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Connecting Children and Nature

In a Speck of Soil—Free Lesson Plan

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In this free lesson plan, In a Speck of Soil, children directly observe a small handful of soil in order to learn what it is (not just dirt!), how it is made, and what it needs to be healthy.

Children act as scientists, first by observing a handful of soil with their eyes and then identifying different types of soil by feel. Next, they may use scientific tools like a magnifying glass or microscope to discover more.

Further investigations can be done outdoors or with a sample of unhealthy soil that has been treated with bleach (for a teacher’s handling only).

In a Speck of Soil was created as a STEM activity for the book Mighty Mole and Super Soil. Check out this soil-rich read aloud before you start your lesson!

Mighty Mole and Super Soil explores underground ecosystems as it follows a friendly mole who encounters meadow mice, garter snakes, earthworms, woodchucks, and wolf spiders above and below ground.

As part of our 40th anniversary promotion, Might Mole and Super Soil is 40% off for the month of April!

 

 

Habitats Near and Far

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As part of our 40th anniversary promotion, we are offering 40% off a collection of books every month. This month’s theme is Habitats: Near and Far.

Dawn has several series that look at habitats and one of our most popular is Anthony Fredericks’ Under One Rock and Near One Cattail. These books take a close-up view of common habitats we can all explore…

Worm and Dirt Cupcakes for Science Class!

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Are you teaching about gardening, composting, earthworms, or the habitat of meadows or prairies? Our Worm and Dirt Cupcakes are a fun treat to add to the lesson plan.

Worm and Dirt Cupcakes aren’t actually made out of worms and dirt. In this recipe, you can use crushed oreo cookies and gummy worms along with a premade cake mix to create a surprise addition to your lesson…

Sing the Habitats with an Award-Winning Book Series

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Now you can sing the habitats with an award-winning book series based on the song “Over in a Meadow.” One of Dawn’s most popular series, the Over books by Marianne Berkes feature forests, oceans, rivers, mountains, deserts, and jungles…not to mention the rich ecoystems of Australia and the Arctic.

The series showcases Marianne Berkes’ buoyant rhymes and a counting scheme that will have children shouting out numbers. They are likely to absorb the habitat lesson without even noticing they’re learning!

Ocean Habitat, Counting, and STEAM

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Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef is one of our top sellers, which makes sense. It’s a habitat book, a counting book, a striking and unusual art book, and it comes with a plethora of STEAM activities.

Marianne Berkes’ Over series explore habitats to the tune of ‘Over in the Meadow.’ And this particular book features the delectable art of Jeanette Canyon, who sculpts polymer clay reliefs and then photographs them to create the brilliant, textured, joyful illustrations…

The Big Picture—Kids Make Nature Connections Through Books

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One of our goals at Dawn is to make connections inside kids’ minds about how nature relates to them. These two books give kids a solid sense of the science of interdependence (with a refreshing non-preachy method), so that when they go outside, they can make deeper connections.

Starting with one of these read alouds can lead the way to identifying animals and plants, recognizing ecosystems or habitats, and understanding how humans affect the rest of nature…

40% to Celebrate 40 Years

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To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re offering you a 40% discount on books throughout this entire year. Every book, every author, and every illustrator will be featured at some time in the months ahead. See the Year-at-a-Glance List.

You’ll automatically receive the 40% discount when you order books through this website or by phone (530) 274-7775

Each month you’ll be able to choose from a variety of books that relate to a nature theme. This month’s theme is Habitats–Near and Far and includes the following books:

Fantastic Feathers For Flying: A Free Lesson Plan

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Have you checked out our free lesson plans and STEM activities? With every book we publish we include curriculum-rich activities and nonfiction information in the back of the book—and we have additional lesson plans on our website available as free downloads!

Carol Malnor, former educator and curriculum content creator and now editor at Dawn, has created a full lesson plan for our new book, Why Should I Walk? I Can Fly! “Fantastic Feathers for Flying” is a hands-on activity that has kids investigating feathers and the features that make them function…

Big Problem, Small Scientist! Citizen Science for Kids

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Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist gives kids a head start in STEM by helping them understand scientific practices. And along with the launch of this giggle-inducing new picture book, we’ve gathered some fantastic (free) citizen science lesson plans for the classroom, so kids can get hands-on science experience just like Scampers!

Citizen science refers to any scientific project or program that uses a network of volunteers to conduct research. Those results often contribute data to scientists that would be impossible for them to collect on their own…

A Baby Robin Teaches Growth Mindset to Kids

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“If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.” – Carol Dweck author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Growth mindset has taken the education world by storm. But teaching it is not just praising effort rather than outcome. Instead, fostering growth mindset (as opposed to fixed mindset) is about encouraging children to learn to embrace challenges, effort, and mistakes as opportunities—and, importantly, to help them understand that experimenting with new strategies will help them succeed…

February Freebies

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BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WINTER WITH FRESH NEW BOOKS!

During February we’re giving away free books each week.

  • Win Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist and Why Should I Walk? I Can Fly!
  • The giveaway runs from February 1 to March 1, 2019. 
  • A winner is chosen on Friday of each week. The first winner will be randomly selected from all entries on February 8, 2019.
  • Once you enter, you are eligible to win for the rest of the month. The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist

Scampers is no ordinary mouse. She’s curious. She asks questions. She investigates. In short—she thinks like a scientist! And her infectiously experimental spirit will have young readers eager to think like scientists too.

Explore More with Literary Connections and STEM Activities

“A buoyant tale of scientific enquiry fueled by a proper mix of curiosity and courage.”— Kirkus Reviews

 

Why Should I Walk? I can FLY!

A little bird, a big sky, and the first time out of the nest! A fledgling robin’s first flight is a gentle reminder about what we can accomplish if we just keep trying. From doubt to determination, and despair to triumph, a baby robin expresses the  emotions we all feel.

Explore More with Literary Connections and STEM Activities

 

“Flying with this bird should leave young human chicks feeling encouraged to spread their own wings.”— Kirkus Reviews

 

 

Full STEAM Ahead! Picture Books in the Classroom

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Brain researchers tell us that when kids are engaged, enthusiastic, or invested they retain information long-term, which is what makes picture book read-alouds such a great way to introduce STEM in the classroom.

‘Creative nonfiction’ or ‘literary nonfiction’ tell engaging stories while imparting facts or concepts. Some are entirely factual and some…get a little wild.

Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist is a great example of creative storytelling that teaches a fundamental concept of science. How do you give early elementary children a taste of the scientific method while keeping them giggling and enthralled? Tell a fantastic story!

Two Classic Environmental Alphabet Books

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A Walk in the Rainforest and A Swim through the Sea are two of Dawn’s earliest books—and people are still using them to connect kids to nature.

Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini was only 14 when she wrote and illustrated A Walk in the Rainforest. She went on to publish five more books with Dawn and was named an “Eco Star” by the Cousteau Society and inducted into the Kid Heroes Hall of Fame by E: The Environmental Magazine.

While A Walk in the Rainforest takes readers on a journey through the precious diversity of tropical rainforest, A Swim through the Sea is a playful jaunt on the bottom of the sea…

Hook Kids’ Attention Through Flow Learning

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Flow Learning was originally designed for outdoor nature games by Sharing Nature author Joseph Bharat Cornell as a way to capture student’s attention regardless of their age, mood, or culture. But did you know you can use it in the classroom too?

Carol Malnor, editor at Dawn, has tips from her own experience of adapting Flow Learning for the academic classroom. Here are her suggestions for using it to teach math, science, social studies, language, and even art classes…

Celebrating 40 Years of Nature Books

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The book that stated it all for Dawn Publications was the publication of Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph Cornell in 1979. Based on his deep, personal connection with the natural world, Cornell’s book of “nature games” spurred a global revolution in environmental education. The original book has been expanded and revised over the years, helping children of all ages to experience the wonder, beauty, and joy of nature. Through workshops, books, and resources, Cornell’s international teaching program, Sharing Nature Worldwide, is movement dedicated to helping people deepen their relationship with nature.

“Because Sharing Nature activities are captivating and engage us directly with nature, players of all ages can happily enjoy the games together.” –Joseph Cornell

Dawn expanded into children’s picture books with A Walk in the Rainforest (1992) and A Swim through the Sea (1994) , both by Kristin Joy Pratt. Over the ensuing decades Dawn has published scores of titles, comprising a unique line of nature appreciation books for young people. We pursue quality rather than quantity, limiting ourselves to only a half dozen or so titles a year. When selecting our new projects we look for inspirational content and quality art, as well as solid information. We aim to reach the hearts as well as minds of children.

Each of our books is a unique window into the web of life that, grounded in nature, weaves us all together. We aspire to awaken children to the discovery that they are part of something magnificent.

Teachers love our books because they serve a dual purpose—meeting both literacy and science standards. “Explore More” sections, for both kids and adults, extend the learning with nonfiction information, literacy suggestions, and STEM lesson ideas. Whether they’re used as read alouds or independent readers, our award-winning books fit into reading collections in categories and modules such as the water cycle, animals, habitats, birds, oceans, pollination, seed dispersal, life cycles, earth and space, food webs, plants and gardening, and biographies.

 

3 Nature Games That Will Connect with Kids

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Forty years ago, the newly created Dawn Publications put out a book called Sharing Nature with Children, which launched a mission we still carry on today: “inspiring in children a deeper understanding and appreciation for all life on Earth.” Shortly after, Dawn began publishing books for children, centered around connecting kids with nature.

Sharing Nature with Children author Joseph Bharat Cornell went on to create a worldwide movement with workshops, online trainings, and free educational offerings to teach people how to use his system to wake up both adults and children to the world around them.

Here are three games that give you the flavor of Cornell’s nature-awareness program…

Icy Adventures, John Muir, and a Brave Little Dog – the Perfect Family Readaloud for Wintertime

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John Muir wrote Stickeen, his account of his adventures with a brave little dog, in 1880–and it is still just as thrilling over a century later. We follow Muir through a trip he called “the most memorable of my wild life,” crisscrossing icy crevasses and eventually winning over his aloof and mysterious companion, Stickeen.

Now there is a picture book adaptation that captures the spirit and adventure of the original book, while pairing it with the majestic wintry art of Christopher Canyon. Donnell Rubay’s adapted text works for both adults and children, from adventure-loving four year olds to dog-loving twelve year olds…

Celebrate the Season Outside

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thWinter is a time for celebration! At nightfall on December 2nd Hanukkah began. Winter solstice, the longest night of the year, is December 21st, followed closely by and Christmas on the 25th. Celebrate this season with these suggestions for outdoor rituals, crafts, and experiences for home or school.

See the Sunrise or Sunset. Throughout December take time to go outside every day and notice the sun. Try to do it at the same time each day—possibly at sunrise or sunset if you’re at home, or at the beginning or end of the school day. If you keep this commitment throughout the year, you’ll really notice the change in the day’s length and the sun’s path.

Make a Yule Wreath. Make a wreath of evergreens (or purchase one) and invite family members or51118bfd2272ea2172d4a79624cf027d students create a small card illustrating something they appreciate about winter. Have each person show their card and share something about it. Then attach the card to the wreath and display it in a prominent location. On New Year’s Day, remove the cards (you can keep them in scrap book) and return the wreath back to nature.

Celebrate Twice—Both Inside and Outside. Celebrate Christmas as you usually do inside, and also create a NEW tradition of celebrating Christmas outside. You might decorate a tree with pinecones smeared with peanut butter (something the birds will appreciate) or play a game of “Outdoor Scavenger Hunt” as you look for items in nature that begin with the letters of the alphabet. Encourage creativity, especially for challenging letters, such as eXtra-ordinary leaf or Zebra-shaped cloud. Preparing food outside over an open fire is always fun. S’mores anyone?

wedding-luminariesShow the Way with Luminaries. Hanukkah is a Festival of Lights that is traditionally celebrated with lighted candles. This year decorate your walkway or front porch with paper bag luminaries. Cut holes, stars, or hearts in the bags and fill them with sand for stability. Place a wax votive or battery-operated candle inside each bag and enjoy the inviting glow.

Include the Environment in New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re going to make resolutions at the beginning of year, you might want to add one or two that are good for the environment. Here are some ideas to get you started: commit to turning out the lights whenever you leave a room, grow a windowsill herb garden, donate items you don’t need or use, use natural cleaning products, compost food scraps, or decide to make one energy-efficient change to your home.

Joyful Noise! Soundscapes Connect Children with Nature

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Want to connect young children with nature? One surefire way is to listen to nature’s sounds. Bugs, frogs, birds, all of these creatures–and their cries, calls, and croaks–are readily found in every environment.

Soundscapes are the sounds that populate our world. They evoke a sense of home, even if we haven’t consciously been paying attention. Taking time to listen allows children a pathway to tuning in to the natural world. They also have the opportunity to recognize that nature is all around them, whether in a suburban neighborhood or on a city street…

Become a Bird Detective! Inside and Outside Birding for the Winter Season

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You may have heard of the Christmas Bird Count put on by Audubon in December. Each year individuals and families participate in a one-day bird count that contributes to the longest running community science project in the country!

It’s easy to join up, and every group includes one experienced birder, so you don’t have to be an expert to take part. The data from the count allows researchers, conservation biologists, and wildlife agencies to study the long-term health of bird populations across North America…

A Wild Turkey Read Aloud for November

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This August, a visitor took up residence outside my cabin: a juvenile wild turkey, looking forlorn and seemingly attracted by its own reflection in the glass door. Over the next two months, the wild turkey grew and grew, curling up against my doorstep during the hot days and occasionally flying and flopping heavily on my not-so-high roof.

Wild turkeys are now found in every state except Alaska, so it’s more and more likely that kids in both rural and urban areas will have spotted these tough, wily, fascinating creatures. With Thanksgiving around the corner, why not spend time learning about one turkey that won’t end up on anyone’s dinner plate!

Picture Book Creates a “Helen Keller” Moment

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We all know that picture books can be powerful. They’re catalysts for sparking a child’s imagination, igniting a new interest, or opening the door to a whole new way of seeing the world.  Sometimes a book’s impact is so dramatic it completely changes a child’s life!

That’s what happened with Sunshine on my Shoulders—John Denver’s words and Christopher Canyon’s artwork awakened a little girl’s ability to speak. It all happened in an instant, much in the same way that Helen Keller experienced a dramatic awakening to language through her experience with water. Everything just clicked! We learned about this experience from the little girl’s aunt.

“Sunshine on my Shoulders, and the illustrations captured the imagination of my niece causing her to say her very first sentence! . . . As a special education teacher myself, I remain in awe of what one book did to change my whole family.”

Here are the inspiring details of this family’s experience:

“My niece was a developmentally delayed, non-verbal toddler. Shortly after birth she stopped breathing and needed to be medically airlifted to a hospital, where many code blues where called to keep her alive over the next 24 hours. As she grew, she hit her milestones late, and remained non-verbal much longer than the average toddler. She struggled to be understood, but couldn’t find words to string together into ideas. She only knew four words: Mommy, Daddy, no, and kitty.

 I thought a “kitty” would be the key to unlock my niece’s voice, so I suggested that my sister and her husband scour the library and get out any books with kitties. Sunshine on my Shoulder was in the mix one day, and that was the day my niece’s life changed. One of the illustrations has a man with a guitar sitting next to a kitty. My sister asked “Where’s the kitty?” My niece started screaming; not saying anything just pointing. She kept screaming insistently, then after looking at the picture intensely she said, “ne pababu” (“Next to Papa Bruce.”) Papa Bruce is her grandpa. He plays a guitar like the man in the illustration, and the kitty was sitting right next to him.

Over the course of a few weeks my sister read her the book daily, and slowly my niece’s vocabulary grew. Months later I can proudly say that the combination of the singsong passages in the book, together with the imagination-inspiring artwork, my niece is verbal! This book pushed her to think abstractly, and to pull from relevant experience to explain the imagery. I remain in awe of what one book did to change my whole family.”

Celebrate Daylight Saving Time with Nocturnal Games

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Next week, with daylight saving time imminent, the darkness will suddenly sneak up on us as we are leaving work or picking up kids from after-school activities. How can we celebrate the darkness–rather than complaining about it as I usually do?

One idea is to take the family out for an early evening walk: look out for nocturnal critters and cover your flashlight with red plastic wrap to make it even more fun and animal-friendly…

Sharing the Science of Climate Change with Kids

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Earlier this month the United Nation’s Scientific Panel on Climate Change published an alarming report about the consequences of global warming. Over 90 scientists found that we will be facing a climate crisis as early as 2040, with drastic effects at even a small rise in temperature. Amidst these dire warnings, how are we supposed to talk to kids about the future without overwhelming them?

Booklist says of the book How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: “Veteran science writer Cherry and award-winning photographer Braasch team up to make climate change less frightening by showing children how to empower themselves as “citizen scientists…”

De-mist-ify the Water Cycle with I Am the Rain

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As it gets wetter, it’s time to play in puddles, breathe fog onto windows, and teach the water cycle! I Am the Rain is one of three Dawn books that feature water in all its myriad forms (See also Pitter and Patter and A Drop Around the World).

I Am the Rain is the 2018 winner of both the Teacher’s Choice Award and the Family Choice Award and a recipient of numerous starred reviews. Suitable for first to third grade, this lyrical picture book focuses on the forms of water, from mist to floods to flakes, with a special emphasis on the influence of the changing seasons…

Harvest Time Activities You Can Do Inside

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The fall harvest time is here (at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere!) with pumpkins, falling leaves, and cold, brisk winds. It’s a perfect time to feature the harvest in the classroom, with mounds of vegetables ready to be picked, brilliant orange, red, and yellow colors, and an abundance of seasonal activities to brighten up the home and school.

Molly’s Organic Farm has 5 complete lesson plans to celebrate (and explore) everything from your senses to the seasons, all the while learning about the workings of a community-based organic garden. And you don’t have to leave your classroom to do them!

The Science and Mystery of Animal Migration–Free Lesson Plan from the NSTA

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We love this lesson plan put together by the Picture Perfect Science team for the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Part of the Teaching Science through Trade Books collection, the lesson plan uses our book, Going Home: The Mysteries of Animal Migration, for grade K-4 to discuss why animals migrate—what we know and what remains a mystery.

Written by Emily Morgan and Karen Ansberry, The Mystery of Migration lesson plan includes activities to engage elementary students in an animal guessing game based on the playful rhyming verse about migration behaviors, as well as mapping routes on free printable maps…

Teaching the Seasons with Daytime, Nighttime: All Through the Year

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As we head into October, Daytime Nighttime: All Through the Year has the perfect start to the season!

This stunning picture book for K-3rd grade has art that seems to pop off the page, showing a series of creatures foraging, hunting, and building their homes, during day and night, month by month. A great way to teach the seasons, as well as diurnal and nocturnal differences, Daytime, Nighttime features two creatures per month…

Creative, Kinetic, and Fun—Science Activities that Engage

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Looking for fun science activities for K-3rd grade? Check out the activities for our new fall title, Over on the Desert: Somewhere in the World.

Over on the Desert is part of a bestselling series by Marianne Berkes that teaches about biomes—to the tune of “Over in the Meadow.” A delightful collection of desert animals, from jerboas and dingos to gilas and camels, are shown in their different habitats using adaptive behaviors, all the while the song guides kids through a fun counting game.

Our favorite science activity from the book is…

Easy to Include Literature with Science

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Dawn Publications enjoys our close connection with Project Learning Tree. Here’s what one coordinator has said about us:

“I fell in love first with the illustrations, and then the science based content! As we were just beginning to ‘have’ to include literacy in all subjects and programs, I found your books to be a wonderful way to show how easy it was to include literature in science.”

Attitudes to Get the School Year Off to the Right Start

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The first month of school sets the tone for the entire year. That’s why so many teachers put lots of time and energy into establishing daily routines, explaining school rules, and practicing classroom procedures. It’s just as important to focus on the attitudes that will make each day rewarding for both kids and teachers. But how do you present attitudes in a way that appeals to children without being didactic? We suggest you let nature be the teacher.

With a light touch especially suited to children, Wonderful Nature, Wonderful You explores lessons from nature that encourage children to do and be their best. Here are few specific examples:

Cooperation—With a bold illustration, simple text explains that gorillas only fight when they need to protect themselves. Most of the time they would rather be peaceful and play. On the facing page, children get a gentle message about cooperation.

“You, too, can decide what’s important to make a fuss about and what isn’t. Probably you’ll discover that most of the time, things work out better when you find a way to get along.”

Acceptance—In our fast-paced world, changes are always happening. A caterpillar becoming a butterfly is a wonderful example that change is constantly happening in nature—and often change can be beautiful.

“You may not understand why a change happens to you. You may not like it. But look for something good about the change, and you might find it.”

Confidence—Children (adults, too) can fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others. In nature, fish don’t try to grow feathers because birds have them. Tigers have stripes, leopards have spots, and lions don’t have either. Sometimes we need a reminder to be confident.

“There will always be people who can do things you can’t, or who have things you don’t. You have your own special gifts. What do you think they are?”

Positive Posters

Other attitudes supported by the book include: confidence, integrity commitment, empathy, and tolerance. A great activity

So Much More than a Fun Story—Creative Nonfiction

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If you’re looking for read-alouds that are rich on many different levels, try out our creative nonfiction picture books. Every single one has hidden depths.

Our new fall title He’s Your Daddy! is a perfect example of how deceptively simple a good creative nonfiction book can be. Children will delight in the ducklings, pups, and calves, while dads appreciate the rare bit of attention. This bouncy, rhyming text tells us, “If you were a joey, a piggyback rider,/Your daddy might be a sweet sugar glider.”

The WOW Factor

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The WOW! Factor consists of the elements of a book that cause readers to exclaim, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” or “Wow, that’s really cool!”

However, the WOW! Factor is much more than the simple reporting of amazing information or incredible facts. There is a host of books that abound with isolated tidbits of information. A well-crafted book also embeds those facts within the context of a story. Stories put science into a meaningful context—one that engages the reader through personal connections. So, too, must the passion and excitement of the writer be evident to readers or a book becomes nothing more than a compendium of random data.

The WOW! Factor played a prominent role in Tall Tall Tree. This book describes creatures found in the canopy of iconic redwood trees—chattering squirrels, roosting bats, busy bumblebees, and dancing ladybugs all inhabit this elevated ecosystem. I wanted readers to experience the discoveries that could be made in a small ecological niche—in short, the never-ending story about a collection of creatures and how they live together more than 200 feet above the forest floor. In this instance, the “wow-ness” of nature was presented in a counting book that invites reader engagement and participation.

When children read WOW! Factor books, they gain a true appreciation for science in their everyday lives. When combined with the elements of good storytelling those facts become personal and intensely meaningful. Children begin to sense that learning about the world in which they live is a passionate affair—one that puts all the senses on full alert—and one shared by the author as well as the reader. To offer less is to deny children the joy of discovery and the thrill of adventure that waits under one rock or up in a tall tall tree!

Editor’s note: Tall Tall Tree recently won the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (Gold)

Excerpted from “Navigating Nonfiction,” a monthly column by Anthony D. Fredericks. Read the entire article at SBCWI’s Eastern Penn Points.

 

Reading the Redwoods

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Stories of adventure, mystery and friendship await young readers who participate in a FREE, online reading contest with prize packages awarded on a weekly basis and culminating in the chance to win a Grand Prize.
Participating is fun and easy. Sign-up now!
Just do the activities below:
  1. Read books
  2. Listen to stories
  3. Create your own photos or artwork
  4. Observe the redwood forest with a live webcam
  5. Explore the redwoods nearest you

Everyone who signs up will be entered to win weekly prize packages.

  • A backpack full of goodies for young explorers like a notebook, compass, sunscreen, and a water bottle – donated by REI.
  • Boxes of Z Bars – donated by CLIF Bar.
  • Books about the natural world including  Tall Tall Tree by Anthony Fredericks
  • Totebag and goodies from Independent Bookstore Day on April 28.
  • Recognition on ReadingTheRedwoods.org, in reading contest emails, and on Save the Redwoods League social media.

Everyone who completes the 5 activities will be entered to win a First Prize and the Grand Prize!

See the Prizes  •  Read the Rules  •  Check out our Partners

Ten Tips for Reading Aloud

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Reading aloud books about science can serve several purposes, including sparking children’s interest in science topics and improving their reading and comprehension skills. The following tips are excerpted or paraphrased from Even More Picture Perfect Science Lessons, K-5 by authors Emily Morgan and Karen Ansberry. They’re sure to help you make your read-aloud time productive and meaningful.

  1. Preview the Book—Make sure the book meets your science objectives. Check for any errors or misinformation. Decide if you will read the entire book or just part of it.
  2. Set the Stage—Remember that reading aloud is a performance. Gather students in a special reading area and make sure they can easily see you andthe book. Clarify expectations for appropriate behavior.
  3. Celebrate the Author and Illustrator—Tell students the names of the author and illustrator, showing them photos and adding interesting biographical information. Mention other titles they’ve written or illustrated.
  4. Read with Expression—Practice reading the book aloud to improve your performance. Engage your audience with louder and softer speech, funny voices, dramatic pauses, facial expressions, or gestures. Make eye contact with students now and then as you read.
  5. Share Pictures—Hold the book so all students can see the illustrations or photos on each page. In some cases you may want to wait to show the image until children have a chance to visualize what is happening in the text.
  6. Encourage Interaction—Keep chart paper and pens handy to record questions or new information. Provide children with “think pads” so they can write down their thoughts and questions. Give children opportunities to “turn and talk” with a partner.
  7. Keep the Flow—Avoid excessive interruptions that might disrupt fluent, expressive reading. If the book combines a story with science content, you may want to read it first for the story and a second time to emphasize the content.
  8. Model Reading Strategies—Before, during, and after reading aloud model these six key reading strategies: making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing.
  9. Don’t Put It Away—Keep the book accessible to students after you read it. Give them an opportunity to look carefully at the illustrations or read the book independently.
  10. Have Fun—Let your passion for books show. It is contagious! Seeing an authentic response from the reader is important for students—laugh at the funny parts and cry at the sad parts.

5 Ways to Celebrate the Season Outdoors

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thWinter is a time for celebration! At nightfall on December 2nd Hanukkah began. Winter solstice, the longest night of the year, is December 21st, followed closely by and Christmas on the 25th. Celebrate this season with these suggestions for outdoor rituals, crafts, and experiences for home or school.

See the Sunrise or Sunset. Throughout December take time to go outside every day and notice the sun. Try to do it at the same time each day—possibly at sunrise or sunset if you’re at home, or at the beginning or end of the school day. If you keep this commitment throughout the year, you’ll really notice the change in the day’s length and the sun’s path.

Make a Yule Wreath. Make a wreath of evergreens (or purchase one) and invite family members or51118bfd2272ea2172d4a79624cf027d students create a small card illustrating something they appreciate about winter. Have each person show their card and share something about it. Then attach the card to the wreath and display it in a prominent location. On New Year’s Day, remove the cards (you can keep them in scrap book) and return the wreath back to nature.

Celebrate Twice—Both Inside and Outside. Celebrate Christmas as you usually do inside, and also create a NEW tradition of celebrating Christmas outside. You might decorate a tree with pinecones smeared with peanut butter (something the birds will appreciate) or play a game of “Outdoor Scavenger Hunt” as you look for items in nature that begin with the letters of the alphabet. Encourage creativity, especially for challenging letters, such as eXtra-ordinary leaf or Zebra-shaped cloud. Preparing food outside over an open fire is always fun. S’mores anyone?

wedding-luminariesShow the Way with Luminaries. Hanukkah is a Festival of Lights that is traditionally celebrated with lighted candles. This year decorate your walkway or front porch with paper bag luminaries. Cut holes, stars, or hearts in the bags and fill them with sand for stability. Place a wax votive or battery-operated candle inside each bag and enjoy the inviting glow.

Include the Environment in New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re going to make resolutions at the beginning of year, you might want to add one or two that are good for the environment. Here are some ideas to get you started: commit to turning out the lights whenever you leave a room, grow a windowsill herb garden, donate items you don’t need or use, use natural cleaning products, compost food scraps, or decide to make one energy-efficient change to your home.

Encouraging Kids to Appreciate Nature

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How can you encourage feelings of gratitude for nature in children? The best way is to give kids a direct experience of nature’s beauty, awe, or power. And the good news is that nature experiences don’t require a trip to the wilderness. Simply being outside is the first step.

Dawn Suzette’s blog Mudpuddles to Meteors suggests simple and easy ways to get kids outside during the month of November. Sign up for her annual Fall Outside email to get an outside nature activity for each day of the month. That’s 30 activities! For example: Eat a meal outside—Have everyone fill their plates in the kitchen and head outside. Want seconds? Head back in to the stovetop and grab a spoonful! Making a one-pot wonder (a meal you can make in one pot or dish) makes getting outside so easy because you only need is a bowl and a spoon. If it all still seems overwhelming, start out with a snack. Once you’re outside, let nature provide the magic.

If children are reluctant get outside, let nature picture books provide the impetus.

For example, read A Moon of My Own—a story about a girl who travels the world (if only in her dreams) discovering natural wonders with her companion the Moon. After noticing the phases on each page, go outside and look up at the moon. Then keep a “Moon Phase Journal” for an entire month.

With minimal text and evocative images, The Dandelion Seed entices children to explore the dandelions encouragement, “The world is more beautiful than you can imagine. You’ll see. You’ll see.” This books is a great lead-in to playing a game of “Nature I Spy” in the backyard or schoolyard.

The sweet (pun intended) story of If You Love Honey leads children through a meadow of plants and animals that part of the natural cycle that results is delicious honey. It sets the stage for finding something to appreciate in nature with the concluding words, “And you know who to thank for that!” An outdoor follow-up activity might be a game of “Nature I Spy,” as kids pair up to find objects in nature for each letter of the alphabet.

Adults telling kids to appreciate nature doesn’t work. But animals become excellent teachers in Granny’s Clan. After learning about the life of orcas, and reading about ways people honor them, children’s hearts and minds naturally open up to the idea of saying “thank you.” This season you can create your own “celebration” for the wild animals (squirrels, birds, fish, frogs, etc.) in your area.

Wishing you and yours many opportunities to say thank you to nature this Thanksgiving!

Gary Braasch: Author, Photographer, Friend

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Gary BraaschGary Braasch, photographer and co-author with Lynne Cherry of the award-winning How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate (2008) died unexpectedly while snorkeling in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It is a profound loss—and a reminder of how a single person can recognize the enormity of the challenge of climate change and do something of global significance about it, all the while maintaining a calm and joyful spirit.

As Lynne recalls, twenty years ago Gary took it upon himself to do all in his power to alert the world to the global climate crisis. His extraordinary photographs reached people’s hearts and minds. He thought that if people could see with their own eyes how climate change was transforming ecosystems they would be motivated to take action to reduce CO2.

How We KnowHe and Lynne had young people in mind as they worked together on How We Know because they knew that adults tend to follow the lead of young people on this issue. A League of Conservation Voters study showed that children are a primary source of information about environmental issues for adults, and the largest force upon adults to lead a more sustainable life-style. A study by corporate giant Unilever found, “when kids lead, adults follow.”

Gary and Lynne’s book published by Dawn Publications garnered 16 awards and many laudatory reviews. The Dawn staff recalls with fondness our time working with him on the book.

You can catch his spirit as well as the extent and quality of his life work in this video of Gary in his own words.

Greenland Glacier by Gary BraaschEven though Gary and Lynne knew all too well how dire climate change is, they strove to write a book that would not scare children but help them to see possibilities for change. The reviewer for “Embracing the Child,” for example, recognized this:

A groundbreaking new book for children explains the science behind the headlines, shows how young people are participating in gathering the scientific data, and tells what can be done to avert a crisis. The authors of How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate report on such a groundswell of activity by scientists and concerned people-including many children-that what could be a fearful or depressing book is, instead, an empowering book.

How to Use Creative Nonfiction Picture Books
in Support of Common Core and Science

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— by Carol L. Malnor, author of the weekly blog, Common Core: Making the Connection Educational reforms like Common Core State Standards (CCSS) come and go. I began teaching in 1974, so I’ve seen a lot of them! And while educators and parents can debate the merits and faults of Common Core, these standards have been adopted by 46 states. […]

Honey Bees in the White House

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One thing I really enjoy is attending beekeepers meetings where I have a table to sign books, and usually show a couple of original illustrations. I hear all sorts of interesting stories and meet some wonderful people – all who are committed to the world of beekeeping. This photo is from the November 2010 meeting of the Virginia Beekeepers Association […]

Artists of the Month: The Canyons

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Greetings Dawn Friends! The richness of autumn is all around us here in our great state of Ohio. It’s a special time, with the pumpkins on the vine, crunching leaves under our feet, and a briskness in the breeze which reminds us to breathe in nature’s bounty of the harvest season. The chill in the air also reminds us of […]

Margaret Mason: Out and About

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How lovely would the life of an author be if all “book promotion events” were as delightful and energizing as the Leon & Lulu Book & Authors’ event, held every October in Clawson, Michigan. Thanks to an announcement on the Michigan SCBWI chapter listserv, I was one of the participating authors this year. Leon and Lulu is a former roller-skating […]

Louise Schroeder on the Birth of The BLUES

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It’s No Fun Being In The Middle I grew up on a farm near St. Denis, Saskatchewan, Canada. I later moved to the nearby city of Saskatoon where I studied and worked as an orthopedic nurse for ten years. During that time, I avoided the long, cold Canadian winters by traveling extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Southeast and Central Asia, […]

New Items in the BLUES Interactive Clubhouse!

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Eggbert Reads Wild America

After their long journey along Wild America’s Shores, the BLUES have returned to the Interactive Clubhouse with souvenirs! In their second journey, the BLUES traveled along the American coastline in honor of Roger Tory Peterson’s classic bird watching expedition. Along their trip they discovered a bird who can carry 10 or more fish in its beak at once, a bird who spends most of its life soaring over the ocean, and another bird who has special air sacs under its skin to cushion the impact from plunge-diving for food. Now, relaxing back at the clubhouse, the BLUES have put together some exciting materials to enhance the journey chronicled in The BLUES Go Birding At Wild Americas’ Shores.

On the Trail of a Honey Bee with Lori Mortensen

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Once you start taking the time to look for honey bees, there’s no telling what you might find. That’s what I discovered on a recent trip to Fort Bragg, California. Of course, as soon as I arrived at the beach, I was instantly captivated by the sight of rolling waves crashing onto the sandy shore, the high rocky cliffs, and the cool salty air. Many people were. As I walked along the shore, I’d often see someone alone facing the great ocean as the waves surged in and out. After journeying to the edge of California, people couldn’t help but take in nature’s great scene of ocean and sky.

However, after writing my book, In the Trees, Honey Bees! I couldn’t help but wonder about honey bees too. Would there be a lot of honey bees on the coast?

Discover Amazing Shore Birds With The BLUES

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Did you know that Atlantic Puffins can carry more than 10 fish at a time in their colorful beaks? Or that the Brown Pelican has air sacs under its skin to cushion the impact from plunge-diving? Thanks to the BLUES, children (and their adult counterparts!) are learning fascinating facts about America’s shore birds.

A Perspective on Author/Illustrator Collaboration

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Joseph Anthony shares with us his perspective on how authors and illustrators collaborate together to produce children’s books. In particular, he shares some memories from the collaborative work he did with his wife Cris Arbo on The Dandelion Seed and In a Nutshell. It turns out that creating books involves a mix of inspiration, compromise and carpentry skills!

Kids Learn about the “Neighbors”: Mercury, Venus…

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Today’s children – the generation that may put a colony on Mars – will grow up knowing that Earth, Mars and the other planets are part of a “family of planets,” in a “neighborhood” that circles the Sun. The books they grow up with, such as Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun, take that kind of perspective in stride.

As a former director of children’s theater as well as a former teacher and librarian, Marianne Berkes has just the aptitude to pull off a book about astronomy that is both entertaining and informative. To the tune of the old ballad “Over in the Meadow,” children count the planets, learn their names, and discover some amazing things about them. Jupiter for instance, is “A gigantic ball of gas/ Here is planet number five.” A ball of gas? Yes, that’s right!

A Mother’s Bond

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Fran Hodgkin’s book, If You Were My Baby: A Wildlife Lullaby, shows the life-giving bond between mothers and babies, regardless of their species. A duck and her ducklings, a mountain goat and her kid, a bison and her calf, as well as a human mother and her baby – all are tenderly guiding their young in ways associated with their own animal kind.

There are many books about love on the market, but they either fictionalize the bond through talking animals, or focus solely on humans. If You Were My Baby highlights the real relationship in lullaby-like poetic form, as the adult animals fulfill their parental roles in a factual way.

“People ask me if this is fiction or non-fiction,” Fran often says. “I call it ‘creative non-fiction,’ because the facts are there but they don’t hit you over the head.”

Book of the Week: In One Tidepool

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Congratulations to last weeks winner Rena Jones. Rena was the winner of a free copy of Amy’s Light by Robert Nutt.

This week we’re giving away a copy of In One Tidepool: Crabs, Snails and Salty Tails to one lucky eNewsletter subscriber.

Have you ever ventured to the edge of the sea and peered into a tidepool? A whole community of creatures lives there! This salty, splashy habitat book by Anthony Fredericks is unique and colorful. Vivid close-up art by Jennifer Dirubbio, and amusing text make this both fun and educational for children.

Book of the Week: Amy’s Light

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Congratulations to last week’s winner Traci Grider. Traci is the winner of a free copy of A Swim Through the Sea by Kristin Joy Pratt.

This week we’re giving away a copy of Amy’s Light to one lucky eNewsletter subscriber. From under her bedcovers on a warm summer’s night, Amy peers at dark shadows on the wall that seem at least twenty feet tall. Suddenly she sees a faint flicker of light from the window! Amy discovers a magical light in her own backyard. As she learns about the light, she also learns about the light within herself. Here is a story to brighten one’s evenings – any time of year. Inspiration for the book came to Robert one summer evening when he and his wife were walking and came up on a house with a yard full of dancing, flickering lights. At that moment, he knew he would write about it. That night, in bed, the verse just started to come – it “just started spilling out of me, and I wrote it down.”

Authors Out-&-About: Jennifer Morgan Visits the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab

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Caption: Jennifer Morgan with Andrew Zwicker, Ph.D., program head, science education program, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.

On occasion, the authors at Dawn Publications come across unique opportunities to speak with others about their work. In this post, Jennifer Morgan (author of The Universe Series) talks about a interesting conversation that occured while visiting the Department of Energy’s fusion energy research facility.

A Seed is Planted, a Book is Born

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From the Dawn Publications newsletter archives, by Jennifer Ward, author of Forest Bright, Forest Night.

I am a writer. I am also: a parent, a daydreamer, a quiet observer, a voracious reader, obsessed with picture books, and highly fond of nature and animals.

Not a day goes by that I don’t observe something in nature that I’d love to communicate to children in the form of a book. As I sit here writing this on a chilly winter morning, I note a hint of spring as I state out my office window and spy a finch playing tug-of-war with the old mesquite that guards my office. The bird the victor, off it flies beak full of green, with an addition for its nest. Viewing this, I am given nature’s promise of a new season, one that will offer new growth and new lives.

Book of the Week: A Swim Through the Sea

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Congratulations to last week’s winner Chris Leach. Chris was the winner of a free copy of There’s a Babirusa in my Bathtub by Maxine Rose Schur and illustrated by Michael Maydak.

This week we’re giving away a copy of A Swim Through the Sea to one lucky eNewsletter subscriber. In this illustrated tour of the plants and animals of the undersea kingdom, Kristin Joy Pratt highlights a selected species on each page with a full-color illustration and a paragraph of fascinating facts. The alliterative storyline and alphabet book format provide parents and teachers with an engaging way of sharing this special ecosystem with their children.

The Germination of an Idea

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Anthony Fredericks talks about Under One Rock and how he happened upon the idea for this award winning series.

“One of the great pleasures of being a children’s author is the opportunity to travel to schools around the country to share the joys of writing. Like many visiting writers, I am well prepared to answer the four most frequently asked questions of children’s authors: 1.) Where do you get your ideas? 2.) How much money do you make? 3.) How old are you? 4.) Is your wife pretty?”

Book of the Week: There’s a Babirusa in my Bathtub!

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Congratulations to last weeks winner Martha Freeman. Martha was the winner of a free copy of For Baby (For Bobbie) by John Denver and illustrated by Janeen Mason.

This week we’re giving away a copy of There’s a Babirusa in my Bathtub! Fact and Fancy about Curious Creatures written by Maxine Rose Schur and illustrated by Michael Maydak to one lucky eNewsletter subscriber. Humorous rhymes and both realistic and fanciful illustrations illuminate the lives and careers of little-known animals. There’s a loris in your chorus? He’s quite a singer! Care to play bingo with a dingo? Watch out, he’s a sharp one. A babirusa in your bathtub? Better leave him there–he loves water! A variety of witty, lively poems makes learning about these unsung animals fun – and fun to imitate by writing similar poems about well-known animals.

Making a Splash with Marianne Berkes

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Thanks to the Collaborative Summer Library Program kids across the country are “making a splash” with Marianne Berkes. The 2010 Summer Library Children’s theme is “Make a Splash, READ!” and many libraries have chosen to include Over in the Ocean and Seashells by the Seashore into their programs. In this video excerpt with Riley Roam from Page Turner Adventures, Marianne talks about how to enhance the books with learning activities. Many of the activities mentioned in the video can be downloaded from our website. In addition, you can download MP3 files of Marianne reading and singing Over in the Ocean. Librarians — and parents! — have found these tools valuable in helping to connect children with both nature and reading.

Book of the Week: For Baby (For Bobbie)

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Congratulations to last weeks winner Pam Larson. Pam was the winner of a free copy of The Forever Forest by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini and Rachel Crandell.

This week we’re giving away a copy of For Baby (For Bobbie) to one lucky eNewsletter subscriber. Everyone loves babies, and John Denver’s love song: “For Baby (For Bobbie)”, interpreted as a picture book by award winning illustrator Janeen Mason, reminds us how universal these feelings are. With swirling colors that lead us around the globe, from Sri Lanka to the Arctic, your child will be captivated by the babies and the wildlife. The music and art together inspire a special heart space to share with a child you love. Janeen is a well-known Florida artist who says, “adapting and illustrating this song by John Denver is a dream come true!” She is a member of the prestigious Florida Arts Council and illustrator of numerous children’s books.

Giving Children the Universe

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In his groundbreaking book, The Universe Story, cosmologist Brian Swimme put out the call: “We need a common and compelling vision of the nature of the Universe and the role of the human within it. Such a new cosmology must be grounded in the best empirical, scientific understanding and must be nourished just as deeply by the vibrant cores of our planet’s wisdom traditions. Only such a vision has a chance of awakening the deep psychic energies necessary to shape a new era of health, well-being, and true prosperity.”

Maria Montessori anticipated Swimme by more than half a century. She wrote: “If the idea of the Universe be presented to the child in the right way it will do more for him than just arouse his interest, for it will create in him admiration and wonder, a feeling loftier than any interest and more satisfying. The child’s mind then will no longer wander, but becomes fixed and can work.”

Brian Swimme’s call, and Maria Montessori’s perceived need for a “right way” to share the universe with children, has been answered by Jennifer Morgan.

“Sunshine” Rooted in Denver’s Childhood Passion for Nature

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So often on our site we speak of the importance of real experiences in nature, especially for young children. When we released “Sunshine On My Shoulders” by John Denver, we took joy in noting the impact that an early childhood nature experience had on him, and by extension, for so many others. This summer, we reflect again on “Sunshine”.

Three huge eucalyptus trees stood just down the street from John Denver’s boyhood home in Tucson, Arizona. John often climbed those trees. In the embrace of their towering branches he wove dreams of his future. “I loved to sit in them, so removed from the world below, thinking about the things I wanted to do someday, the kind of person I wanted to be,” he wrote later.

John Denver, of course, went on to become one of the most popular singers and songwriters in American history. But he was so much more than an entertainer. True to his friends, the trees, his songs rang with rapture for nature.

Book of the Week: Forever Forest

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Congratulations to last weeks winner Evelyn Christensen. Evelyn was the winner of a free copy of Sunshine On My Shoulders by John Denver and illustrated by Christopher Canyon.

This week we’re giving away a copy of The Forever Forest: Kids Save a Tropical Treasure to one lucky eNewsletter subscriber. The Forever Forest is a story about the Children’s Eternal Rainforest in Costa Rica, a great place to hear howler monkeys, see algae-covered sloths, and discover that strangler figs make great hideouts! Join young Peter on a hike through this inspiring forest – a rainforest that has been preserved forever by the efforts of children all over the world. Co-author and illustrator, Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini began her career with A Walk in the Rainforest, using magic markers to express her love of nature. Now, along with “Rainforest Rachel,” she returns as an adult to celebrate a very special place.

Experts say… Go Outside and Play

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Photo courtesy of Flickr:Otto Phokus

Since Dawn Publications’ inception, we have known intuitively that nature provides us with positive life-shaping experiences, vital for children. But it’s especially nice to see a well-written testament to the value of nature in kids’ lives. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by journalist Richard Louv (2005) combines anecdotes with striking new research. The author spent 10 years traveling around the country talking to parents and children, college students, teachers, scientists, religious leaders, child-development researchers, and environmentalists.

The bad news is the prevalence of “nature-deficit disorder,” epitomized by the fourth grader who said: “I like to play indoors ’cause that’s where all the outlets are.” This “disorder” is not a scientific term but one coined by Louv to suggest a range of issues such as attention difficulties, higher rates of obesity, and diminished use of the senses.

Book of the Week: Sunshine on My Shoulders

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To kick off our eNewsletter campaign we’re giving away a different free book every week to a lucky winner. This week’s featured book is Sunshine on my Shoulders. What better way to celebrate the arrival of summer than with this adaptation of the John Denver classic. Children and adults alike will love Christopher Canyon’s whimsical and humorous illustrations, that capture the innocence of childhood.

In a Flash of Light…

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Author and Illustrator Robert Nutt shares with us the events of a significant day in the history of Amy’s Light. Amy’s Light is the tale of a girl who discovers the magic of fireflies. Through this discovery, Amy also learns about the light that radiates from within her. As warm summer days and fireflies begin to make their appearance, we encourage you and your children to connect with nature by heading outside and reading books such as Amy’s Light. Perhaps, like Amy, you too will be inspired by the magic within.

Journaling a Monarch’s Amazing Metamorphosis

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My Monarch Journal

When Connie Muther was eight years old, an older friend put a Monarch caterpillar in her hand, and began telling her about the miracle of metamorphosis that she was about to witness. Ever since, Connie has been raising Monarchs. As a teacher, she squeezed them into the curriculum no matter what the grade level (K through 7). Even as an educational coordinator and international educational consultant, she still raises them, and shares her excitement with others.

When she discovered that her friend, Anita Bibeau, grew milkweed in her garden in order to photograph Monarchs, the idea for My Monarch Journal was hatched.

The BLUES Visit Wild Birds Unlimited

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Carol L. Malnor, author of the children’s book, The BLUES Go Birding Across America recently visited the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Grass Valley, CA for a book signing during “Bluebird Day”. Children learned about Bluebirds, made simple feeders and received free mealworms for the Bluebirds in their yards. Wild Birds Unlimited raffled off a Bluebird box and pole with all proceeds going to Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release.

A Website Short Story by Laya Steinberg

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This week we are excited to offer an original story by author Laya Steinberg. Laya is the author of the book All Around Me I See. As a teacher Laya sees how surprised and excited children are to discover the unfolding mysteries at their feet. In her stories, she strives to show our connections to the beauty of nature through simple analogies. To find out more about her work, visit her website at www.layasteinberg.com.

Conversations with the Artist: Catherine Woolf

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In this installation of Conversations with the Artist, editor Glenn Hovemann interviews author and illustrator Catherine Maria Woolf. Catherine is a graduate of art history at the University of California, Berkeley. As an artist, she deftly communicates the fresh joy of discovery in nature. She lives in Berkeley, California and says, “I love the nature and hiking here.” My First Hike is Catherine’s first book with Dawn Publications.

Lori Mortensen: Where does a book begin?

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I wrote In the Trees, Honey Bees, because of my late beekeeper father-in-law, Eugene Mortensen. Whenever I visited his home in Tracy, California, he was always doing something with his honey bees—and he had a lot of bees! At one time he had 300 hives. If he wasn’t scraping the wax off stacks of wooden frames, he’d be moving hives from one field to another, “extracting” honey in his garage, or going out on calls to catch menacing swarms. One day, my husband and I jumped in his bee truck with him and watched as he captured a buzzing clump of bees that had swarmed on the front gate of the Altamont Raceway.

A Chapter that “Might Have Been”

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Coqui by Mike Maydak

Maxine Rose Schur is the author of the award winning book There’s a Babirusa in my Bathtub: Fact and Fancy About Curious Creatures. The book includes a variety of witty, lively poems that makes learning about these unsung animals fun. As Maxine points out, there are many little-known animals worthy of our attention: “When I researched the little-known animals of our planet I discovered far more than could be included in the book. These animals are not in the book but they’re still in my heart. Like the little coqui frog of Puerto Rico. A most amazing frog!”

Janeen Mason: When Stars Sing

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Janeen Mason, illustrator of For Baby (For Bobbie) had a once in a lifetime opportunity when visiting the Jensen Beach Barnes and Nobles. To hear more about the event, listen to an Interview with Janeen on the WQCS Arts Spotlight.

Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary, put on a concert last night at my Barnes and Noble in Jensen Beach, Florida. He’s promoting his latest release “Day is Done”. Lindamae Benevides, their Community Relations Manager is a friend of mine and while he was in the back signing books (all 500 of them), she showed him my latest book, John Denver’s “For Baby (For Bobbie)”, a song that Mary Travers made into an icon. He was surrounded by staff ( B&N even sent in CRMs from other stores to help). He asked Ms. Lin, to bring me back to the signing room.

Announcing the Earth Day Contest 3rd Place Winner

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We are pleased to announce the third place winner in our Earth Day contest, Robin Tirrel of the Fieldcrest Montessori School. Below you will find an excerpt from her contest entry that shows how one teacher is using our books to connect children with nature.

Deepening our Connection with Nature

From the moment I ordered the Sharing Nature with Children books by Joseph Cornell, I knew just the kind of nature program to start at our school. Your books have been instrumental tools in our environmental education curriculum that I have taught for the past four years to students (2-17 years old) at our Montessori School. We have a beautiful 50 acre campus where the children can explore open hills and forests, maintain and study our vegetable, butterfly, Art, & herb gardens, and maintain and create wildlife habitats. We are now a certified WILD School Site and Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat. My classroom has become the Nature Center. I use many of the “Flow Learning” concepts in our daily classes. Activities such as “Camera” & “Meet a Tree” are good for all ages. I have used “Role Playing” often—whether the students are acting out maple seed helicopters, dandelion parachutes, “spiderlings”, a butterfly coming out of its chrysalis, or other animals—they always emerge from the activity with a greater understanding of the natural world around them.

Conversations with the Artist: Carol Reed-Jones

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In this week’s Conversations with the Artist, editor Glenn Hovemann talks with author Carol Reed-Jones. Carol is the author of two books with Dawn Publications, Tree in the Ancient Forest and Salmon Stream. Carol enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, and watching Douglas squirrels from her living room window. She strongly believes in living in ways that preserve the earth and all life.

How “Earth Day Birthday” Was Born – And How the Holiday Can Have a Long Life

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by Pattie Schnetzler, Author

Books, like life, are filled with journeys. The journey of Earth Day Birthday began in the mid-1960’s when several of my teachers spoke to me and my classmates about Earth’s environment. They were concerned about the Earth. The air was getting dirty, as was the water. Even the land itself was suffering. I clearly remember one of my teachers telling us about a brand new word “SMOG.” At the time, I thought it was a funny word.

Experiencing Rivers

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Steve Van Zandt Steve Van Zandt – author, musician, and river guide – is always looking for child-friendly ways to inspire his young audiences. That’s what he does as an environmental educator, Banana Slug String Band member and songwriter, and as author of River Song. If you are from Northern California, or studying geology, you will enjoy the following little exercise. No matter what watershed you live in, you will appreciate Steve’s creative approach.

Conversations with the Artist: Anthony Fredericks

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Anthony FredericksEditor Glenn Hovemann is delighted to present another “Conversation with the Artist” this time featuring author Anthony Fredericks. Anthony Fredericks is a veteran nature explorer. He grew up on the beaches of southern California and during summers camped (and swatted mosquitos) in the Sierra Nevada mountains of eastern California. Later he attended high school and college in Arizona where he often spent his free time trekking through the Sonoran desert. Now Tony explores the hillside in south-central Pennsylvania where he and his wife reside and frequently hikes the mountains of western Colorado where his granddaughter lives. A former classroom teacher and reading specialist, he is Professor of Education at York College. As the author of more than 30 children’s books (some about “buggy” things) he is a frequent visitor to schools around the country, where he shares the wonders of nature with a new generation of naturalists.

Conversations with the Artist: Jennifer Morgan

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In this installment of Conversations with the Artist, editor Glenn Hovemann interviews Jennifer Morgan author of the Universe Series. Jennifer Morgan’s work as a storyteller, author, educator and environmental advocate flows out of her love of the natural world and cosmology. She is a dramatic storyteller whose “first-person science” approach captivates children. To find out more information about Jennifer Morgan and the Universe Series visit her website at www.universestories.com.

Celebrate Earth Day’s Birthday with Dawn Publications

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What better way to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd than with this one-of-a-kind picture book for children? To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, we’re offering a 25% off discount on Earth Day, Birthday by Pattie Schnetzler for the entire month of April.

Earth Day, Birthday is an upbeat celebration featuring various North American animal species symbolic of a healthy, diverse environment. Readers can sing-along to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” while learning about this universal holiday worthy of acknowledging every day! The back of the book is filled with plenty of Earth Day activities and celebration ideas.

Happy Earth Day from all of us at Dawn Publications!

Conversations with the Artist: Jeannine Atkins

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In this edition of Conversations with the Artist, editor Glenn Hovemann chats with Jeannine Atkins, author of Girls who Looked Under Rocks. Jeannine writes of Maria Sibylla Merian, who sailed from Europe to South American in 1699 to study and paint insects; Anna Comstock, the first woman professor at Cornell and founder of the movement to teach nature in schools; Frances Hammerstrom, who left a modeling career to study wildlife on the prairies; Miriam Rothschild, who let her mansion grow wild with the weeds that butterflies prefer; Rachel Carson, who told the world how chemical use can upset the balance of nature; and Jane Goodall, whose study of chimpanzees shows that the differences between some animals and humans may not be as great as previously thought.

Conversations with the Artist: Joseph Anthony

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In this installment of Conversations with the Artist at Dawn Publications, editor Glenn Hovemann shares his discussions with author Joseph Anthony. Two of his books, In a Nutshell and The Dandelion Seed, have been published by Dawn and were illustrated by his wife, Cris Arbo. Joseph is also the author of Innerworld (published by Bonneville Books), a young adult novel about finding what it takes to change the world.

Conversations with the Artist: Marianne Berkes

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This week Dawn Publications editor Glenn Hovemann interviews author Marianne Berkes about her writing, her motivation, and her involvement with kids. Marianne has spent much of her life with children as a teacher, childrens theater director and childrens librarian. She knows how much children enjoy brilliantly illustrated, interactive picture books with predictable text about real animals. She retired to write full time and visit schools, libraries and literary conferences. Marianne is the author of eight (and counting!) published picture books for children including the newly released Going Home: A Mystery of Animal Migration.

Behind the Scenes with Cris Arbo

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Illustrator Cris Arbo gives us a behind the scenes look at how she creates her artwork. For those who have a copy of the Dawn books mentioned, you will enjoy matching up the real life references to the scenes depicted in the books. Cris’s art has appeared in books, magazines, calendars, cards, murals, and in animated feature films, TV shows, and commercials. When not at the drawing board or visiting schools she gardens and explores the beautiful countryside near her home in rural central Virginia.

Conversations with the Artist: Gary Braasch

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In the first of a series of conversations with the artists at Dawn Publications, editor Glenn Hovemann shares his discussions with photographer and author Gary Braasch. Gary’s work with co-author Lynne Cherry on How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate has been instrumental in empowering students to become involved in climate change solutions. This award winning book is now available in a paperback edition.

Climate Change Made Age-Appropriate…

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Telling children bad news about the environment is tricky business. How can environmental disasters?or potential disasters like global warming?be presented in a way that informs children but doesn?t disconnect them from nature? That empowers them without scaring them indoors?

That dilemma was at the top of the editor?s mind at Dawn Publications when he first saw the book proposal by Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch that became “How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate”. After all, news about global warming is so bad that many young people question whether a world will even exist for them to inherit.

How The Story Came to Be

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In this article from the Dawn Archives, author Brian “Fox” Ellis talks about the inspiration for his book “The Web at Dragonfly Pond”.

The idea came to me while I was a summer camp counselor. The children were complaining about the mosquitoes. I often heard them whine, ?I wish there were no such things as mosquitoes.? I knew not to argue with them. I wanted them to know on a visceral level that all things in nature are important, that every creature plays a vital role, and that we are all connected.

“Then I remembered fishing with my father and some of the things I learned from him. Though the story took place over several fishing trips, every detail in the story really happened. The kernel of the story is the simple question, Do you like to listen to bird songs? Do you like to catch fish? Then we need mosquitoes, because they feed the fish and the birds. I have performed this story for audiences of all ages from elementary school students to Ph.D. Aquatic Ecologists.