Educational Activities: I Am Today by Matt Forrest Esenwine

On March 20, 2023March 20, 2023 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities1 Comment

I Am Today
Author: Matt Forrest Esenwine
Illustrator: Patricia Pessoa
1 March 2022
POW! Kids Books
36 pages

**While OPB generally chooses fairly new picture books to feature in our monthly Education Activities section, sometimes an older picture book grabs our attention. That’s what happened this week with Matt’s I Am Today, which was published a year ago.**

Book description from Goodreads: “A young girl realizes that she doesn’t have to wait until she’s grown-up to stand up for what is right and make a big impact.

While playing on the beach in her coastal town, a young girl comes across a sea turtle ensnared by a wire. Her town is home to a factory that has provided jobs for many of her neighbors, including her mother, but it has also been dumping garbage from a pipe into the waters, threatening the creatures that live in them.

Children are used to being asked what they’ll do and be when they grow up, but the girl knows there is so much she can do today to help. Unable to forget the sight of the struggling turtle, with a fantastic act she inspires the townspeople to compel the factory to change its destructive ways.

Written in spare and evocative poetry, I Am Today is an empowering story for children who want to be the change the world needs.”

Educational Activities inspired by I Am Today:

Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- What do you think this book will be about?
- Where and when is this story taking place?
- How do you think this story is going to end?
- Who do you think the main character is? What do you think they might be like?
- What are you looking forward to learning or discovering in the book?
- Have you read any other books by the same author or illustrator? If so, what did you like about them?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What does it mean for someone to be Today?
- What does it mean for someone to be the Future?
- In your mind, which of the child’s activities to save the turtle was most effective?
  - What else might YOU have done to save turtles?
- What did you think of the book’s ending?
- What do you believe is the main message of the story?
- Which picture did you like the most? Why?
- Did you enjoy this book? Why/why not?
Drawing–What’s interesting about I Am Today is that the turtle-saving story occurs entirely in the pictures and not in the words. What’s another animal-saving story that could happen in the background of these pages and this book-length poem? Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create that story. Feel free to show that story in one piece of art or spread it out over many pages. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
Crafting–The girl in this story clearly likes turtles, and so does OPB. After you’ve tried out the cool origami turtle activity in the back of the book, return here to test out these fun turtle crafts. As always, get an adult to help!
- Cupcake Liner Turtle–Easy and fun.
- Egg Carton Turtle–Who doesn’t love to use recycled materials when crafting?
- Paper Plate Turtle–Such a cute end product!
- Recycled Turtle Bank–Perfect for holding pebbles or coins.
- Wine Cork Turtle Stamp–It doesn’t need to be from a wine bottle–any cork will do.

Further Reading–I Am Today is about a child who makes an important change in the lives of others. Here are picture books about people who made similarly meaningful changes through awareness, kindness, and–perhaps most vital–taking action. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Watch Out for the Lion! by Brooke Hartman

On February 20, 2023March 20, 2023 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Watch Out for the Lion!
Author: Brooke Hartman
Illustrator: Anna Süßbauer
7 February 2023
Page Street Kids
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Readers beware—there’s a ferocious lion in this book! The book warns that it has seen the lion already. First its bristly tail, then clashing claws, twitchy ears, fearsome fangs… and it’s lying in wait to turn any unsuspecting passerby into a child cheeseburger or rugrat ravioli.

But does a brushy tail always belong to a lion? When you touch the curvy claws, will they be attached to a paw? You never really know what might be lurking around the corner in this surprising story that challenges readers to face their darkest fears, and maybe even laugh about them.”

Educational Activities inspired by Watch Out for the Lion!:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you think this book will be about?
- Where and when is this story taking place?
- How do you think this story is going to end?
- Who do you think the main character is? What do you think they might be like?
- What are you looking forward to learning or discovering in the book?
- Have you read any other books by the same author or illustrator? If so, what did you like about them?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Despite all the warnings about the lion, did you ever feel as if you should stop reading? Why/why not?
- Which of the creatures that wasn’t a lion were you most surprised to find in this book?
- What did you think of the book’s ending?
- What do you think is the message of the story?
- Which picture did you like the most? Why?
- Did you enjoy this book? Why/why not?
Drawing–Much of the fun of this book comes from seeing how part of an animal looks like it could be part of a lion. What other animals could be mistaken for a lion because of their teeth, fur, claws, or other features? (Maybe a snake, elephant, eagle, or hippo?) Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to show how one or more of these animals might just look like a lion. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
Crafting–Lions are awesome, so let’s create some of our own by crafting. Get an adult to help!
- Cupcake Liner Lion–About as cute as a craft gets.
- Leaf Stamping Lion Craft–I’ve tested it with three year olds and they ROCKED this craft.
- Lion Footprint–I’m a sucker for incorporating a child’s footprint into art.
- Paper Plate Lion–Adorable.
- Paper Tube Lion–Check out the mane on this guy!

Further Reading–Lions are pretty cool, so let’s check out other picture books about these mighty, ferocious animals. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: A Good Deed Can Grow by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

On January 16, 2023February 20, 2023 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

A Good Deed Can Grow
Author: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
7 February 2023
Christy Ottaviano Books
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Discover the ripple effects of doing a good deed in this interactive picture book about the importance of kindness.

A good deed can grow like a seed.…

Join a loving community as they work to create a better world. Whether planting a garden or visiting a sick friend, picking up litter or playing music at the senior center, kind actions—no matter how big or small—can spread like a ripple, impacting the lives of others for the better.

Jennifer Chambliss Bertman’s inspiring text and Holly Hatam’s joyful illustrations celebrate how anyone, young or old, can make a difference. It all starts with a good deed.”

Educational Activities inspired by A Good Deed Can Grow:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What does the phrase “good deeds” make you think of?
- How might a good deed grow?
- What do you notice about the children on the front cover? On the back cover?
- What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Which idea pleased you most–that a good deed could be a seed, a ripple, a sunbeam, or a smile?
- Have you ever felt too small to help a problem that seems so big? What could you do about that problem?
- How did reading the book change you (or your viewpoint)?
- What did you think of the book’s ending?
- Which picture did you like the most? Why?
- Did you enjoy this book? Why/why not?
Taking Action–Since good deeds can have a positive effect in the lives of others, let’s look at what YOU might do. Consider doing any of the following (with an adult partner):
- planting a garden
- visiting a sick friend
- picking up litter
- playing music or singing at a senior center
Crafting–I really like the community garden in this book–isn’t the art terrific? With that in mind, let’s enjoy making our own fun crafts about gardens!
- 3D Flapping Bird Mobile–This is a bit more complex than some crafts we share in these Educational Activities posts, but it’s pretty terrific looking.
- Easy Painted Pots–No garden is completed without some potted flowers or veggies.
- Garden Seed Bombs–With a name like this, how can you go wrong?
- Grass Heads for Kids–So, so cute.
- Herb Garden Makers–What a fun way to reuse old forks!

Further Reading–Learn more about by good deeds and kindness from these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Giant Island by Jane Yolen

On December 19, 2022December 19, 2022 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Giant Island
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Doug Keith
1 August 2022
Flashlight Press
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Two children and a dog explore the coves and caves of a tiny island. Under the watchful eye of Grandpa, the kids are thrilled to discover a huge surprise: the craggy rocks, tufted grass, and wind-swept trees on Giant Island are much more than they seem.

Visit Giant Island, where fantastical adventures await.”

Need some reviews on Giant Island?

As a bonus, enjoy this interview at Tara Lazar’s website with author Jane Yolen about Giant Island.

Educational Activities inspired by Giant Island:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you think of when you think about the giants? About islands?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What kind of animals lived on and around Giant Island?
- What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- Were you surprised by the size of the island?
- What other secrets and surprises did the island hold for Ava and Cooper?
- Why did Grandpa call the island “old friend”?
- What did you think of the book’s ending?
- Which picture did you like the most? Why?
- Did you like this book? Why/why not?
Drawing–Since an island might be an island, what else might be a giant, too? A cloud? A hill? A tree? Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own giant something. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
Crafting–Since the island plays such a big role in this story, let’s enjoy some crafts based on islands as well as the things/creatures on and around them!
- (Audio) CD and Button Turtle Craft–Go with googly eyes for extra fun.
- Egg Carton Snail–You’ve probably got the main supplies in a recycle bin already.
- Sand Clay–Create, bake, and keep.
- Seashell Crab Fridge Magnets–It’s fun to use materials that thematically make sense for what you’re making.
- Under the Sea Paper Plate Craft–Super easy and still pretty awesome to make.

Further Reading–Learn more about by giants these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Mending the Moon by Emma Pearl

On November 21, 2022November 21, 2022 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities1 Comment

Mending the Moon
Author: Emma Pearl
Illustrator: Sara Ugolotti
1 November 2022
Page Street Publishing
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “One fateful night, the moon shines so big and so bright that it is too heavy to hold itself up in the sky. When it tumbles down and breaks into many glimmering pieces, Luna sees the whole thing. Her grandfather Poppa warns that without the moon in the sky, the oceans will stop moving and the earth will start to wobble. Luna and Poppa must mend it, but they may not be able to do it all on their own.

The mountain is alive with creatures big and small whose watchful eyes also saw the moon fall. Together, can they find all the shards, stick them together, and get the moon safely back into the sky?

In this enchanting tale with a timeless, folklore feel, a girl, her grandfather, and all the animals of the mountain hold the power to set the world right and forever leave their mark on the moon.”

Need some reviews on Mending the Moon?

Educational Activities inspired by Mending the Moon:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you think of when you think about the moon?
- What’s different about the moon on the front and back cover?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What does it mean to “mend” something?
- What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What do you think caused the moon to shatter?
- “The moon is more important than you can imagine,” says Poppa. Why?
- The child’s name is “Luna.” Why might that be an especially appropriate name?
- What did you think of the book’s ending?
- Have you ever seen moon smudges before?
- Which picture did you like the most? Why?
- Did you like this book? Why/why not?
Drawing–How do you like the illustrations of the moon? Does it look like what YOU think the moon looks like? Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own moon art for this story or simply to be art all on its own. Is the moon broken or whole in your art? Does it have smudges or not? Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
Crafting–Since the moon plays such a big role in this story, let’s enjoy some moon crafts! (For those of you who enjoyed last month’s moon-themed crafts, these are all new ones!)
- Fairy Light Crescent Moon–Perfect for those who live in the city and can’t always see the moon behind all those buildings.
- LEGO Moon Rover–Break out those LEGOs and follow the directions. It’s a sneaky but fun way to learn physics!
- Moon Paper Plate Craft–Adorable.
- Moon Sand–With only 3 ingredients, it’s safe if a kiddo nibbles it.
- Puffy Paint Moon Craft–So cool looking.

Further Reading–Learn more about the moon by reading these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Fonchito and the Moon by Mario Vargas Llosa

On October 17, 2022October 17, 2022 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities

Fonchito and the Moon
Author: Mario Vargas Llosa
Illustrator: Marta Chicote Juiz
18 October 2022
Kales Press
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Fonchito falls in love for the very first time and discovers that there is nothing one cannot do for a loved one, even if what they wish for is the moon!”

Need some reviews on Fonchito and the Moon?

Educational Activities inspired by Fonchito and the Moon:

Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- What do you think of when you think about the moon?
- What’s happening on the front cover?
- What’s interesting about the back cover?
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- How did you react when Nereida said she’d only let Fonchito kiss her on the cheek if he got the moon and gave it to her?
- What other ways can you think of that Fonchito could get the moon for her?
- Do you think Nereida really wanted him to kiss her?
- Which picture did you like the most? Why?
- What did you think of the book’s ending?
- Did you like this book? Why/why not?
Drawing–How do you like the illustrations of the moon? Does it look like what YOU think the moon looks like? Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to create your own moon art for this story or simply to be art all on its own. Consider sharing your work with a friend or family member.
Crafting–Since the moon plays such a big role in this story, let’s enjoy some moon crafts!
- Aluminum Foil Moon–This looks so cool.
- DIY Moon Rocks–Wow, these are kid-pleasers.
- Fizzy Paint Moon–Since it’s based in science, there’s a bonus learning opportunity here.
- Giant Paper Mache Moon–It’s big, as in BIG!
- Paper Plate Moon and Stars–Really easy to make.

Further Reading–Learn more about the moon by reading these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)