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The Blue Spruce Award

The Blue Spruce Award program brings recently published Canadian children's picture books to children ages 4 to 7 in kindergarten through to grade two. For many children, this is their first introduction to the world of books. This program promotes reading for enjoyment and begins to develop the readers skill in evaluating a picture book based on story, text and pictures.  Readers are also provided opportunities to discuss these picture books in an authentic manner.
Recent posts

Shark Lady

This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire. This is the story of Shark Lady. Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary-and they didn't think women should be scientists. Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname Shark Lady. Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist Written by Jess Keating Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Magueys Activ...

The Branch

When an ice storm snaps a small girl's favourite branch from the tree in her yard, she's crestfallen. The girl's mom says it's just a branch. But not to her! "That was the branch i sat on, jumped from, played under. It was my castle, my spy base, my ship..." Luckily, her neighbour Mr.Frank understands. He says the branch has "potential." "What's potential?" she asks. "It means it's worth keeping." And so, with imagination and spirit, and Mr.Frank's guidance and tools, the girl transforms the broken branch into something whole and new, giving it another purpose, and her another place to treasure. The Branch Written by Mireille Messier Illustrated by Pierre Pratt Activities for You to Try 1. Branch Weaving Branch Weaving - ARTBARMake a beautiful weaving from an ordinary branch with yarn and beads. 2. DIY Heart Ornament DIY Heart Ornament (made from Wood Slices) - Red Ted Art's BlogA super sweet...

Even Superheroes Have Bad Days

When Superheroes don't get their way, when they're sad, when they're mad, when they've had a bad day...they COULD super-tantrum, then COULD but they DON'T, because REAL Superheroes just WOULDN'T-they WON'T! All kinds have trouble getting a grip on their emotions, sometimes-even young superheroes! But what do they do when they're having a bad day? Colourful action-packed illustrations and a dynamic rhyming text reveal the many ways superheroes (and ordinary children, too) can resist the super-temptation to cause a scene when they're sad, mad, frustrated, lonely, or afraid. From burning off steam on a bike or a hike, to helping others, this energetic picture book of fun ideas to help kids cope when they're feeling overwhelmed. Even Superheroes Have Bad Days Written by Shelly Becker Illustrated by Eda Kaban Activities for You to Try 1. Inquiry Watch. Think. Create. Watch this video from Kid President: What would you say in a...

Milo and Georgie

When Milo's family moves to a new city, he vows to officially retire from having fun. So he stays inside for days while is little sister, Georgie, yearns to explore the new neighbourhood. Finally, Milo ties Georgie to the end of a ball yarn so she can go out, on one condition: she has to come home when he tugs the string twice. But one day, Georgie isn't at the end of the string. While means Milo might just have to step outside and discover everything he's been missing. Charming, detailed artwork illustrates their vibrant new city in this heartwarming story about supporting each other, building community, adapting to change, and embracing new things. Milo and Georgie Written by Bree Galbraith Illustrated by Josée Bisaillon Activities for You to Try 1. Finger Knitting https://www.redtedart.com/finger-knitting-how-to/ 2. Make Your Own Gelato http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Gelato-Without-an-Ice-Cream-Machine/ 3. Make a Stop-Motion LEGO Movi...

The Owl and the Lemming

As Owl swoops down and blocks the entrance to a lemming den, he is sure that he has a tasty meal in the little animal he has cornered. But this lemming is not about to be late. This smart little rodent will need to appeal to the boastful owl's sense of pride to get away. The Owl and the Lemming Written by Roselynn Akulukjuk Illustrated by Amanda Sandland Activities for You to Do 1. Inuit Crafts for Kids https://thecraftyclassroom.com/crafts/native-american-crafts-for-kids/inuit-crafts-for-kids/ 2. Traditional Inuit Story The oral history of Inuit is filled with many folktales. In this traditional story, a young owl catches a lemming to eat. Inuit stories are often instructive and, with this tale, children quickly learn the value of being clever and humble, and why pride and arrogance are to be avoided. Can you think of any other morality, trickster, or underdog tales you may know? Consider stories such as Aesop’s Fables, the Monkey King, the Gingerbread Man, A...