Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and Grandparents Day are special days in which we show our appreciation for the wonderful people in our families. This book shows how these and other days are celebrated here in North America and around the world. Young readers will learn about the history, traditions, and symbols of each special day, and enjoy the craft-making activities that are included.
After counting down the school days, it is finally the 100th Day of School! Readers will love learning about how this popular milestone is celebrated in the classroom. This book includes fun and challenging activities that exercise both the mind and body. Children will enjoy learning how other children around the world celebrate this event.
June 14 commemorates the adoption of the United States flag in 1777, one year after federation. The day was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and is recognized through much of the United States as a state holiday. Massachusetts still celebrates with a large parade. Readers will learn the history of the adoption of the United States flag and the Army Birthday, also celebrated on this day.
Arbor Day is held on the last Friday of April across the United States. Observers are encouraged to plant trees across the nation and remember the importance of forests and the environment. Young readers will learn about the importance of environmental awareness through this unique celebration that began in the 1800s.
On September 17, 1787, a handful of Americans signed a historic document that helped organize a structured government for the United States and recognized the rights of its citizens. This national holiday celebrates the most important document in the history of the United Statesits Constitution. This exciting book will educate children on a crucial turning point in American history.
How do you celebrate the day you were born? In North America, children invite their friends and families to birthday parties where they play games and eat birthday cake. Some other countries have different birthday traditions. Learn how birthdays are celebrated around the world and why some ages are considered more special than others.
Labor Day is a national holiday that recognizes the important contributions of workers across North America. Celebrated every year on the first Monday of September, people who do all kinds of jobs, from factory work to health care, participate in parades, attend barbecues, and listen to speeches. This interesting book provides a look at the labor movement of the last century, the traditions and symbols of this special day, and how workers are recognized in other parts of the world.
Every year on June 19th, people of all backgrounds celebrate the day that African Americans were freed from slavery in the United States. People mark the occasion by gathering at parks for picnics and to hear music. There are even rodeos that celebrate famous black cowboys! Young readers will be fascinated to learn about the history of the Civil War and the law that freed the slaves.
Everyone in the Latino neighborhood where Alicia lives helps to make her birthday special.
This Level 1 guided reader examines how people celebrate Christmas. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about Christmas preparations, traditions, and celebrations.
This Level 1 guided reader examines how people celebrate Kwanzaa. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about Kwanzaa principles and rituals of recognition.
This Level 1 guided reader examines how people celebrate Hanukkah. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about Hanukkah rituals during the eight days of celebration.
Welcome to Frog and his world. He enjoys nothing better than spending time floating on his pond or visiting with his friends. He appreciates the simpler things in life and would prefer that things stay just the way they are--nice and peaceful. From acclaimed children's writer Eve Bunting comes a beginning reader series featuring the delightful Frog and his friends Rabbit, Possum, Raccoon, and Squirrel. In Frog and Friends Celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, Frog shares a Thanksgiving feast with his woodland friends, celebrates his first Christmas, and rings in the New Year with a twist on tradition.
Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he's known as Papa Noël. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noël rides the river in a boat that's pulled by eight alligators, with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead. On this particular Christmas Eve, it's so foggy on the river that even Nicollette's magical glowing-green eyes may not be enough to guide Papa Noël. The alligators are tired, grumpy and bruised from banging into cypress trees, and Papa is desperate to get all the gifts to the little children. Well, "quicker than a snake shimmies down the river," the clever Cajun people come up with a solution that saves the day. A colorfully inventive Christmas tale, Papa Noël is a lesson in fast thinking, as well as a witty introduction to a part of America that's rich in folklore and legend.
"Across the Atlantic Ocean, a lone ship on a vast sea. Ablaze with new hope, all praying to be free." From the lives of our early settlers, who established the foundations for American freedoms and ideals, to today's celebrations, P is for Pilgrim colorfully examines the history and lore of Thanksgiving. Educators will find the inclusion of the Core Democratic Values of valuable use for the classroom while kids of all ages will enjoy the bright, engaging illustrations and fascinating sidebar text. "Zippy bands zigzagging down the street, zebras trotting, zeppelin-like balloons afloat. Flags flying, banners waving, a Thanksgiving Day Parade playing a happy note."
It's Christmas Eve and Spark Elf has the very important job of keeping Santa Claus on schedule as he travels the globe in 24 hours delivering presents. Small in stature with pointy ears and stopwatch in hand, Spark lets Santa know it's time to go. He programs the GPS while the other elves secure the toy bag and check the Nice list. Little known fact: We don't even bring the Naughty list with us. Six hours into the trip Santa, sleigh and crew begin to fall behind--so many cuddly doggies to pet and extra cookies to eat. The jolly group makes up time in Brazil and soon find themselves back at the North Pole. Their work is done. But wait, there's something left in the bag--but it isn't a present at all--it's a family dog! Well known fact: Santa gives things away. He does not take things! Momma Claus comes to the rescue with a plan to get the dog back to his family. Can Santa return the family's beloved pooch in time to keep their Christmas merry?
One student from Mrs. Wallace's second grade class will be chosen to tell a special Christmas story at the school assembly. When Redheaded Robbie's name is pulled from the hat, the class groans. Poor Robbie! Whenever he is excited or nervous, his words come out all twisted and confused. How will he be able to tell his Christmas story at the assembly? Won't everyone laugh? With a little help from some friends, Robbie learns that it is not so much how a person speaks but what is said that matters the most.
Could Henry Ford have taken his idea for an automobile assembly line from the elves at the North Pole? Maybe so. Set just before Christmas in 1908, this charming tale finds Henry Ford puzzling over a way to make his Model T affordable for the average family. His little son Edsel suggests that Daddy write to Santa for advice. Since Santa makes toys for millions of children, Edsel points out, he must know a better way. Henry writes the letter just to please his son, but Santa actually answers by taking Henry to visit his North Pole workshop. When he sees the elves working in a line, each completing just one specific task on every toy that's made, Henry Ford envisions an automobile assembly line. The story not only illustrates that children can teach adults how to dream, but it also provides an author's note with factual information about Henry Ford and the Model T.
It's the season for giving but do you know what your cat really wants for Christmas? From Kandy Radzinski, the creator of the bestselling The Twelve Cats of Christmas, comes another yuletide treat with an animal twist. What Cats Want for Christmas gives a laugh-out-loud look into the hearts and minds of felines at holiday time. With clever rhymes and colorful illustrations, now cats get their chance to pen a letter to Santa. Forget the catnip! Whether it's Benny who longs for a sweater -- knit of a red Irish setter or Arty who wants a silver dish -- filled with little silver fish, Santa (and readers of all ages) will chuckle with delight at this fun-filled wish list. Cat owners will be tempted to leave this book open to share with their favorite pet. It's the purr-fect gift!
Originally published over twenty years ago, and out of print since 1998, Sleeping Bear Press is proud to bring this beloved Christmas tale to a whole new audience. Moving and nostalgic, and brought to life by glowing watercolor paintings, it reveals the joy of a very special present and the love that a father and daughter share.
Proving that cats don't have the last word when it comes to making Christmas lists, author and artist Kandy Radzinski returns this holiday season with the canine companion book to last year's favorite, What Cats Want for Christmas. Using witty poems and winsome illustrations, What Dogs Want for Christmas lets our four-footed friends speak for themselves. And what does Man's Best Friend have on his holiday list? Ruffus, a dapper Scottie, would love "something with fur... that once went purr..." while the more practical basset hound Daisy complains, "My ears hang down to my feet. Can you fix them so they're short and neat?" Santa is going to need a bigger sleigh to fulfill some of these holiday wishes!
It may be Christmastime but on a small, forlorn farm the holiday season is best forgotten, along with painful memories of loved ones lost. Mother Nature has other plans, however, and a chance snowstorm brings together two unlikely hearts, one human and one beast, yet both yearning for comfort, companionship, and that most elusive gift of all, hope. This lustrous jewel of a story, quietly told and perfectly complemented by soft, evocative paintings, reminds even the most cynical of readers that the heart indeed can recover and go on.
The monastery of St. Ambrose is situated on the Irish island of Morcarrick. Here, monks old and young live quiet lives spent in prayer and service. One day the Abbot decides that Brother Bede, their finest illuminator of manuscripts, will illustrate the Christmas story. It will be magnificent, praised throughout the world (as will St. Ambrose). Unfortunately, young Brother Cuthbert has been chosen to assist Brother Bede in this project. Cuthbert is impatient, lacks discipline, and even worse--is known for making mistakes. His nickname is "Smudge." How can someone so ill-suited assist in the creation of the greatest book of all? Award-winning author Gloria Whelan shows that sometimes, when given the right task, someone's greatest weakness can prove to be his greatest strength.
The traditional English carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," has been sung and enjoyed throughout the holiday season for centuries. In keeping with its courtly tone, most illustrated treatments of the song use a formal art style. Now, a new version is geared specifically to young readers, using playful images of animals romping and cavorting to the song's lyrics. Imagine beret-wearing French hens, four "calling" birds chatting on the phone, or frolicking frogs as the lords-a-leaping. Colorful, lighthearted scenes by acclaimed illustrator Dan Andreasen bring a whole new interpretation to the holiday carol. From the first day to the twelfth, readers of all ages will enjoy this rendition of counting down the days of Christmas.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la la. How wonderful the old carol sounds. A vision of warm family gatherings peacefully celebrating the holiday season comes to mind. But wait, this doesnt sound like a peaceful family get-together. What is happening here? Deck the walls with mashed potatoes! Fa la la la la la la la la. Make a snowman with tomatoes. Fa la la la la la la la la. Author Erin Dealey has taken the old holiday classic and turned it on its head. In her riotous, raucous rendition of a family meal gone hilariously awry, youll find food hockey, vegetable sculptures, crashing dishes, and grown-ups wondering what has gone wrong. From Feed the dog our peas and carrots to Food tastes better when you wear it, readers young and old will never forget this new take on an old holiday carol!
