And just in time, too!
In keeping with my theme for this week (you know, the one where I insist that spring is coming in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary :)) I have the perfect book!
Written & Illustrated By: Carin Berger
Greenwillow Books, January 2015, Fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8 (though I think a lot of 3 year olds would love it too :))
Themes/Topics: seasons (Spring), animals (bears), perseverance, patience
Opening: "The forest was growing cold. Mama said that soon it would be time to sleep, but all Maurice could think about was his first spring."
Brief Synopsis: Mama bear says it's time to sleep, but all Maurice can think about is spring. So when Mama goes to sleep, Maurice sets out to find it. He has never seen spring, however, so he's not really sure where to look or even what he's looking for!
Links To Resources: take a nature walk and look for signs of spring; make up a list of signs of spring and check them off as they appear - is spring here yet?; How To Make A Diorama (video); Diorama Crafts For Kids; try making your own diorama about spring; make paper flowers; how to make tissue paper flowers (video)
Why I Like This Book: Every child on earth understands impatience - how hard waiting is, and how much more fun to take action! Maurice is not deterred in the slightest by the fact that he doesn't actually know what spring is. He just looks until he knows he's found it. And he can tell he's found it because it's the most magical thing he's ever seen! Just wait until you see what it is (and no, I'm not telling! :)) The book is illustrated with dioramas and cut-paper collages and is just gorgeous - a feast for the eyes of kids and grown-ups alike. A perfect choice for those of us currently longing for spring :)
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you and see what delights you've chosen for us this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! It will be March by the time it's over! :)
