Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 76
March 29, 2015
Weekend Links: Reading Brightly
This week has been jam-packed full of amazing book news and awesome conversations. Here are some of my top picks:
Multicultural Children’s Book Day and Wisdom Tales Press are joining forces to get multicultural books into the hands of MOMS!
Sharing a passion for diversity & multiculturalism in children’s literature, award-winning children’s book publisher, Wisdom Tales Press & non-profit Multicultural Children’s Book Day have joined forces to help young readers “see themselves within the pages of a book.” The duo will be offering many multicultural children’s book titles for purchase at Moms Rock! Expo! an event May 2-3rd at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Get the full scoop HERE and don’t miss the chance to hang out with us in the Wisdom Tales/MCCBD booth!
Penguin Random House. I’m writing to share news about Brightly (www.readbrightly.com), a new resource to help parents raise lifelong readers. The site, a Penguin Random House initiative, relaunched last week with a new look and feel and expanded content offering. I hope you can share news of this resource in your Weekend Links section. I also wanted to see if you might be interested in contributing to Brightly. We really enjoy your posts on Jump Into A Book and feel you would bring a wonderful perspective to the site.
“Brightly is like your fun, friendly, and well-informed kid-lit pal. Our focus is on celebrating and embracing different kinds of readers, kids, and interests. Brightly gives parents insights into which books and authors their children might get excited about and what activities might enhance a family’s experience of reading,” said Kotin.
Brightly shares book recommendations from across the children’s publishing world for every age and stage, as well as reading tips and insights, special author and illustrator content, seasonal activities, and more. Below is a press release with additional details. Thanks for exploring the site and do let us know what you think. If you are interested in being a guest contributor, I can put you in touch Liz Kotin, our content director who is copied on this email. We look forward to hearing from you! Thanks for your consideration.
Earlier this week The Children’s Book Council announced the wonderful news that a Half a Million New Children’s Books Will Be Distributed through Pediatric Clinics to Help Close the Word Gap
Post by The Children’s Book Council.
A few weeks back I encountered a disturbing story about an Alemeda County Library who had thrown our thousands of children’s books. The aftermath was filled with great discussions and thoughts. Check out the conversation here:
Homeschooling can be complicated and frustrating, especially if you are overloaded with information. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. Donna Ashton’s The Waldorf Home School Handbook is a simple and step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf-inspired homeschool plan. Within the pages of this all-in-one homeschooling guide parents will find information, samples of lesson plans and curriculum, helpful hints and the secrets behind the three Areas for Optimum Learning. Join Donna as she guides you through the Waldorf method and reveals how to educate your children in a nurturing and creative environment. Visit the Waldorf Homeschool Handbook info page HERE.
The post Weekend Links: Reading Brightly appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 25, 2015
Secret Garden Wednesdays: Studying the Class of Hunger
Every Wednesday you can drop by here and find new and special happenings in the Secret Garden. There will be crafts, great food, fun and laughter. So please be sure to come by and see us in our Secret Garden created just for you.
In the Secret Garden, hunger plays an important role. It shows the well-being or stress of various characters, as well as where they live in the well-established British class system.
For a majority of 19th-century England, hunger was a real issue. Though only a behind-the-scenes character in the Secret Garden, hunger is used as a symbol to show a return-to-health for main characters Mary and Colin.
In The Secret Garden we have this real paradox going on where Mary and Colin inside their rich manor house are skipping meals not to let on that Colin is recovering and then going outside to receive food from Dickon and his poor family.
Hunger, however isn’t just a 19th century problem but has found its way into 20th and 21st century America.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people then feed just one. ” Mother Teresa
This shadow lying character of “hunger” in the Secret Garden actually brings up a great opportunity to discuss with your children hunger in 21st century America. Here’s the hard cold facts, everyday in the United States 35.5 million Americans, including 16 million children do not have enough to eat. That’s a staggering figure when you think the U.S. is one of the richest countries in the world.
“16 million children is enough to fill 18,000 school buses and 223 football stadiums. On average, those who live in food-insecure households have only $36.50 to spend on groceries every week.” -SheKnows.com
Many of these hungry people actually have jobs. This issue arises when rent and cost of living rises but salaries do not. People have to pay their rent to have a place to live and often times this means they don’t have enough left over for food.
For this Secret Garden Wednesday let’s explore the world of hunger right here in our own back yard. I think important to look at hunger on a local/national level. If you’re one of our readers from another country, I encourage you to do a little research on hunger in your area. I think looking at hunger locally brings it home to kids that it’s not some problem over there but a real problem right where you live.
The wonderful people over at SheKnows.com in collaboration with Unilever project Sunlight, has this wonderful discussion and activity guide to discuss hunger with your children as well as figure out how to feed a family on $36.50 a week. This great guide also suggests a solution to hunger in America with the Share-A-Meal program.
I hope you’ll take this moment and think about hunger and how it impacts our communities and how you and your family can make a difference.
Have you missed the last few Secret Garden Wednesdays? These are too much fun not to read!
Secret Garden Wednesday: Planting Time
Secret Garden Wednesday: Book-Inspired FUN
Secret Garden Wednesday: Perfectly Good Porridge
Secret Garden Wednesday: Garden in a Jar
Secret Garden Wednesday: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Want to enjoy more month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden? A Year in the Secret Garden is over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Learn more, or grab your copy HERE.
The post Secret Garden Wednesdays: Studying the Class of Hunger appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 22, 2015
WEEKEND LINKS: What Would YOU do with 100K Books?
Last week Facebook was all a’buzz over a story of a Alameda County library who threw over 100,000 children’s books into a dumpster. Residents were enraged when they found out many of the books were only a few years old and he thought of such wastefulness did not sit well with the community. The library defended it’s decision, but the result was a pretty interesting dialogue nationwide.
Read the full story HERE.
So what would YOU have done with those 100,000 books? We asked that question to our moms/authors/bloggers in our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Group and the ideas and discussion did not disappoint. Here are some of the highlights:
There were other perspectives as well…and good ones too:
What would you have done with those 100K books? Here are some ideas on book swapping and donating that Jump Into a Book has enjoyed in the past:
1. Save for Book or Treat!
Grab our free Book or Treat Community Kit here.
2. Utilize Events like International Book Giving Day and others to get books into the hands of kids.
3. Donate to important organizations like women’s shelters,schools or Books for Africa.
4. Create a “Friends of the Library” chapter in your community. These chapters work to sell the unwanted books through community book sales and the money goes back into buying new books. 
What ideas do you have?
The post WEEKEND LINKS: What Would YOU do with 100K Books? appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 18, 2015
Secret Garden Wednesday: Planting Time
Every Wednesday you can drop by here and find new and special happenings in the Secret Garden. There’ll be crafts, great food, fun and laughter. So please be sure to come by and see us in our Secret Garden created just for you.
The weather continues to be a mix of rain and sun. The days are getting warmer and longer and the desire to get our hands in the dirt is mounting.
This week we’re out in our Secret Garden cutting back the dead branches of winter and putting the weathered leaves on the compost pile.
Nest its time to turn the earth/dirt which has been gently sleeping these winter months.
After we’ve finished with our garden housekeeping, it’s time to start planting. Of course you need to pay attention to your planting zone and your last frost date.
The mystery and magic of planting a seed and watching it grow is a very exciting experience indeed. Now imagine how exciting and magical it would be to put those seeds into the fiber of a piece of paper and watch your secret garden grow from there.
This week in A Year in the Secret Garden, we are making seed paper. The lovely Marilyn Scott-Waters has also designed beautiful secret garden seed packets to download.
Something to Do
What type of Secret Garden will you grow? Look below for some ideas of different types of gardens to plant.
A Scratch N’Sniff Garden
What is a ‘scratch n sniff’ garden? Simple. It’s basically the same thing as a sensory garden, as this theme appeals to the senses – but focuses more on touch and scent. Learn more about designing ‘scratch n sniff’ sensory gardens for kids here.
A Zoo Flower Garden
Some kids enjoy growing a vegetable patch, but flowers fill another need. Have fun by creating a zoo flower garden with them – putting in flowers and plants with animal names. You can get some ideas for your zoo flower garden here.
A Rainbow Garden
Creating a rainbow garden is a fun endeavor that can teach your children colors and much more.
Alphabet Garden
An Alphabet Garden is a fun way to teach the ABC’s as well as basic gardening. Kids have a ball with this one.
A Dinosaur Garden
Using primitive plants, creating a garden fit for a dinosaur brings hours of fun. You can find out more here.
A Clock Garden
Looking for a fun way to teach your kids how to tell time? Then why not plant a clock garden !
Have you missed the last few Secret Garden Wednesdays? These are too much fun not to read!
Secret Garden Wednesday: Book-Inspired FUN
Secret Garden Wednesday: Perfectly Good Porridge
Secret Garden Wednesday: Garden in a Jar
Secret Garden Wednesday: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Want to enjoy more month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden? A Year in the Secret Garden is over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Learn more, or grab your copy HERE.
The post Secret Garden Wednesday: Planting Time appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 17, 2015
19 Books Celebrating China with Author Demi
I’ve long been a fan of author/illustrator Demi.
Demi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles. Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama. (wikipedia)
I personally appreciate the way she unfolds a story whether a classic folktale, religious figure, or cultural celebration has always greatly captivated my attention. Add on top of that her amazing and gorgeous illustrations and you have what I consider a treasure trove from book heaven.
While deciding on a book to use to celebrate Chinese New Year I was going through my stacks of great reads and that’s when I noticed Demi has written so much about China and probably our beautiful impression of that country stems from her. Through her eyes, we as a family, have happily embraced it’s stories, history, and traditions.
Today let’s go on a journey to China with one of our most cherished book friends, Demi.
More About Demi
Demi was born in Cambridge, Mass. She studied at the Instituto Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico, at Immaculate Heart College with Sisters Magdalen Mary and Sister Corita in Hollywood, California. She also studied at the M.S. University in Baroda, India, while on a Fulbright Scholarship, as well as the China Institute For Arts in New 
York City.
Her husband Tze-si Huang introduced her to the religion, folklore, ancient culture, and history of China.
Demi has illustrated and authored more than 300 children’s books including biographies of Jesus, Buddha, and the Dalai Lama, as well as folktales such as The Empty Pot and Liang and the Magic Paintbrush. Her work has received many awards and accolades, among them the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world, and the Middle East Book Award. Her titles have been designated American Library Association Notable Children’s Books, New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Notable Books for a Global Society, and American Bookseller Pick of the List Books.
Celebrating China with Demi : A Booklist
A Chinese boy with an green thumb wins the emperor’s competition; PW praised the “extraordinarily delicate Oriental landscapes.” Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
“In a book that is itself a celebration, Demi explains the rituals and ideas behind the Chinese New Year festival. The last 15 days of the old year are spent cleaning and preparing (‘Wash your hair and get a new haircut. Pay the debts that you owe and collect what is owed to you!’). On the eve of the new moon, a special feast is prepared. . . . The first 15 days of the new year are spent celebrating with lion dances, firecrackers, and other activities. Demi’s characteristic tiny, lively figures illustrate each page, with several spreads devoted to small, labeled pictures identifying things associated with the holiday. Infused with joy and filled with information.”—Booklist
One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale
“Exotic, beautiful, and instructive, this “mathematical folktale” by author-illustrator Demi emerged from her love of India. The narrative and the evocative illustrations combine to create a real sense of the culture and atmosphere of this romantic land.” (Amazon)
Many people say Marco Polo was the greatest explorer that ever lived, traveling 33, miles by land and sea from Venice, Italy, to modern-day Beijing, China. His famous book, The Travels of Marco Polo, indicates that he was a man of extraordinary bravery, brilliance, and strength. With his uncle and father, he traveled across Turkey, Armenia, the Middle East, the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, and the hot Taklimakan Desert before finally reaching China in 1275. Welcomed by the great emperor Kublai Khan, Marco Polo was amazed by the inventions, riches, and religious tolerance of the great Khan’s kingdom, where Marco remained for the next 2 years.
Smoke, fire, dragons, wisdom, fear, and bravery…All of these elements are brought to life by award-winning author and artist Demi in a story of valor in the face of overwhelming fear.
Liang and the Magic Paintbrush (Reading Rainbow Books)
When a poor boy in China receives a magical paintbrush, everything he paints turns to life. But the wicked emperor wants to capture the boy when he hears the news. The story will excite readers as the ruler gets his just reward when the boy creates a masterpiece that spells his doom.
Emperor Ping, the boy emperor known for his love of harmony, sets a challenge to the children of his kingdom: show him the greatest power in the world. “To know the greatest power in the world is to know the greatest peace,” Emperor Ping announces. “Whoever knows this harmony will become the new prime minister.”
The Legend of Lao Tau and the Tao Te Ching
This thoughtful and thought-provoking book opens with a biography of Lao Tzu, the mysterious philosopher who is said to have been born at the age of eighty-one with snow-white hair, the ability to walk and talk, and unparalleled wisdom. Many credit him with creating the Tao Te Ching, which was written for the good of all humankind. Twenty of the eighty-one passages of the Tao Te Ching are included here, paired with stunning illustrations by the award-winning artist Demi.
The Pandas and their Chopsticks
Read my book review of this book with companion activities HERE.
Throughout the ages, moral tales have been passed down from one generation to the next. Centuries ago in China, hundreds of parables were told by the Buddha to his devoted followers. His messages became widespread through fables adapted by famous storytellers like Aesop and La Fontaine. In this collection, the author has chosen ten of the most engaging classic tales from the Buddha’s works. Compiled and illustrated by Demi, this wonderful collection of stories is sure to draw young readers into the ancient teachings of the Buddha, teachings that are as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago.
Many centuries ago, in a kingdom in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, a miraculous child was born to the king and queen. The young prince, Siddhartha, was raised in the greatest luxury, sheltered from all pain and ugliness. But one day Siddhartha left the palace and saw, for the first time, human suffering and death. He knew then that he must relinquish everything– his family, his wealth, his position– to discover the Truth of life and death.
Based on a famous Chinese folktale, The Magic Pillow tells the story of a poor boy named Ping who is given a magic pillow by a mysterious magician. Ping sees what a lifetime of wealth and power would be like, and discovers that the riches of family and freedom are much more valuable.
Happy New Year! Kung-Hsi-Fa-Ts-Ai
“In a book that is itself a celebration, Demi explains the rituals and ideas behind the Chinese New Year festival. The last 15 days of the old year are spent cleaning and preparing. On the eve of the new moon, a special feast is prepared.
Even as a young boy in eleventh-century China, Su Shih was clearly special. After finding a rare inkstone, he began to write stories and verses expressing his love of the natural world. His words flowed effortlessly. His brush danced across the paper.
Over 600 hundred years ago, Emperor Zhu Di of China decided to build the greatest naval fleet the world had ever seen to befriend and trade with countries throughout Asia and Africa. The admiral of this diplomatic and treasure-gathering fleet was a brilliant and peace-loving man named Zheng He.
The Emperor’s New Clothes: A Tale Set in China
“Long ago in a province in China there lived an emperor whose greatest pleasure in life was to dress in new clothes. ”
Which of these Demi books has your family enjoyed?
**Some of these links are affiliate links.
Homeschooling can be complicated and frustrating, especially if you are overloaded with information. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. Donna Ashton’s The Waldorf Home School Handbook is a simple and step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf-inspired homeschool plan. Within the pages of this all-in-one homeschooling guide parents will find information, samples of lesson plans and curriculum, helpful hints and the secrets behind the three Areas for Optimum Learning. Join Donna as she guides you through the Waldorf method and reveals how to educate your children in a nurturing and creative environment. Visit the Waldorf Homeschool Handbook info page HERE.
The post 19 Books Celebrating China with Author Demi appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 15, 2015
Weekend Links
So far this month has been jam-packed with insightful education, Booklists, Activities and Resources for Kids and parents interested in raising global citizens. I would like to share them this weekend as my Weekend Links Round-up. Enjoy!
Marie’s Pastiche ALWAYS has amazing information for cultivating global citizens and this one caught my eye:”We really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Ashanti royalty and customs from Ghana – have you ever seen anything like it?”
Using and Creating Art to Explore World Cultures at Art Curator for Kids
Episode 41: A Bilingual Avenue-Strategies to help you navigate multicultural and multi-ethnic family relationships with Harriet Cannon | Bilingual Avenue
Randomly Reading: The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle
Spring is in the air! Let’s get outside and MOVE! Outdoor Games, Crafts & Nature Activities for Kids at KCEdventures.
Third Culture Mama has a wonderful list of Beautiful Multicultural Books for Children.
Read Aloud to Ignite a World of Possibility via @blackvoices
How are you celebrating Music In Our Schools month? Free E-book here for MIOSM during March from the amazing Daria Music.
Have you seen the “Cultural Iceberg”…Fascinating! {Thanks to Languages Around the Globe for sharing on Facebook)
Sign up to receive your Free copy of Read Your World Multicultural Books Activities for Kids! downloadable eBook. It’s my free gift to YOU. Click here for more details.
The post Weekend Links appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 12, 2015
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee by Barry Jonsberg Book Review & Activity
The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee
Candice Phee has a world of problems. Her best friend Douglas Benson is from another dimension and is extremely intent upon returning to his own dimension. Her fish is experiencing an identity crisis. Her mother is very sick, and her father is very sad. She is only eleven years old, but she believes that she can solve all of her family’s problems. They will be happy again, and life will go back to as normal as it can be, like before her baby sister died.
However, nothing ever goes according to the plan, does it? To make her father happy, Candice must fix the rift between her father and her Rich Uncle Brian, also known as RUB. However, her first plan of actions fails miserably. Now she’ll need the help of Earth-Pig-Fish, Douglas Benson from another Dimension, and any other troops she can muster. This is no small taking for an eleven year old girl. Everything does not fit into her perfect plan, and this is something she must come to terms with to accomplish her mission. She might even solve some of her friends’ problems along the way.
Candice Phee’s journey is incredible and wonderfully enjoyable. Candice’s quirkiness, while not quite relatable, made me laugh page after page. She’s an amazing girl who may one day take over the world. Who knows? I love her story; I love her ideas; and I love her quirkiness. You’ll fall in love with this girl and root for all of her unbelievable plans to work so that her categorical universe will again be right.
Grab your copy of this wonderful book HERE.
Activities
Didigeridoo Craft at Mess for Less
2. Candice’s New Orleans Jambalaya Recipe: at My Recipes
3. How to organize your pencil-case like Candice (If you’re one who does not like their pens and pencils touching)
It’s really simple. All you have to do is find a piece of cardboard (or cut a piece of cardboard) that fits into your pencil bag. Snuggle it in right in the middle and fill up the case—one side pens and one side pencils. See, real simple.
ABOUT HANNAH
Born in the hills of Louisiana and raised in the mountains of Tennessee, Hannah Rials is an eighteen year old aspiring author and editor. Now a freshman in college, she’s been writing short stories since she was a little girl, but for the past several years, she has been writing, editing, and reediting a novel of her own that will soon be published by Audrey Press. Hannah has always loved reading and the world of books. With a librarian grandmother who can tell the most magical stories, how could she not fall in love with the written word? Her library collection and love for books grows every day.
The post The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee by Barry Jonsberg Book Review & Activity appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 11, 2015
Secret Garden Wednesday: Nest Building
“If you want to see birds,you must have birds in your heart.” John Burroughs
Every Wednesday you can drop by here and find new and special happenings in the Secret Garden. There’ll be crafts, great food, fun and laughter. So please be sure to come by and see us in our Secret Garden created just for you.
This week in our secret garden, we have had a mix of everything from ice, snow, torrential rains, and finally severely clear beautiful blue sky sunny weather.
With the changing of the seasons comes new little visitors to our grade. We heard the croaking of frogs down by the stream and have seen an abundance of robins and other spring time birds.
Inside the pages of A Year in the Secret Garden, we share how to actually build a birds nest. I’ll leave that for you to enjoy with family and friends.
Today we’re going on a Springtime scavenger hunt plus we’re making some edible bird nest yummies !!
Enjoy !!!
Something To Do
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are always so fun. Take this fun list along outside with you and check off everything that you can find. Just remember not to take anything and leave it in it’s place. Have fun finding Spring.
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Check off the following when you find them:
Grass
Bird
Flower
Rocks
Leaves
Pinecone
Butterfly
Fruit Tree
Feather
Twig
Ant
Watering Can
Bike
Worm
Squirrel
Caterpillar
Bird Feeder
Vegetable Garden
Bird Nest Treats
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup butter
4 cups chow mein noodles
DIRECTIONS:
1. Butter a 12 cup muffin tin.
2. Combine marshmallows and butter over medium heat in a saucepan; stir until the butter and marshmallows have melted. Stir in the chow mein noodles, coat well. Butter fingers and press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the prepared muffin tin. Refrigerate until firm.
After the nests are firm, place jelly bean, Cadbury or malt meal eggs.
Have you missed the last few Secret Garden Wednesdays? These are too much fun not to read!
Secret Garden Wednesday: Book-Inspired FUN
Secret Garden Wednesday: Perfectly Good Porridge
Secret Garden Wednesday: Garden in a Jar
Secret Garden Wednesday: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Want to enjoy more month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden? A Year in the Secret Garden is over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Learn more, or grab your copy HERE.
The post Secret Garden Wednesday: Nest Building appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
March 6, 2015
Let’s Take an Adventure into the Great Bear Rainforest
Today we’re on a quest for the Spirit Bear with twins Gannon and Wyatt in the Great Bear Rainforest up in Alaska.
Have you ever imagined traveling the world ? Not only have we imagined it, we’ve done it. Can you imagine how happy we were to discover this wonderful book series Travels with Gannon & Wyatt by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet about twin brothers Gannon and Wyatt who tour the world with their flight attendant mom and their international businessman father.
In Great Bear Rainforest we go in search of the mythical spirit bear. Surviving in the unforgiving wilderness of British Columbia Canada can prove more challenging than both Gannon and Wyatt could ever have imagined. When members of the expedition go missing, the brother bravely set out on a search and rescue mission. Soon the find themselves lost in a forest teeming with grizzly bears, wolves, and mysterious gunmen. Guided by a very wise and smart Native American teen, Gannon and Wyatt uncover a sinister plot and must risk everything to save those who are missing and restore balance to the Great Bear Rainforest.
This book is well written and gave us insights to a region of the world we don’t know at all. The storyline was exciting and captivating. I greatly appreciate the layout of the book as it lends well to young advanced readers such as 8 year-olds with a middle school reading level.
The story also deals with real life conservation issues being done to preserve bears, salmon and the whole region from oil pipelines going thru this pristine and vast wilderness.
Written in the tradition and style of historic journals kept by explorers such as Lewis and Clark, Dr. David Livingstone, and Captain James Cook, Travels with Gannon & Wyatt holds great moments of adventure as well as beautiful photographs, maps, and nuances to keep it interesting. Other books in the series are Egypt, Greenland, Iceland, Tanzania, Ireland, The American West and Botswana. Filled with fun and adventure we love this series and are so glad to have discovered it.
Something To Do
This adventure planted seeds of inspiration to discover more about the Great Bear Rainforest. Let’s go exploring and see what we can discover.
Where is the Great Bear Rainforest?
The Great Bear Rainforest is a remote region of temperate rain forest in Canada, on the British Columbia Coast between Vancouver Island and Southeast Alaska.The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest left in the world.
Great Bear Rainforest Wildlife
The Great Bear Rainforest is home to some very impressive wildlife both on land and in the sea.The area is home to species such as cougars, wolves, salmon, grizzly bears, and the Kermode (“spirit”) bear, a unique subspecies of the black bear, in which one in ten cubs displays a recessive white colored coat.
Kermode or The Spirit Bear
Spirit bears are rare black bears with white or creamy fur, brown eyes, dark nose pads, and nearly white claws. They are not polar bears or albinos. Less than a thousand exist.
Legend of the Spirit Bear
“For many years, the Spirit Bear was considered a legend of the Gitg’at and Kitasoo Native Peoples. Their legends told of a time when the glaciers finally receded, and it was Raven who made everything green. Raven also decided to make one in ten black bears white, to remind him of the time when the world was white with snow and ice. Raven decided to set aside a special area of the world for these bears – now known as the Great Bear Rainforest. It was a remote paradise where the bears were to live in peace forever.” David Burrell
More facts about the Kermode Bear:
Average litter size is 2, although 1 to 3 cubs is possible. Newborn cubs weigh up to a pound.
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years in the wild.
Weight: about 250 to 300 pounds for males. Females weigh about 125 to 175 pounds. Length is approximately 5 to 6 feet.
The population of the Kermode bear is estimated to be under 1300.
Due to the remote and unspoiled territories that these bears live in, they are neither accustomed nor fearful of man.
The major threat to this species is loss of pristine habitat from ongoing logging operations. Global warming is a long term threat that alters their balanced ecosystem. Reduction of salmon supplies by man made activities (e.g.: over fishing, pollution, etc.) also threaten the Kermode spirit bear.
More about the Gitga’att Tribe
In Travels with Gannon and Wyatt Great Bear Rainforest, we are introduced to the Native American Gitga’tt Tribe. A teenage girl named Alu helps the boys on their long journey to find their parents.
History: The ancestors of the present Gitga’at people lived at their ancestral home Laxgal’tsap (Old Town) in Kitkiata Inlet, on the northwest side of the Douglas Channel.
Society: The Gitga’at are members of the Tsimshian cultural group which is a matrilineal society. Clans affiliation, crests, names, and resource gathering areas are inherited from the mother’s side of the family.
Resource Use: Each House Group had specific territories for harvesting resources. As well, they share communal gathering places such as salmon rivers at Lax Galtsap (Old Town) and seaweed sources near Kiel, the spring camp.
Language: The Gitga’at originally spoke Sguuks or Sguumxs (Southern Tsimshian), but adopted the more widely spoken Sm’algyax (Coast Tsimshian).
Governance: Gitga’at society is sophisticated and complex, with intricate rules and norms that guide social relations, governance and economic activity.
Let’s Learn A Little Gitga’tt
Gannon and Wyatt share a little Giga’tt in their book Great Bear Rainforest. Why don’t you give it a try ?
Here are some common phrases from Great Bear Rainforest.
How are you ? Nada will wall ?
I am Fine. Aam wila waalu.
What is your name? Nay di wan?
My name is… di away…
Where are you from ? Nadir di will waiting?
Thank you, sir/madam Tooyxsut nuun
I’m hungry Kwdiinu
I’m thirsty Luguungwaga’nu
I like Anoogi
I don’t like Akadi anoint/anoogu
I want Hasagu
I do not want Akadi hasagu
Where is….Ndaayut?
Let’s Meet Gannon & Wyatt
I’ve saved the best for last. Let’s actually meet Gannon & Wyatt in the Great Bear Rainforest. They share their actual adventures from their book in their own voices. Plus we get to meet singing whales, spirit bears, eagles and many more wonderful special moments. It’s really fun and the views are simply stunning.
Happy Reading and I hope you enjoyed our adventure today.
If you are in the mood for another and inactive story, check out the enhanced digital eBook for kids, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!
The Ultimate Guide To Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is a step by step roadmap to this magical world. Just some of the fun includes:
A story filled with beautiful graphic illustrations including tantalizing Treasure Maps and vibrant tutorials.
Over 20 Crafts and activities that not only entertain, but educate.
You get to jump inside the book and enjoy creating the adventures yourself (Templates, maps, and more are included.)
Ever wonder where chocolate comes from? Or how gum is made? Wonder no more. Now you get to make your own.
Conduct activities in the areas of crafting, cooking, and game-playing as well as exploring many facets of candy production.
The option to take Charlie’s journey over the course of several days or take shorter journeys if you wish.
The creation of a new ritual of reading time with your family and the opportunity to experience the reading of this imaginative tale as a group activity, not a solitary event.
Go HERE to learn more and grab your copy from iBooks!
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March 4, 2015
Secret Garden Wednesday: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Happy Secret Garden Wednesday !!! Every Secret Garden Wednesday readers can drop by & find new and special happenings in the Secret Garden. There will be crafts, great food, fun and laughter.
Last week was filled, and I mean filled, with ice, sleet… and finally a big dose of wonderful snow. Once the snow hit and we could get out of the house, everyone had a great time sledding, and cross country skiing as well as fort and snowman building. Some of the best fun of all was had by our resident foxes who played a roving game of kick the can with us as well as many adventuresome moments diving into the snow.
Traditionally speaking snow days in our house also brings out traditional foods. There’s always a big pot of vegetable soup on the stove, warm bread out of the oven, and more hot chocolate than you can muster. There is also a dessert that is so warm and cozy that it’s one of the first things I make on a “snow day” and that’s Sticky Toffee Pudding. Warm, sticky, and completely lovely. Its the perfect ending to a perfect snow day. The only thing more perfect is to eat it by the fire.
Cheers and Enjoy !!!
From the book A Year in the Secret Garden (page 63)
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Pudding Ingredients
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 1/2 cups of sifted all purpose flour, plus more for the pan
1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates ( about 6 ounces)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Sauce Ingredients
1 1/4 cups (Packed) light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup (1/2) stick unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Pudding Instructions
(Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 C). Butter and flour Bundt pan. Bring dates and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium heavy saucepan with tall sides. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda ( mixture will become foamy). Set aside; let cool.
Whisk 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat 1/4 cup butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend (mixture will be grainy). Add 1 egg; beat to blend. Add half of flour mixture and half of date mixture; beat to blend. Repeat with remaining 1 egg, flour mixture, and date mixture. Pour batter into mold.
Bake until a tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Invert pudding onto rack.
Sauce Instructions
(Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm gently before using. )
Bring sugar, cream, and butter to a boil in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
Cut cake into wedges. Serve with sauce and whipped cream.
Want to enjoy more month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden? A Year in the Secret Garden is over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. A Year In the Secret Garden is our opportunity to introduce new generations of families to the magic of this classic tale in a modern and innovative way that creates special learning and play times outside in nature. This book encourages families to step away from technology and into the kitchen, garden, reading nook and craft room. Learn more, or grab your copy HERE.
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