Educational Activities: Santa’s Story by Will Hillenbrand

On November 18, 2019November 13, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Santa’s Story
Author: Will Hillenbrand
Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand
Two Lions
10 September 2019
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Santa is ready to leave on Christmas Eve, but he can’t find the reindeer anywhere. Dasher is busy dashing, Donner is dozing, and Cupid is crooning. It isn’t until Santa remembers their annual tradition—reading a Christmas story together—that the reindeer are ready. Reindeer merriment abounds in this charming yuletide tale about honoring the celebration of holiday customs with those you love.”

Need some reviews of Santa’s Story?

Kirkus

Publisher’s Weekly

Youth Services Book Review

Educational Activities inspired by Santa’s Story by Will Hillenbrand:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you think this book will be about?
- What type of creatures are following Santa?
- Why does Santa seem so happy?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What questions would you like to ask the author before you read this book?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What were the most important events in the story?
- Which of the reindeer was your favorite? Why?
- Why didn’t the reindeer come when Santa jingled the bells, blew the all-call horn, and hollered?
- If the story had a sequel, what do you think it would be about?
Writing–Now that you know Santa’s story, what other holiday people/creatures do you think would have a similarly interesting story? Select the one that appeals to you most and write–or draw–that story any way you choose. Who’s the main character? What problem are they facing? Why are they telling their story? How will their story turn out? Create that story and see how it goes. Consider sharing it with a friend or family member.
Craft–With an adult’s help, try some of the following reindeer-themed crafts:
- 3D Paper Reindeer–This video shows how to make a super-fun project.
- Bottle Cap Reindeer–So simple you don’t even need directions. But these are cute, cute, cute.
- Candy Cane Reindeer–Easy, fun, and tasty too!
- Clothespin Reindeer–Can be done in under 10 minutes.
- Magic Reindeer Food–Comes with a sample poem to go with it.
- Rudolph Gift Bag–Easy and simple.
Further Reading–Want to read other books about Santa? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activites: Snow Globe Wishes by Erin Dealey

On October 21, 2019October 20, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Snow Globe Wishes
Author: Erin Dealey
Illustrator: Claire Shorrock
Sleeping Bear Press
15 September 2019
32 pages

The book description from Goodreads: “As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland–beckoning all outside. And what if, on this snow-filled day, families shake their busy lives and everyone goes out to play? A lyrical holiday story about wishes and community and snow–lots and lots of snow.”

Need some reviews of Snow Globe Wishes?

As a bonus, here’s the book trailer for Snow Globe Wishes.

Educational Activities inspired by Snow Globe Wishes by Erin Dealey:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What time of year is it?
- Why does the girl with the snowglobe seem so happy?
- Where and when does this story appear to take place?
- The back cover features three lines of text. How do these words prepare you for the story?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Which of the family’s indoor activities seemed most enjoyable?
- What are “snow globe wishes”?
- When everyone listens, what do they hear?
- Did the story end the way you imagined?
- Go back and revisit the pictures in this book. Which of them is your favorite? Why?
Writing–Have you ever been in a situation where the power has gone out? Write a list of your things you could do with your family to pass the time when you can’t turn on the TV, play video games, or even use the lights! How many can options can you think of?
Crafts–With an adult’s help, try some of the following winter-themed crafts:
- DIY Snow Globe–This craft requires an adult’s help for sure, but they’re not THAT hard to make. And wow, do they look good.
- Easy Snow Globe–Gather the ingredients and make your own snow globe. How cool is that?
- Ice Ornaments–Cheap, simple, and terrific to look at. These only work if you live in an area that gets freezing temperatures, though. Sorry, Florida and Texas fans!
- Melted Snowman–This craft has a few more steps than some, but the result is worth it. Loads of fun.
- Playdough Snowman–The no-cook dough recipe has a special ingredient to make the whites really stand out. Add glitter to create a frosty sparkle.
- Three-dimensional Snowflakes–Simple, pretty, and an inexpensive hit with kids.
Further Reading–Want to find some other terrific picture books about snow? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

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!)