Category: Earth Day

April = Aperire = Open

3/26/2020

*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.

Spring is in the air with showers and the anticipation of blooming flowers. April is also the month that celebrates BLT’s, grilled cheese, pecans, soft pretzels and garlic. Quite the combination, but it is also Poetry and School Library Month and includes National Library Week. So, in this “Open” month, why not open a cookbook, a book of poems and an account at your local library or for that matter, open any book in April and read! Combine National Picnic Day with Earth Day and Arbor Day and pack a picnic basket with foods you’ve made with your family and kick back and take the time to enjoy a good book, good food and good company. Once again, look over our food calendar and choose a date, choose a food and choose a book and enjoy! Don’t forget to consult our book lists for suggestions and ideas. **Note: unfortunately, the Coronavirus has changed our daily lives, how we go about them and what we do. Sheltering at home can still include reading books, telling stories and writing poems and even picnicking in the backyard. Keep little brains engaged with books. Reading and listening to stories and baking in the kitchen are excellent for home learning. Enjoy and stay safe!

April
National BLT, Garden, Garlic, Grilled Cheese, Pecan, Poetry, School Library, & Soft Pretzel Month

National Garden Month

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

Jack's Garden by Henry Cole

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Plantzilla by Jerdine Nolan

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

National Geographic Readers: Seed to Plant by Kristin Baird Rattini

From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy

To learn about the benefits of having children help in the garden, refer to our previous blogs: The Power of a Garden and Why Get Kids in the Garden?.

“For children, most importantly, being in the garden is something magical.”
Fritjof Capra

National Pecan Month

Let's Go Nuts!: Seeds We Eat by April Pulley Sayre

100 Pecans for Tabitha by Tracey M. Cox

National Poetry Month

Sadly, there don‘t seem to be any anthologies of poems about food and cooking for children (at least that we have found). But poets, such as Shel Silverstein, have been known to write an amusing poem or two about food. In fact, Kenn Nesbitt has a list of food poems on his Poetry for Kids website. So, take the time to look through popular children‘s poetry anthologies for amusing food related poems and other poems to delight you and your family (and refer to our Nursery Rhymes & Poetry book list).

An activity you can do at home to celebrate Poetry Month is a type of found poetry called Book Spine Poetry. Using the titles of books on their spines, you stack the books to create a poem.

2nd: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

Peanut Butter & Brains: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee

Peanut Butter & Aliens: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee

Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme by Nadine Bernard Westcott

Peanut Butter & Cupcake! by Terry Border

8th: National Empanada Day

The Empanadas that Abuela Made by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

The Pumpkin Moon Empanadas by Clementina Llanes

12th: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

12th: National Licorice Day

14th: National Pecan Day
See National Pecan Month above.

19th: National Garlic Day

19th - 25th: National Library Week

Consult your local library's website, as well as the American Library Association, to see what activity ideas are out there to celebrate National Library Week.

"No Pirates Allowed!" said Library Lou by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Homer the Library Cat by Reeve Lindbergh

Chicken Story Time by Sandy Asher

A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker

22nd: Earth Day

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

For additional titles about Earth Day, refer to our previous blog: Let's Celebrate Earth and Arbor Day!.

22nd: National Jelly Bean Day

How Many Jelly Beans? by Andrea Menotti

The Jellybeans Love to Read by Laura Numeroff

23rd: National Picnic Day

One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes

The Teddy Bears' Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy

Need help planning a picnic? Take a look at The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket by Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson. While intended for adults, this title is beautiful, witty and full of grand ideas for having the most splendid picnic imaginable.

The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket by Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson

26th: National Pretzel Day

Brother Giovanni's Little Reward: How the Pretzel Was Born by Anna Egan Smucker

Pretzels by the Dozen: Truth and Inspiration with a Heart-Shaped Twist by Angela Hunt

30th: National Raisin Day

How Do You Raise a Raisin? by Pam Munoz Ryan

Last Saturday: Arbor Day

As An Oak Tree Grows by G. Brian Karas

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer

Stay healthy and happy reading!

-Kate @ BTBL

Author

We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 1 and a newborn) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.

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April showers bring reading for hours

3/26/2019

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Another month begins and hopefully spring weather has found you where you live. April is traditionally a month of rainy weather, which then leads into May, a month of flowers hence the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” It is a time when the earth seems to come back to life or become re-born and is the month of Easter (this year at least) as well as Earth Day and Arbor Day. It is also another month where reading is brought to the forefront. Not only is it a month-long celebration of D.E.A.R (Drop Everything And Read), but it is also Poetry and School Library Month. Research shows that there is a direct positive correlation between schools that have a library and certified librarians and student achievement. School libraries are the central point in a school for reading, cultural activities, access to information, knowledge building, open discussions with collaboration and deeper thinking. It is a shame to realize that not all states require schools to fund libraries so celebrate if your school has a funded library with a certified librarian. This month we also recognize the importance of nature and the need to be good stewards with Earth Day and Arbor Day. Combat “Nature Deficit Disorder” by taking a walk in the woods and experiencing the wonders of nature.

*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.

Experience and share the positive impact of nature and books this month!

2nd: International Children’s Book Day - Celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books from all around the world. For some wonderful international books, check out Kane Miller's titles. Kane Miller is a division of Usborne Books & More.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Birthday - Once again we can celebrate the lessons presented in fairy tales. Consider reading one of his popular tales such as The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea, The Snow Queen and The Ugly Duckling.

Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales by Naomi Lewis

Usborne's Illustrated Fairy Tales

Read with Usborne: The Princess and the Pea

3rd: Author Sandra Boynton’s Birthday - Boynton’s books are a must for the infant and toddler set. They are humorous, simple rhyming books with whimsical illustrations that children and adults alike find amusing. Many are board books along with several CD illustrated songbooks. A few of our favorites are Hippos Go Berserk!, But Not the Hippopotamus, Frog Trouble…and Eleven Other Pretty Serious Songs and Happy Hippo, Angry Duck.

12th: Author Beverly Cleary’s Birthday & D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) - A month long celebration of reading honoring Beverly Cleary’s birthday since Cleary first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby. It is to remind people that reading is important and to take time to just drop everything and read! Have some D.E.A.R. moments with your family not only this month, but every month, all year long.

22nd: Earth Day - Celebrated in more than 192 countries, help your child to learn their role as a steward of the earth. Titles to consider are Earth Day: An Alphabet Book by Gary Kowalski and Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter Series book It’s Earth Day! Search your local library and bookstore for additional titles that celebrate the wonders of our planet and take a look at our previous blog Let's Celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day!.

It's Earth Day by Mercer Mayer

Earth Day: An Alphabet Book by Gary Kowalski

23rd: Playwright William Shakespeare’s Birthday – Don’t wait until your child is in high school to introduce the beautiful turns of phrase and poetic descriptions of the world famous works of William Shakespeare. Look for biographies of the famous bard as well as the wide range of books containing his plays available for many different age groups, including illustrated stories and graphic novels. Ask your librarian or local book seller to help you choose the right one for your child.

The Usborne Complete Shakespeare

The Usborne World of Shakespeare

“April, dressed in all its trim, hath put a spirit of youth in everything”
William Shakespeare

24th: Library of Congress Established in 1800 - Celebrate the largest library in the world by getting to know your local library. Great books to read before visiting the library include The Library by Sarah Stewart, Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, But Excuse Me That is My Book by Lauren Child, The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy, That Book Woman by Heather Henson and "No Pirates Allowed!" said Library Lou by Rhonda Gowler Greene.

The Library by Sarah Stewart

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

But Excuse Me That Is My Book by Lauren Child

The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy

That Book Woman by Heather Henson

"No Pirates Allowed," said Library Lou by Rhonda Gowler Greene

For additional library related and bookish titles take a look at our Stories about Books & Reading list.

Also remember that the:

Fourth Thursday is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day - Share your life with your child and give them real world experiences along with ideas and dreams for their future. Wonderful books to read include Iggy Peck, Architect, Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty as well as When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic.

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic

Last Friday is Arbor Day - Celebrate by reading under or even to a tree! Titles to consider
include: As An Oak Tree Grows by Brian Karas, Mr. Tamarin’s Trees by Kathryn F. Ernst and The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins. Don’t forget to plant a tree as well!

As An Oak Tree Grows by G. Brian Karas

Mr. Tamarin's Trees by Kathryn Ernst

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins

For more information about Arbor Day and ways to celebrate, visit the Arbor Day Foundation’s website.

Take the time each month to enjoy the simple moments of life that will become your child’s memories. Be sure to include snuggle time with books for not only do they become warm memories as well but will build the background knowledge that is essential to reading and life!

Happy reading!

-Kate @ BTBL

Author

We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest editions, a daughter for Kate (now 3) and a son for Amanda (now 1.) We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.

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Let's Celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day!

4/16/2018

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Updated 4/22/2020

*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. All purchases made via the links provided help to support our literacy efforts!

Earth Day and Arbor Day, the annual celebrations honoring our planet and trees, are fast approaching. Celebrated on the 22nd of April and the last Friday in April (the 27th this year) respectively, these days offer an opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on the wonders of the natural world and encourage everyone, both young and old, to connect with the great outdoors and live a more green life. Share the picture books below with the loved ones in your life, outside if at all possible, and then spend time appreciating all of the beauties of our Earth.

Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
A poetic thank you note set against stunning photographs that capture the many beauties and wonders of our planet, this book pays homage to all that the Earth has to offer us and concludes with heartfelt words that will resonate with readers of all ages: “Thank you for beginnings, for endings, for lifetimes. Thank you for being our home.” An appendix in the back of the book offers activities and ideas for ways in which readers can show their appreciation for the Earth.

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon
This book may not seem like an obvious pick for Earth Day, but the moving text and breathtaking illustrations show the wonders and beauty to be found all around us. It is a poetic celebration of the little things and a reminder to appreciate all the world.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
While taking a walk on a drizzly day through his very gray and dreary city, Liam comes upon a tiny, struggling patch of plant life up on the old railway. He decides to tend to the little patch and become its gardener. Although Liam does not know how to be a gardener, he does his best and slowly learns all that he can about taking care of plants. Inspired by New York City’s High Line, Liam’s story shows us that anyone can be a gardener and take care of a little patch of Earth.

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
Have you ever wanted to start a compost pile for your garden? Have you ever wondered what can be put into a compost pile? This book is a rhyme-filled introduction to all the things that can be composted, from apple cores to zinnia heads!

Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel
Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s Lorax, Michael Recycle is a superhero who travels from town to town teaching the citizens how to be green and recycle. The illustrations are bright and cartoon-like and the text has a nice rhyming flow that adds to the enjoyment of reading this book aloud. At the end of the book you will find “Michael Recycle’s Go Green Tips,” which features an array of simple things you and your family can do to live a greener life.
*Extended activity: Using recyclable items and/or natural materials you collect while outside exploring, help your little one think outside of the box and make something new with the various things you have saved/found. It could be a simple piece of art or a new useful tool, the possibilities are endless!

Earth Day: An Alphabet Book by Gary Kowalski
Learning to appreciate all of the wonders of our Earth is as simple as learning the ABCs with this picture book. As readers move through the alphabet they will see animals and plants represented by each letter and gain an appreciation for our world.

It's Earth Day! (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is on a mission to reduce, reuse and recycle in order to do his part to help save our Earth.

Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day by Jane O'Connor
What does it mean to 'be green?' As Nancy explains, it means taking care of our planet and in this story Fancy Nancy learns the rules for being green. She also does all she can to make sure her family is living the green life. But does she take her newfound passion a bit too far...? This particular title is an I Can Read Level 1 book perfect for those just learning to read on their own.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
No Earth Day book list would ever be complete without The Lorax. A timeless classic, written long before the Green Movement began, this story perfectly shows the consequences of our actions, but offers a message of hope that things can change, if we just care.
*Extended Activity: After reading the book together, snuggle up , watch the film and then make your own truffula trees likes these from Art Projects for Kids. You could even make your own truffula tree forest with these life-size ones from Mrs. Lodge’s Library!

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
-The Lorax-

It Starts With a Seed by Laura Knowles
Follow along as the rhyming text takes you through the life of a sycamore tree, from a tiny seed, to a young sapling and eventually a large tree. Also shown are all of the woodland creatures that call the tree their home, thus introducing young readers to the complex relationships that exist in nature. This is a factual story that feels more like an evocative poem with the most exceptional illustrations.
*Extended activity: Learn about the process illustrator Jennie Webber used by watching this video.

Trees by Lemniscates
Much like It Starts With a Seed, this book is a lyrical homage to trees and all that they do for life on Earth. As the striking illustrations help the story move through the seasons, the reader sees what happens to trees at different times of the year.

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer
Simple text takes the reader through the many connections present in a single ecosystem: “Because of an acorn, a tree. Because of a tree, a bird. Because of a bird, a seed."

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
Help a tree navigate its way through the seasons in this fun, interactive story! As in Herve Tullet’s Press Here, this book requires the help of the reader to make things happen. Follow the instructions to tap, pat, clap, wiggle or jiggle the book in order to see all that a tree undergoes as the seasons change.

As An Oak Tree Grows by G. Brian Karas
This unique book offers a time-lapse look into the life of an oak tree and how the world changes around it over 200 years. Beginning in 1775 with a little boy planting an acorn, the text and detailed illustrations show the various ways in which life altered with the advent of new technologies and increase in population.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins
Katherine Olivia Sessions was the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science. Having grown up amongst the towering redwoods of northern California, she decided her new home of San Diego needed trees and so she started a movement that would transform the city from a desert town to a lush, green oasis. This picture book biography offers an inspiring story about following your dreams.

Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
Peek through the hole in the cover of this picture book into the habitat of a tree. What types of animals call this tree home? How does the tree change as the seasons change? Bright, detailed illustrations bring this busy world to life and the rhyming text makes the book a delight to read aloud again and again.

Hopefully these stories will inspire you and your little ones to look at the world in a whole new light and to spend some time outdoors, enjoying all of the wonders and delights of our beautiful Earth.

Happy reading!

Kate @ BTBL

Author

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Back to Basics

April = Aperire = Open

“For children, most importantly, being in the garden is something magical.”
Fritjof Capra

Author

April showers bring reading for hours

Experience and share the positive impact of nature and books this month!

Author

Let's Celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day!

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
-The Lorax-

Author

Author

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Back to Basics

April = Aperire = Open

“For children, most importantly, being in the garden is something magical.” Fritjof Capra

Author

April showers bring reading for hours

Experience and share the positive impact of nature and books this month!

Author

Let's Celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day!

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”-The Lorax-

Author

Author

Archives

Categories

“For children, most importantly, being in the garden is something magical.”
Fritjof Capra

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
-The Lorax-