A patchwork quilt . . . a handmade mandolin . . . a rag doll . . . a wooden chair - all these things are examples of folk arts and crafts. They are useful objects that are also beautiful. Learn about various kinds of folk art, including: furniture; toys; religious objects; musical instruments; and quilts, clothes, and other fabric arts. In folk traditions, art is a part of everyday life. And people still enjoy folk art today.
Special days are times for fun and togetherness. They also link us to the Earth's seasons, and they help us keep track of how time passes. Most of all, they are deeply rooted in folk tradition. Learn more about: the winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah; spring celebrations like Easter and Asian New Year; fall festivals, like Halloween and the Day of the Dead; and summer celebrations, like the Fourth of July. Holidays and festivals draw us together. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we believe. As we travel through the year, folk festivals give us strength. And they make life more fun!
Have you ever played cards on a rainy afternoon? Do you and your friends play jump rope, play hide-and-go-seek, or play Red Rover? If you did, then you were enjoying a folk game. Learn more about these games, including the long history behind: face cards; tag; hide-and-go-seek; some board games; and baseball. Games help us deal with life. They give us physical exercise. They challenge our minds . . . and most of all they fill our lives with fun.
Have you heard these common proverbs? Let sleeping dogs lie. Where there's smoke, there's fire. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Or what about these riddles? What is black and white and red (read) all over? Why did the chicken cross the road? Why is 6 afraid of 7? Proverbs and riddles are tiny, bite-size pieces of folklore. They make us think. They tease our brains. They may make us laugh. But most of all, they tell us something about who we are and how we see the world.
Have you heard of Anansi, the mischief-making spider from Africa? Do you know about the Blackfoot woman who married a star? Or have you heard stories about Jack, the hero who always wins both the treasure and the princess's heart? Discover stories from North America's folklore, including tales about: why the world is the way it is; heroes and fools; ghosts and horrors; and death and the world to come. Stories have power. They share the wisdom of other generations. They stir our imagination. They give us hope and courage. And sometimes they just make us laugh!
Did you know that todays jolly Santa Claus was originally a Catholic bishop? Or that Santa Claus is connected to Saturn, an ancient Roman god? Or that in some places, Santa rides a camel? Christmas is a holiday of light and giving, and Santa Claus has become a traditional symbol for the seasons deepest meanings. Learn more about: Santa the Christ Child Christmas animals the Wise Men Christmas plants Christmas songs and cards. Across North America, Christmas is an occasion for love and joy and celebration. Discover the traditions and folklore that make this holiday so special.
Helping mom is no fun for Junjun, so instead of doing as she asks, he utters the "magic" words "rata-pata-scata-fata." By chance or magic, Junjun's wishes come true and all of his chores get done. Is Junjun's magic just a coincidence?
What Animal Needs a Wig? invites readers to the world of animals and riddles, the ultimate combination that children love. Riddles are based on the word play of animals names and zoological facts. Readers are encouraged to turn the pages to see the answers, which accompany fascinating facts about animals.
Baby is happy in Mama's belly and no matter what enticement her family offers she won't come out until Daddy offers her a kiss. Delightful for expectant brothers, sisters, and mothers.
A wild prairie is a lively place in this rhythmic romp with munchers and crunchers above and below the grasses so thick, and fires that flare, and rains that quenchand always the prairie grows green. Back matter offers information and activities for a fuller appreciation of this marvelous, disappearing habitat.
Trosclair loves to row to Bee Island, although he knows that Gargantua, a giant alligator, is lurking there. Using his wits and a beehive, Trosclair rids the swamp of Gargantua for good.
Dalmatians are known for their sleek white coats dotted with black spots. Extremely loyal and active, Dalmatians love to go on hikes with their owners and do other outdoor activities. Students will trace the Dalmatian's evolution from coach dog to faithful pet. Blastoff! Series
When the children on the bus get a substitute driver who they think has too many rules, they quickly learn that following rules isn't a bad idea as they get caught in a storm and Mr. Goldfluss keeps them safe until the storm passes.
It can be difficult to find interesting materials for students who read below grade level, but these hilarious characters and goofy stories will get students reading! The small amount of text per page and strong visual cues make these stories very reader-friendly. Phonetic skills get a real workout through the repeated use of words with special vowel and letter combinations.
Penguin likes to visit his friend Duck. But he begins to miss some of the things at home. How can Duck cheer up his homesick friend? Concept: Empathy/Caring for others. Book features: Big Words and Big Questions; original illustrations.
In this delightful tale of the power of the imagination, Art's supplies come to life in the studio, creating mayhem and magic -- and art! Pastels, pencils and paints, crayons, brushes and markers, everything gets in on the act of creating a mess-terpiece of fun. Chris Tougas' brilliant illustrations and clever text explore the essence of the creative process in a way that children will understand.
Moush is having a bad day. His sister yelled at him and his mother scolded him. He hides in the closet and decides to run away from home. He begins to prepare by collecting things to take with him: his favorite coat, his schoolbag. But can he take from his home everything he would like to have with him?
Two small robots explore science and technology in their workshop. Enriched by amusing illustrations, witty texts, photos and information boxes, young children will learn the basics of the wheel and axle.
A tiny baby sea turtle scrambles across the sandy beach and into the sea. Floating far out in the ocean, Kiki is becoming a gentle giant. She swims to shallower water where a rainbow of corals puts on a show. Kiki adopts the busy coral reef as her new home and discovers fish of all sizes and lots of surprises! But something keeps calling her back to the beach...and the circle of life continues.
The birds in Kate's neighborhood have a secret: there's a party today! But where? Kate listens to the clues in the calls of her neighborhood birds and discovers an impromptu birthday party for week-old ducklings.
Posey Plans a Party has a lot of "p-word" alliteration and asks kids to count how many "p" words are in the story. The plot portrays Posey and her family planning, assembling, and enjoying a tea party. It's a perfectly pink primer on party planning--the menu, preparations, decorations, the invitation, dress code, entertainment, activities, etc.
Get a glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of caterpillars. Hairy, spiky, or covered in goo, these creepy little critters have developed amazing survival techniques. Life cycle into butterfly featured.
Daisylocks needs a home that is just right. She asks Wind to help her find the perfect habitat to spread her roots, and he accepts the challenge. Wind blows Daisylocks to the plain, the mountain and the wetland. She objects to each place one by one too cold, too hard, too wet. Daisylocks is not ready to give up! They try the humid rainforest and then the warm beach; those are not just right either. Will Wind find the perfect climate and soil for Daisylocks to place her roots and grow into a beautiful flower?
When Tree Kangaroo and Koala dig a well to get some water, Tree Kangaroo ends up doing all of the work and Koala ends up with a stumpy tail in this origin story from Australia.
A kitten is completely dependent on its mother during the first eight weeks of its life. Its mother provides food, warmth, and protection. Children will follow a kitten's growth into an adult cat in this book. Blastoff! Series
