All tagged Crafts

Ellen's Broom

Ellen's Broom

Debbie Gonzales
Picture Book, Discussion/Activity

A young girl learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of Reconstruction

Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. Before it was legal for her mother and father to officially be married, the broom was what made them a family anyway. But now all former slaves who had already been married in their hearts could register as lawful husband and wife.

When Ellen and her family make the long trip to the courthouse dressed in their best, she brings the broom her parents had jumped so many years before. Even though freedom has come, Ellen knows the old traditions are important too. After Mama and Papa's names are recorded in the register, Ellen nearly bursts with pride as her parents jump the broom once again.

Ellen is a wonderfully endearing character whose love for her family is brought to life in Daniel Minter's rich and eye-catching block print illustrations.

A Chip Off the Old Block

A Chip Off the Old Block

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

A plucky pebble shows true grit as he travels the country trying to find out if he fits in with any of his famous rock-formation relatives.

Rocky comes from a long line of rock stars! Uncle Gibraltar, Aunt Etna, and Great-Grandma Half Dome are just some of the legendary rock formations he calls family. It's no wonder he wants to matter in a big way too--but it's not easy trying to get a foothold. Rocky gets tossed by The Wave and driven away at Devil's Tower--but he's determined not to allow these pitfalls to chip away at his confidence. Rather than feeling crushed, he keeps on rolling, hoping to become the rock-star he knows he's meant to be.

In the Canyon

In the Canyon

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Pull on your hiking boots and get ready to see the magnificent Grand Canyon! From the author of the Caldecott Honoree All the World, here is a marvelous celebration of one of our nation’s natural wonders.

Experience the Grand Canyon through the eyes of a child who is seeing it for the very first time. From soaring vistas and cloud-swept skies to tiny lizards and almost-invisible petroglyphs, the canyon is filled with so many sights waiting to be discovered…and so many amazing memories to carry back home.

Filled with gorgeously depicted, factually accurate info and including a glossary of the flora and fauna contained within, this homage to the Grand Canyon will evoke awe and wonder.

The Good-Pie Party

The Good-Pie Party

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Posy, Megan, and Mae have always been the best of friends -- but now Posy has to move away. Only their favorite activity can comfort the girls: baking pie! And when they realize they can host a good-pie party instead of a good-bye party, the sad situation becomes a sweet gathering for their entire community. THE GOOD-PIE PARTY celebrates good friends, good memories, and the joy of the just-right good-byes.

Bear and Squirrel Are Friends Yes, Really!

Bear and Squirrel Are Friends Yes, Really!

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book, Special Projects

Synopsis: Yes, bears sometimes eat squirrels. But can they still be friends? Find out in this clever picture book that’s perfect for preschoolers.

The other bears said, “Squirrel would make a good midnight snack!”

Bear said, “Squirrel’s my friend. I would never eat a friend.”

But what happens if Bear gets really, really hungry? Squirrel has just the solution! This story about the power and bond of friendship will warm the hearts—and tickle the funny bones—of everyone who reads it.

Pie Is for Sharing

Pie Is for Sharing

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

A picnic, a beach, a pie cut into pieces and shared with good friends.
Pie is for sharing.
It starts off round, and you can slice it into as many pieces as you want. What else can be shared? A ball, of course. A tree? What about time?
Through the course of one memorable Fourth of July picnic, Stephanie Ledyard and Jason Chin take young readers through the ups and downs of sharing in this lovely picture book.

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