I have found a handful of amazing children's books while walking in my neighborhood the other day. I make it a regular event to visit ALL the Little Libraries in my neighborhood, and today I found a gem!
This post is not so much about the book itself, however, it is a sweet, sweet book about a lovely seed saver. What impresses me the most is the back inside jacket of the book.
Here, there are some wonderful ideas on how to incorporate the story into some great activities for kids.
STARTING UP: Read the title aloud. Ask your child to point to the title character in the illustration and express surprise about her mode of transportation. Talk about how the quote on the back cover relates to the grown-ups your child knows.
READING THE STORY: After reading the things that Miss Maple does for her seeds, share some special things that you did for your child as a baby. Compare the activities Miss Maple and the animals do each season with your own family traditions each season. As the story ends, turn back to the first page and explain that Miss Maple's story repeats each year.
AFTER THE STORY: Ask your child questions about the story. Have you ever planted a seed like Miss Maple did? What kind? Did it grow? Do you remember being smaller and growing taller each year?
Plant a garden or window box together, maybe planting some of the seeds from the book. Visit a natural setting, like a forest or park. Remind your child that most of the trees or flowers there started with a small seed! Prepare meals together and discuss the seeds in the fruits or vegetables as you cut them up.
I thought this was a great opportunity to get children involved in their book. Please check out Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler (she is both the author and the illustrator). This book is also from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
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