Circle of Thanks

by Susi Gregg Fowler, Peter Catalanotto (Illustrator)

An Alaskan boy and his mother walk through the slushy tundra. When a baby otter pup slides into the icy river, the boy's mother rushes in to rescue her. This selfless act prompts a chain reaction of rescues from other animals, including Raven, Mother Caribou, and Arctic Fox. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet young children's book which could be used/read at Thanksgiving to demonstrate how gratitude for acts of simple kindness circle around and may even come back to help the originator. In this story set on the Alaskan tundra, a young boy and his mother set in motion a series of events in the animal kingdom which children and even adults are sure to enjoy. Repetition and water color illustrations add to the book's overall charm and appeal

[Bre Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Storybook, Watercolor, Arctic Animals, Respect
Fowler, Susi Gregg. Circle of Thanks. Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto. NY: Scholastic Press, 1998. Unp. Primary.
Surreal style, playful tone, beautiful colors of watercolor illustrate the story of giving thanks whether it’s to animals, our environment, or people. This book will teach kids to give thanks, be helpful, and kind to those around them.
Alaska Connection: Arctic, Arctic Animals, Inuit Family
Related Activity: Discuss with your group how you can be kind and give thanks to others.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

How rare to read a picture book set in the Alaskan tundra: It's a truly different way of life from anywhere I've ever lived.

Mama sets a circle of good deeds in motion by rescuing an otter pup.

That circle of good deeds continues, with gorgeous illustrations immersing readers like me in the life in this place of big space, tall trees, and cold winter.

And that ending, thanks to Arctic Fox, is soooooooooo beautiful.

This book inspired me.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable and sweet book with beautiful illustrations. Worth reading - Jules loved it. Great for incorporating values of being kind and seeing the chain of events that allow things to happen. And of course good for teaching about gratitude.

[Jeffrey Yasskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet book about a series of animals and people caring for each other.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elementary and up picture book about animals being kind to one another when they normally woul;d not interact with that animal. A great kindness and circle of life book.

[Kelle Treadwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska

[Travis Kesinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be great to begin the school year with. I really enjoy the way that it models the 'pay it forward' methodology. This would be great when discussing classroom rules and expectations for students.

Purpose:
Read aloud to students at the beginning of the school year- Grades K-3rd
This read aloud would serve as a transitional piece in the classroom between what it means to be a good friend/peer, how we treat one and other in the classroom, and how thus the rules and guidelines of class.

I don't think this story is particularly challenging in any regard for students, but the message itself is very important. I think regardless of the grade level or vocabulary of the student it still provides a positive and relevant message.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interdependence of animals.

[Salsabrarian]

A circular story about the interconnectedness of earth: A woman saves an otter pup from drowning, and successive animals in turn help each other right back to the woman’s son.