mouse Craft–This one makes a lovely mouse–no doubt about it!
    • Even Easier Paper Mouse Craft–Perfect for Valentine’s Day or just because. All you need are paper, scissors, and glue.
    • Styrofoam Mouse Craft–Just ignore when they slip and start calling it a “handprint chicken craft.” The rest is all good and it really does make a super-​cool mouse!
    • Toilet Paper Roll Mouse–This requires printing a template, but other than that, it’s quite doable and cute.
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about amazing mice have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information about these titles!)


 

Educational Activities: Kate’s Light by Elizabeth Spires

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Kate’s Light: Kate Walker at Robbins Reef Lighthouse
Author: Elizabeth Spires
Illustrator: Emily Arnold McCully
12 January 2021
Margaret Ferguson Books/​Holiday House
40 pages

I’m a fan of lighthouses, and I’ve liked Elizabeth Spires’ poetry for years, so going with her new picture book this month was an easy choice.

Book description from Goodreads: “When Kate Kaird immigrated with her young son Jacob from Germany to America in 1882, she couldn’t have predicted the surprising turn her life would take. She soon met and married John Walker, keeper of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. They moved to Robbins Reef Lighthouse in New York Harbor in 1885 and she became assistant keeper.

At first Kate wondered if she could live in such a lonely place, but she gradually grew to love life at Robbins Reef. When her husband died several years later, she was determined to stay on. After convincing the Lighthouse Board that she could do the job alone, Kate was appointed permanent keeper of the lighthouse, becoming one of the first women on the Eastern seaboard to be put in charge of an offshore lighthouse. She lived there 34 years and was known for her many rescues.

With watercolor and ink illustrations which perfectly capture the salty spray of the sea, Kate’s Light brings the turn of the century New York Harbor to life, with a focus on one of its little known but most crucial attendants. There is extensive additional material in the back of the book that includes an About Kate Walker section, photos of Kate and Robbins Reef Lighthouse, and a list of sources.”

Need some reviews of Kate’s Light?

Educational Activities inspired by Elizabeth Spires’ Kate’s Light:

  • 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?
    • Why do you think the book is called “Kate’s Light”?
    • What does the phrase “Mind the light, Kate” on the back cover make you think of?
    • Does the lighthouse look like a happy place to live or work?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did Kate feel when she first moved to the lighthouse? 
      • Did those feelings change?
    • How important is the job of lighthouse keeper? 
      • Is it a job you could see yourself doing?
    • How did you feel when the Lighthouse Board wanted to replace Kate with a man?
    • What did Kate think were some of the advantages of living in an lighthouse?
    • The story ends with “Mind the lights.” What has the phrase come to mean to you?
    • What other story/​book/​film/​tv show does Kate’s Light remind you of?
  • Writing–Because the author is an accomplished poet, many of the details and descriptions are poetic, such as “Robbins Reef Lighthouse looked like a tiny candle on a birthday cake” and “its polished leaves sparkled in the sunlight, bright as a diamond.” Try your hand at creating similar memorable lines by filling in the phrases below with your own words: 
    • The lighthouse glowed like _____________
    • The ocean was as blue as __________
    • The harbor was _​_​_​_​_​_​_​ with ice
    • The wind _​_​_​_​_​_​_​ like a _________
    • The cup of coffee was _​_​_​_​_​_​_​ as ________
  • Art–Lighthouses are some of the most beautiful structures ever built–some people travel hundreds of miles just to seem them! With crayons or colored pencils, draw your own lighthouse. Make sure to give it a big, bright light! Consider sharing your artwork with a friend or adult, and explain your creative choices.
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an art- or lighthouse-​loving adult to help: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about lighthouses have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: Lights Out by Marsha Diane Arnold

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Lights Out
Author: Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Susan Reagan
18 August 2020
Creative Editions
32 pages

I’ve been out in the middle of Iowa at night, so I’ve seen a lightless sky. It’s amazing!

Book description from Goodreads: “In a world marred by light pollution, this quest for true darkness is a clarion call to turn out the lights—so that all may see.”

Need some reviews of Lights Out?

Here’s a short bonus interview with author Marsha Diane Arnold at Night Sky Tourist.

Here’s another author interview at Picture Book Builders.

And here’s one more author interview, too–this time from from Jena Benton.

Educational Activities inspired by Marsha Diane Arnold’s Lights Out:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What does the phrase “lights out” make you think of?
    • What kind of creatures are on the front cover? 
      • Is it relevant that they are creatures of air, land, and water?
    • What’s special about the letter i in the title on the front cover?
    • Is there anything else that you note about the title? (Perhaps in terms of color?)
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What other story/​book/​film/​tv show does Lights Out remind you of?
    • What is the author’s main message with this book?
    • Why do you think there are sea turtles on the end papers?
    • Where do Fox, Frog, Bear, Firefly, and Songbird want to go? 
      • Why?
    • Early in the book, there’s a sizable list of things that create light. What other light sources can you add?
    • When the story ends with “Lights on,” is that a good thing, a bad thing, or something else entirely?
  • Science–Many of the animals in this book are nocturnal, meaning that they’re only active during the dark. In fact, nearly half of the animals in the world are nocturnal! Learn more about nocturnal creatures in the following two videos.

  • Writing–Try your hand at writing the story of a creature who is affected by a specific type of pollution (water? air? noise? light? something else?). Consider using crayons or colored pencils to create illustrations. Share your results with an adult!
  • Art–Imagine what the sky might look like if no human-​made light sources are present. What colors would you notice? Would you see the same constellations and shapes you do now? How clear would the sky be? Create that image with painting, crayons, or colored pencils. Consider sharing it with a friend or adult, and explain your creative choices.
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about pollution have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY! by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY!
Authors: John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue
15 August 2020
Sleeping Bear Press
32 pages

I was intrigued by the idea of using kid artists for a picture book. What a fun idea, right?

Book description from Sir Read a Lot: “Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. With text written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait in Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY! is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-​Saharan Africa.”

Educational Activities inspired by Platt and Donohue’s Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY!:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Why does the title include “OH MY!”?
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you already know about lions? About cheetahs? About rhinos?
    • What other animals do you imagine might be in this book?
    • Are the kid artists on the back cover younger, older, or the same age that you imagined?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What is the main message of this book?
    • Which animal fact surprised you most?
    • Which of the kid-​created images did you like the most? Why?
    • What other picture books does this book remind you of?
    • What feedback would you give to the authors?
  • Drawing–This project is based on the work of John Platt’s How to Draw a Lion program. While the book’s back matter has a step-​by-​step method for drawing a lion, here are videos that demonstrate how to draw some of the other African animals you saw in this book: 
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an animal- or art-​loving adult to help: 
    • Easy Elephant–I’m always a fan of 3D animals that can stand on their own.
    • Handprint Zebra–It requires using a computer printer and scissors, so be sure to have an adult help!
    • Lion Painting–This one uses footprints and forks. How much fun (and how messy) is that?
    • Paper Bag Hippo–Googly eyes makes this one really stand out.
    • Rolling Pin Print Leopard–Yep, it really uses a rolling pin (which won’t be ruined) to make the spots. Fun!
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about African wildlife have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: The True Story of Zippy Chippy by Artie Bennett

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The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t
Author: Artie Bennett
Illustrator: Dave Szalay
25 February 2020
NorthSouth Books
40 pages

This book has sat on my MAYBE/​PROBABLY pile for some time, and this month, Zippy Chippy is the little horse that could.

Book description: “A true story about the famed racehorse who lost every race but won everyone’s heart.

The bell rings and they’re off! Zippy the racehorse—descended from legends—is destined for glory, but when the other horses bolt from the gate … Zippy stands still. When people try to pet him … he bites their hats and escapes from his stall. What’s an owner to do? Keep on trying! After all, Zippy has become part of Felix’s family—and a close friend of his little daughter. And after 100 straight losses, Zippy shows everyone that—win, lose, or draw—it takes guts to compete and that you can lose and lose and still be a winner.”

Need some reviews of The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t?

And as a bonus, here’s an interview with the author, courtesy of Good Reads with Ronna.

Educational Activities inspired by Artie Bennett’s The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when does this story seem to take place?
    • What do you know about horses and horse racing?
    • Why do you make of the subtitle “the little horse that couldn’t”?
    • What’s do you think is happening on the back cover?
    • If you could ask the author any one question before you read the book, what would it be?
    • Why do you think the title emphasizes that this is a TRUE story?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What problem(s) did Zippy Chippy face?
    • What were the most important events in the story?
    • If this book has a lesson, what do you think it is?
    • Which of Zippy Chippy’s actions did you find most amusing? Grabbing people’s hats? Standing still during a race? Dangling Felix by his shirt? Something else?
    • If you were Felix, what would you have tried to get Zippy Chippy to behave?
    • What other story does The True Story of Zippy Chippy remind you of?
    • Though Zippy Chippy lost all 100 races, the book says he won in the end. Do you agree? Why/​why not?
  • Writing–Now that Zippy Chippy has retired from racing with an impressive 0–100 record, what’s next for this amazing horse? Write that story in whatever way you imagine it. Consider the following questions to help make your story come alive on the page: 
    • Where does Zippy Chippy live now?
    • Is Felix still a part of Zippy Chippy’s life?
    • What does Zippy Chippy dream of doing?
    • What does Zippy Chippy worry about?
    • What does Zippy Chippy see/​smell/​taste/​touch?
    • Would drawing pictures improve your story?
  • Activities–With the help of an adult, try some of the following horse-​themed crafts: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about horses have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)