The Perils of Being a Grasshopper

Yesterday, while sitting on the edge of the pool, I saw a grasshopper struggling to stay afloat in the water. First, since Mr. Sturm was closer, I asked him to remove it. When it became clear that Mr. Sturm would have no part of playing lifeguard to the insects I spotted in the pool, I went in to get it myself.

I easily scooped out the little grasshopper, letting the excess pool water drip out from between my fingers. Then, I set the little guy on the edge of the pool, and verbally instructed him to hop away. Mr. Sturm said that I needed to give him a moment to dry off before he could hop, but I was determined this grasshopper would not hop right back into the pool the moment I turned my back. Thinking I was acting in the best interest of the grasshopper, I started tapping the ground behind the grasshopper, causing him to hop, hop, hop towards the woods. Once out of my arm's reach, I decided my work was done, and smiled at this grasshopper, certain it was grateful I had helped save its life.

Then, a bird swooped through the air, and, without even stopping to touch the ground, grabbed the little grasshopper and flew away, probably to devour him headfirst. Needless to say, my self-satisfied grin from saving the grasshopper turned to a jaw-dropped, "Wha-at? Whoa! Did you see that?"

Later, I rescued a beetle. My nervous eyes scoured the sky as the beetle scuttled off, but, smaller and perhaps a bit smarter, the beetle hid in the cracks between the bricks.

Seven Picture Books You'll Love, Too

Parents, guardians, older brothers and sisters, babysitters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors should all read to the children in their lives.

Do you have children you need to read to, but can't find a book to interest them and yourself? While I don't have children, I am a teacher in an elementary school. There are definitely books or stories I enjoy more than my students, and the other way around. I am going to try to compile a list here, however, that both adults and children, in my, albeit somewhat short, experience have enjoyed.

7 Picture Books:

1. Two Bad Ants, by Chris Van Allsburg          This adorable and story about two naughty ants who go on an adventure is not only funny, but makes you think. Told from the perspective of the "bad ants" inside a human home, it is fun to use the pictures and descriptions to determine what household item the ants are encountering. Those ants had one crazy advernture!
2. Come Along, Daisy! by Jane Simmons            Daisy is a duckling who likes to play with the dragonflies, watch the fish, and hop around with frogs. Unfortunately, Daisy does not stay with her mother, which creates fantastic opportunities for children to make predictions ("I predict...") or personal connections.
3. The Frog Prince Continued, by Jon Scieszca     Adults may get more of a kick out of this "sequel" to "The Frog Prince" than the children, but it is more than worth the read. Basic background knowledge of fairy tale witches and reading with character voices is a necessity.
4. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, by Jon Scieszca   Another book by the same author sure to get some giggles is the story of "The Three Little Pigs" told from the perspective of a very sympathetic wolf. There are always at least two sides to any story.
5. Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China, by Ed Young The illustrations are beautiful, and it is wonderful to work on compare and contrast with the typical, Western version of "Little Red Riding Hood".
6. Rain, by Manja Stojic This simple story takes place in Africa during the rainy season, and my 8 year old students loved it. It is a fantastic book to focus on patterns as well as the five senses. We used it for expressive reading. If it says the porcupine whispers, then the reader better whisper! The illustrations are amazing as well.
7. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale, by Verna Aardema   This was one of my favorites as a child. Beautifully told and illustrated, this children's book is fascinating even to adults.

Can you think of any particular children's picture books you and the children in your life have enjoyed? If so, please share with the rest of us.

Watch for a future post concerning chapter books children and grown-ups alike will enjoy to read together.