Tulips

Tulips, by Jay O'Callahan, is a fun read for children (and adults) who have ever the experience of planting tulip bulbs.  Pierre, who is visiting his Grand Ma Mere, is a practical joker.  It's fun to read all of the tricks he tries.....however, Grand Ma Mere is an even better practical joker!  We won't give away the surprise, but we think you'll enjoy this fun book!

Question Collection:

*Why do you think Pierre likes to play practical jokes?
*Which joke do you think was funniest?
*What did you expect before you read the ending?
*What do you think Pierre learned?
*Does this give you any ideas for writing a surprise ending for a story you might write?

Zinnia's Flower Garden

Zinnia’s Flower Garden, by Monica Wellington, is a beautiful book that follows the adventures of Zinnia as she learns about flower gardening.  Each narrative page is bordered by information that tells more about the aspect of gardening pictured on the opposite page.  Also included in each layout is a page from Zinnia’s gardening journal.

This book is a great example of a book to use a picture walk the first time you and your children read this book.  Examples of information included with the text include:  types of clouds, stages of germination, life cycle of a butterfly, parts of a flower, types of flowers, addition of money, and pictures of the seasons.  There is so much to learn and enjoy from Zinnia’s Flower Garden.  This book is an inspiring, encouraging book to read and learn more about flower gardens.  Enjoy!

Question Collection:

*Which type of flower would you like to grow?

*What did you learn about plants?

*What does Zinnia show you in her journal?

*What kinds of work does Zinnia do to grow pretty flowers?