Tag: Nature

The Story of Ferdinand

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The Story of Ferdinand (1936)
by Munro Leaf, illustrations by Robert Lawson

I never read this classic picture book as a child, so I don’t know that I would have picked it up for our baby girl had a friend not given it to us.  It instantly became one of my favorites!

This charming book tells the story of Ferdinand, a nature-loving, peaceful bull who accidentally ends up at the bull fight in Madrid.  The simple black-and-white illustrations are just delightful, and I love how Ferdinand is content to just be himself.  I’m so glad to have this picture book as part of our daughter’s library!

Apparently, this picture book was written in one afternoon, and it caused enough controversy to be banned from several countries including Spain, where the tale takes place.

The Story of Ferdinand (1936)

Earth Dance

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Earth Dance (1996)
by Joanne Ryder

This is a delightful book, where the reader imagines she is planet Earth.  As a baby, our daughter enjoyed the colorful illustrations and flowing words, but as she’s grown, it’s so much fun to wriggle, twirl, and shake along with the book’s suggestions.  A great book to help remind us of our connection to Mother Earth.

 

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An Awesome Book of Thanks

The Curious Garden

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The Curious Garden (2009)
by Peter Brown

A young boy living in a dreary city happens upon a small bit of earth and decides to take care of it.  As the boy’s garden grows and thrives under his care, the rest of the city begins to join in, creating unique gardens of their own.

While so many “environmental” books end up leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed or even a bit discouraged, this enchanting and subtle picture book leaves the reader feeling irresistibly optimistic.  By doing something he’s drawn to do, young Liam inspires change that is wide-reaching and quite beautiful.

I can’t wait to read more of Peter Brown’s books!

Visit Peter’s website, peterbrownstudio.com, for wonderful interviews, unique items for sale,  and free, downloadable activities, including coloring pages, activity pages, and a poster.

Also check out videos about the Highline.  Highline history, Walking the Highline or check out their website

The Curious Garden (2009)

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Me, Jane

Me, Jane

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Me, Jane (2011)
written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

The moment I spotted this book at a friend’s house, I knew it was a must-have for us.  This Caldecott Honor book has delightful illustrations by MUTTS comic creator, Patrick McDonnell.  The picture book tells the story of Dr. Jane Goodall as a young girl dreaming about living in Africa and helping animals.  It’s short and sweet and has inspired me to learn more about this amazing woman.  Filled with true anecdotes and even a page of puzzles and drawings that Jane made as a young girl, Me, Jane is a book I can’t wait to add to our collection.  And, yes, this mama did get choked up on the final page, which is always evidence of a great book.

 

The Little Yellow Leaf

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The Little Yellow Leaf (2008)
by Carin Berger

This is one of my new favorite books!  Unlike all the other fall leaves, this little yellow leaf just isn’t quite ready to let go.  This is such a simple story, and yet has so much packed into it about doing things in our own time, finding courage, discovering friends, and, of course, letting go.  The artwork is beautiful and unique, created with a “mixed media” look.  But the story itself is what has me adding this book to our “must own” list.  Fabulous.

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Fall (Autumn) books