Tag: Reading Activities

Educational Activities: Mars Is by Suzanne Slade

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Mars Is: Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises
Author: Suzanne Slade
Illustrator: NASA photos
1 April 2021
Peachtree Publishing
48 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Award-​winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown, A Computer Called Katherine) explores the remarkable beauty of Mars in this timely photo-​packed space extravaganza.

For young readers eagerly following NASA’s Mars Exploration Program and awaiting continued discoveries on the Red Planet.

For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet’s Earth-​like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanoes? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?

Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRise (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back astounding, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is.

With elegant spare prose, award-​winning nonfiction author and former rocket engineer Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of these stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans that will expand readers’ assumptions and understanding of Mars.”

Need some reviews of Mars Is?

As a bonus, here’s the book trailer for Mars Is.

Educational Activities inspired by Suzanne Slade’s Mars Is:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Do you think this will be a fiction or nonfiction book?
    • What do you already know about Mars?
    • What “startling surprises” are you hoping for?
    • Does Mars seem like an inviting place? 
      • If not, why not?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book: 
    • Where are we getting our best pictures of Mars from?
    • What type of different weather does Mars have?
    • What kind of land features might we find on Mars?
    • Why does the author believe that Mars “is more amazing than anyone ever imagined”?
    • A lot of people are trying very hard to get to Mars. Would you like to visit Mars?
  • Art–The nice people at NASA are as interested in Mars as you are! Get out your crayons and have fun with these coloring sheets that they’ve created: 
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following Mars- and space-​themed crafts. Ask an adult to help, and use recyclable materials when you can! 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about Mars have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Albert Einstein by Inspired Inner Genius

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Albert Einstein
Author: Stephanie Willis
Illustrator: Aimee Hawk
30 March 2021
Inspired Inner Genius
34 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Today, Einstein is widely recognized as a genius and one of the greatest physicists in history, but things didn’t start off that way. Einstein was slow at speech and spoke only from the age of 3. Despite his slow start, Einstein was always curious and imaginative. It was these qualities that eventually lead to some of his craziest ideas and experiments. Some of his most famous inventions include the mass energy equivalence formula E = MC2, the theory of relativity and quantum theory.

Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. — Albert Einstein

Imagine the disaster if Einstein stopped inventing because of fear. Now, imagine the possibilities if everyone explored courageously just like him. Let’s realize that imagination.”

Educational Activities inspired by Inspired Inner Genius’ Albert Einstein:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • Does think this book will be real or make believe?
    • What does the name “Albert Einstein” mean to you?
    • From looking at the images around him, what kind of work do you think Albert does?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Who was Albert Einstein?
    • Why was Albert so important?
    • How did you feel when that teacher said Albert would never amount to anything?
    • Why didn’t Albert give up when no one took his ideas about science seriously?
    • What’s the most useful lesson from Albert’s life?
    • Which of the pictures of Albert do you like the most? Why?
  • Creativity–Part of what made Albert Einstein so successful in everything he did was his creativity, which is finding new and useful ways of doing or thinking about something. Let’s practice that ourselves! How many different uses can you think of for a sock? A paperclip? A pencil? Consider having a contest with a friend to see who can dream up the most new possibilities in one minute.
  • Art–Albert Einstein had a lot of ideas about the sun and our planets. Make a drawing of your favorite planet, whether it’s Earth or not! Feel free to get creative with how you handle color, size, shape, and style. Have fun with it–Albert would approve!
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts (use recyclable materials when you can!) about the many things we find in space–Albert Einstein loved looking at and thinking about space! Get an adult to help, just to be on the safe side: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about famous scientists have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: When My Cousins Come to Town by Angela Shanté

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When My Cousins Come to Town
Author: Angela Shanté
Illustrator: Keisha Morris
4 May 2021
West Margin Press
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “A fun, lively story of Black family and cousin culture that celebrates individuality and embraces differences.

Fitting in can be hard, but standing out isn’t easy either!

Every summer a young girl eagerly waits for her cousins to come visit and celebrate her birthday. All her cousins are unique in their own ways and have earned cool nicknames for themselves… except for the girl. But this year things are going to be different. This year before summer ends, she’s determined to earn her own nickname!

Filled with warmth, love, and laughter, When My Cousins Come to Town brings all the energy and love of a big family to prove that you don’t need to be anyone else to be special–just the way you are is exactly right!”

Need some reviews of When My Cousins Come to Town?

Educational Activities inspired by Angela Shanté’s When My Cousins Come to Town:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think of when you hear the word “cousins”?
    • What emotion is the girl on the cover feeling?
    • What are the shadow-​figure kids on the cover doing?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Was this a happy story, a sad story, or did you feel mixed emotions? Why?
    • How important are nicknames in this story?
    • How do these kids get their nicknames?
    • Which of the nicknamed characters would you most like to hang out with? The Ambassador? Swift? DJ‑E? Someone else?
    • How did you feel when the birthday present was lost?
    • How does the girl feel about the nickname “Smurf”?
  • Wordplay–The main character only wants one thing–a nickname. Let’s have some fun of our own with words and nicknames. For yourself, someone you know, or a character from this book: 
    • Make up a superhero nickname.
    • Make up a food-​related nickname.
    • Make up a nickname that rhymes.
    • Make up a nickname that’s inspired by a TV show or movie.
    • Make up the silliest nickname ever.
    • Make up another appropriate nickname for the main character of this story.
    • Make up a nickname for this book!
  • Research–Ask family members if they’ve ever had a nickname. If so, find out how they got it. Consider asking about old–or current!–nicknames of friends, neighbors, or distant relatives, too. See what you can learn about these people from the stories behind their nicknames.
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about cousins have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: Ocean Soup by Meeg Pincus

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Ocean Soup: A Recipe for You, Me, and a Cleaner Sea
Author: Meeg Pincus
Illustrator: Lucy Semple
15 March 2021
Sleeping Bear Press
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “From the shore, the ocean looks like clear, sparkling blue but look closely at a small scoop and you’ll find the ocean looks more like soup! Our oceans are filled with plastics, from water bottles and take-​out containers to the teeny tiny plastic particles you need a microscope to see. But who exactly cooked up this stinky soup? And, more importantly, what is the recipe for getting (and keeping) our oceans clean? This bouncing, rhyming story pulls no punches about how we ended up in this sticky mess but also offers hope and help for cleaning up this ocean soup.”

Need some reviews of Ocean Soup?

As a bonus, here’s a mini-​interview with the author from the website First Draft to Final Book.

Educational Activities inspired by Meeg Pincus’ Ocean Soup: A Recipe for You, Me, and a Cleaner Sea:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What does the title–Ocean Soup–make you think of?
    • What are the kids doing?
    • Does this beach seem like a happy place? 
      • If not, why not?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How big of a problem is ocean pollution?
    • What are some of the main causes of ocean pollution?
    • How did you feel when the story mentioned that YOU eat fish that are eating the ocean “soup”?
    • What does the author suggest can be done about ocean pollution?
  • Art–Use your art skills to let others know what Ocean Soup told you about water pollution. Make a poster that alerts people to the danger. Will you use words? Images? Both? Perhaps ask an adult to help you hang it somewhere where others will see your message.
  • Conservation–Here are simple ways to help our ocean. Which of these will you do? 
    • Use refillable water bottles
    • Skip balloons at parties or events
    • Ask local ice cream shops not to use plastic spoons and straws
    • Only wear clothes that are made without pesticides
    • Ask adults to use natural fertilizer for gardens instead of chemicals
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts (use recyclable materials when you can!). Get an art- or ocean-​loving adult to help: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about oceans have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educational Activities: Headstrong Hallie! by Aimée Bissonette

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Headstrong Hallie! The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female “Fire Guard”
Author: Aimée Bissonette
Illustrator: David Hohn
15 March 2021
Sleeping Bear Press
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Hallie Morse Daggett loved spending time outdoors, hiking among the tall trees of the forests in California’s Siskiyou Mountains. She wasn’t afraid of the bears, coyotes, and wildcats. But Hallie was afraid of fire and understood the threat it posed to the forests, wildlife, and people. And more than anything, she wanted to devote her life to protecting her beloved outdoors; she decided she would work for the US Forest Service. But in the 1880s the Forest Service didn’t hire women, thinking they couldn’t handle the physical challenges of the work or the isolation. But the Forest Service didn’t know Hallie or how determined she could be. This picture-​book biography tells the story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the first woman ‘fire guard’ hired by the US Forest Service, whose hard work and dedication led the way for other women to join the Forest Service.”

Enjoy some reviews of Headstrong Hallie!

Educational Activities inspired by Aimée Bissonette’s Headstone Hallie! The Story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the First Female “Fire Guard”:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What does the term “headstrong” mean?
    • What is the woman looking at through her binoculars?
    • What do you think a fire guard does?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Why wasn’t city life a good fit for Hallie?
    • While Hallie was a brave person, she feared one thing–fire. Why was she so afraid?
    • How did Hallie feel when she asked to help fight fires and was told no again and again?
    • How important is the job of fire guard?
    • What do you think Hallie liked most about being the lookout up at Eddy Gulch? 
      • Is it a job you could see yourself doing?
    • What other story/​book/​film/​TV show does Headstrong Hallie! remind you of?
  • Back Matter–Since Back Matter isn’t always read with the actual story, let’s address it separately. Now that you’ve read the Back Matter: 
    • Do you think Hallie changed her mind about dogs? Why/​why not?
    • What is the most surprising part of Hallie’s life?
    • How does it make you feel to know that we don’t have very many actual facts about Hallie’s life?
  • Writing–Imagine what it was like for Hallie as a lookout at Eddy Gulch. What did Hallie think about? What animals did she see? What did she eat, do, or read? Write about one or more of those moments, and use specific details to make your writing come alive for readers. Then, consider sharing your story with a friend or adult. Feel free to discuss your creative choices.
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an art- or forest-​loving adult to help: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about forests have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle

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Anonymouse
Author: Vikki VanSickle
Illustrator: Anna Pirolli
9 February 2021
Tundra Books
40 pages

I’ve always liked street art, and the work of Banksy seems to serve as an inspiration for this fine, fun tale.

Book description from Goodreads: “Animal-​friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a name: Anonymouse. For fans of Sidewalk Flowers and Art & Max.

Art for the birds.
Art for the ants.
Art for the dogs, cats, and raccoons.
Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home.
But who is creating it?
Only Anonymouse knows for sure …

This clever tale mixes street art, animals, and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature’s spirit — human or animal — when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli’s stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of colour and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle’s subtle but evocative text.”

Need some reviews of Anonymouse?

Educational Activities inspired by Anonymouse:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What’s strange about the A in the title? 
    • Why do you think the artist chose the bright pink berry color to use on the cover?
    • What kind of animals do you see on the front and back cover? 
      • Are there any that surprise you?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book: 
    • Which of Anonymouse’s pieces of art did you like the most?
    • Why do you think Anonymouse kept his identity a secret?
    • How did you feel when Anonymouse seemed to vanish from the story? (“There hadn’t been anything new from Anonymouse in a long time.”)
    • Is Anonymouse gone for good? 
      • If not, why not?
    • In what ways were the animals affected by the artwork of Anonymouse?
    • What other story/​book/​film/​tv show does Anonymouse remind you of?
  • Writing–There are a number of mysteries at the heart of this story. 
    • Who IS Anonymouse?
    • Why does Anonymouse choose to remain anonymous?
    • Where does Anonymouse go when he’s not creating public art?
    • Why does he give away his art versus sell it or display it in a gallery or museum?
    • Take any one of these as inspiration, then write a brief story that explains the answer. Handle it in any way you that you choose–silly, serious, scary, weird. When you’re done, consider sharing it with a friend or adult. (Artists of all types–including Anonymouse–love to share their work with others.)
  • Art–Clearly this is a book about creating visual art. Use crayons, colored pencils, or makers to create your own artistic response to it. If an adult agrees and will supervise, perhaps let your canvas be a wall, a sidewalk, or anything like Anonymouse used in the story! Otherwise, paper or poster board is still a terrific option. Consider sharing your artwork with a friend or adult, and explain your creative choices.
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an art- or mouse-​loving adult to help: 
    • Big Paper Mouse–This one’s got a video to show you every step.
    • Easy Paper Mouse Craft–This one makes a lovely mouse–no doubt about it!
    • Even Easier Paper Mouse Craft–Perfect for Valentine’s Day or just because. All you need are paper, scissors, and glue.
    • Styrofoam Mouse Craft–Just ignore when they slip and start calling it a “handprint chicken craft.” The rest is all good and it really does make a super-​cool mouse!
    • Toilet Paper Roll Mouse–This requires printing a template, but other than that, it’s quite doable and cute.
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about amazing mice have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information about these titles!)