Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, “A Christmas Eve Adventure”

Posted on December 24, 2014 by hendersonintraining

 

 

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“How was Santa Claus going to find the rabbits’ new home?

Every season, we look forward to having an adventure with Fletcher. This winter, our friend finds himself helping his friends on a snowy Christmas Eve. Stick around to see if Santa finds his way to the rabbits’ new home!

Introducing Our Featured Friend: Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas
by Julia Rawlinson, Pictures by Tiphanie Beeke

As Fletcher passed rabbits’ old home, he had a terrible thought, How was Santa Claus going to find the rabbits’ new home?

He thought about how sad he would feel if he had to move from his cozy den.
He thought about how the rabbits would feel if Santa Claus did not come.
And then he thought about .  . .  arrows!

Fletcher gathered sticks and soon Squirrel, blue birds, and mice began helping him put together stick arrows to make a trail to rabbits new burrow. They were not about to let their friends miss out on Santa’s visit. Once they were done, they enjoyed a cozy celebration at rabbits’  place. But when they opened the door to return home, the arrows were gone . . . completely covered by the unexpected snowfall!

They made a promise to each other to stay awake so they could tell Santa where the rabbits lived, but once Squirrel curled in the cozy hollow of an oak tree, and the birds went high in the snowy branches of a fir tree, and the mice got in their toasty warm nest,  they all, like Fletcher, accidently fell asleep.

Thankfully when they returned to rabbits’ home Christmas day carrying gifts to make up for their mistake, Santa Claus HAD found his way to them. The rabbits were happy about their gifts, but most of all, they were thrilled to be with their friends that really cared about them.

Inviting You to Become FRIENDS with Fletcher:
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

Cuddle with your kids this Christmas Eve and consider these questions & activities:

F- Empathy is being able to understand how someone else may feel in a certain situation. Fletcher is the most empathetic fox you’ll find! How does he empathize with his rabbit friends? (see excerpt above)

R- Can you relate to Fletcher’s concern about Santa finding the rabbit’s new home? Have you ever moved or traveled before Christmas Eve? Were you concerned that Santa would have a hard time finding you? Did you come up with a plan to let him know your new location? Did it work?

I- Imagine you have to come up with a plan to help Santa find the rabbit’s new home. Besides stick arrows, what would you do to direct Santa to the right place?

E- Explore snacks and stuffed animals to share with your audience while reading Fletcher: snowball cheese puffs (for snowflakes), pretzels sticks (for twigs), raisins and walnuts (for berries and nuts) AND a little furry fox, squirrel, blue birds, mice, (frog) and three rabbits.

N- Navigate a path to a gift by making stick arrows and lining them up from your siblings’ or parents’ room leading the way to a special Christmas gift from you!

D- Develop a craft using only sticks and twine: TWIG STAR http://allendesigns.typepad.com/blog/2011/10/stick-stars-holiday-decorating-craft.html

S- Share every season with Fletcher:
Fall- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-pY
Winter- Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-xC
Spring- Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-8w
Summer- Fletcher’s Big Show, upcoming
*Exclusive Author Interview with Julia Rawlinson: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-pL

Thanks to Welcoming Teachers, We Share Fletcher with Our School Friends Every Season:

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Here’s My Little Story Lady Sharing Fletcher with Her First Grade Class to Practice Her Reading Fluency! A Little Elf is Hiding Beside Her to Help!

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Kidsbook Friends Author Interview: Hilary Hawkes

Posted on December 23, 2014 by hendersonintraining
hilaryhawkes.strawberryjambooks

Hilary Hawkes, Author of The Little Chestnuts Wood Stories, Strawberry Jam Books

Meeting authors is one of my favorite things about blogging kids’ books, and Hilary is no exception. Connecting with her and reading her journey of connecting with kids through her stories is inspirational. May her story inspire you too in your own aspirations to help others:

Beginnings:

When did you begin writing children’s book manuscripts?

I started thinking up and writing stories when I was about eight years old. But maybe those don’t count! In my teens I wrote book length books, maybe a bit too long. I had some short stories published when I was 19. My breakthrough with children’s books came 14 years ago.

What was the first book you got published and with which publishing agency?

My first children’s books titles were There’s a Grandad in my Soup and Lightning Reads. My agent then was Pollinger.

How many books have you written that are published?

Traditionally mainstream published: eight.
Total with Strawberry Jam Books: over twenty.

Which of your books is your favorite and why?

Beyond Violet is my favourite so far. Ellie’s life was a bit like mine so I was writing from the heart.

Inspiration:

What was the inspiration for your main character of your favorite book?

My childhood.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

I’m still trying to work that out. They just seem to land in my thoughts. Life experiences also have a lot to answer for.

Process:

How long did it take you to write, edit, and publish your first book?

I think the whole process with my very first children’s book was nearly a year from starting writing, editorial changes, admiring the illustrator’s work, proof reading and waiting for publication day.

Advice:

What advice can you share with children reading your books?

You can discover so much about yourself and about what other children’s lives are like through stories.

What advice can you give to those of us who are working to write and publish children’s books?

Always write from the heart. Take notice of editors’ and others’ advice and feedback. Be willing to make changes. Persevere.

Interests:

What are three hobbies/interests  you have besides writing?

I love walking in beautiful and peaceful places. Dance and exercise classes. Reading.

Merry Christmas, Little Owl: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-xc

Amazon link for Merry Christmas, Little Owl!: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Merry-Christmas-Little-Hilary-Hawkes/dp/1910257133/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417712661&sr=1-6&keywords=hilary+hawkes
Website links:  http://www.hilaryhawkes.co.uk/index.shtml and http://www.hilaryhawkes.co.uk/strawberryjambooks/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strawberry-Jam-Books/490465954305331

 Strawberry Jam Books produce stories and resources for children from preschool to 12 that promote acceptance of differences or disabilities and understanding of ourselves and others. 

The Little Chestnuts Woods series are stories about 26 characters from the woods. From Annie Ant to Zen the Wren, the stories are about friendship, caring, helping others and getting along with others.

Follow Kidsbook Friends: To receive free, educational kids’ book guides and ideas, please “Like” Kidsbook Friends on Facebook and follow http://www.kidsbookfriends.com by subscribing via e-mail!

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Merry Christmas, Little Owl! “Sights at Night”

Posted on December 22, 2014 by hendersonintraining

 

“But isn’t it boring being awake when all our friends are asleep?” he wondered. “Why do owls have to be different?”

Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child is enchanting, uplifting and magical. How about seeing that first Christmas night through the eyes of an owl? Let’s see . . .

Introducing Our Featured Friend: Merry Christmas, Little Owl!
by Hilary Hawkes, Illustrated by Richard Hawkes, Strawberry Jam Books

Christmas Eve in Little Chestnuts Wood had finally come. Little Owl wondered why he didn’t get to go to sleep like most of his other friends. He figured it would be boring to be awake all night . . . UNTIL Ollie Owl told him about the miracle of that first Christmas Eve night that his owl ancestors would have seen:

“Long ago,” Ollie went on, “while their friends slept,
owls would have seen the very time
the Christmas star appeared in the sky . . . owls
would have seen the shepherds set off for Bethlehem
and find Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus.” . . .
“Wow! said Little Owl.

Ollie continued to tell Little Owl all the night- sights of that very first Christmas. Then he told him about Father Christmas, the one who brings gifts to the children. Little Owl looked up after hearing a jingling sound and saw the Reindeer pulling a special sleigh. Now he knew that being a night-owl was NOT boring.  What magical sights still filled the sky! He did have a new question though, “Do owls get presents at Christmas too?”

Inviting You to Become FRIENDS with Little Owl and Ollie
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

Discuss the questions and select an activity to do with your children or class:

F- How do you feel when you have to do something different than your friends?

R- Can you relate to Little Owl when he realized that being different was actually really cool? What’s one thing you do differently from your friends? How could that be a good thing?

I- Imagine that you got to be there the first Christmas. What do you think would be most amazing to see: the star, the angels, the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus?

E- Explore what other animals are nocturnal. Draw a picture of all the animals that could have seen the first Christmas night. Include your favorite parts of the Christmas story!

N- Navigate your way through the maze in the back of this book: “Can you find your way through the maze to the Christmas Star?”

D- Develop a list of gifts for Little Owl by researching what owl’s eat, where they travel, sleep, etc. Develop a picture of a lift-the-flap gift box with the item under the flap to say your own “Merry Christmas, Little Owl!”

S- Share owl crafts with your friends by making owl key rings, owl ornament or even edible owl cupcakes: http://www.redtedart.com/2014/07/21/owl-crafts/

 *Strawberry Jam Books produce stories and resources for children from preschool to 12 that promote acceptance of differences or disabilities and understanding of ourselves and others. 

The Little Chestnuts Woods series are stories about 26 characters from the woods. From Annie Ant to Zen the Wren, the stories are about friendship, caring, helping others and getting along with others.

http://www.hilaryhawkes.co.uk/strawberryjambooks

Kidsbook Friends Related Posts:
5 Great Gifts to Give Teachers: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-vn
Shall I Knit You a Hat: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-vP
The Tale of Three Trees: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-w5
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-wA

*To receive free, educational kids’ book guides and ideas, please “Like” Kidsbook Friends on Facebook and follow http://www.kidsbookfriends.com by subscribing via e-mail!

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Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, ” . . . Another Man’s Treasure”

Posted on December 19, 2014 by hendersonintraining

Every Christmas, we look forward to seeing Mr. Willowby and his Christmas tree. After we decorate our tree, we sit down and enjoy this treasured Friend. Pages of poetic couplets unfold a circular story that will delight your family. Enjoy this “Special Delivery”!

Introducing Our Featured Friend: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
by Robert Barry

When Mr. Willowby’s  magnificent tree arrived, he dashed downstairs to see it. Although it was quite splendid, there was a problem: the top touched the ceiling and bent like a bow. So, Baxter, the butler chopped off the top and then it was perfect!

Rather than throwing out the tree top, Baxter decided it would make a lovely gift for Adalaide, the upstairs maid. Delighted by this little tree, she put it in just the right spot, but there was a problem: the top was just a wee bit too tall. So, she snipped it off and threw it away . . .

But, when Timm, the gardener saw the cute tree in the trash, he pulled it out and,

He hurried home straightway
To see what Mrs. Timm would say.
“Fa la la . . . Surprise! Surprise!”
His wife could not believe her eyes.
“But our house,” she said,
“is so snug and small,
I  do not believe we need it all!”
And before Timm had a chance to shout
She cut off the top and threw it out.

Thus the tree got smaller and smaller, but always the right size for someone passing by . . . Such as Barnaby Bear, then Frisky Fox, next Benjamin Rabbit, and finally Mistletoe Mouse . . .

“Then Mistletoe Mouse just happened to see
That tiny tip of a Christmas tree.
He pulled it through the snow and ice . . .
Up some stairs . . . He fell down twice!
At last he reached his cozy house.
“It’s just the right size!” said Mrs. Mouse.
Then at the top, if you please,
They put a star made out of cheese.”

Oh, wasn’t it grand to have a tree
Exactly like Mr. Willowby?

Thanks to Mr. Willowby, they each had their very own tree, so it couldn’t be more fitting to see that Mistletoe Mouse lived in Mr. Willowby’s house!

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Inviting You to Become FRIENDS with Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

Discuss the questions and select an activity to do with your children or class:

F- What Christmas decoration makes you feel excited?

R- “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. This saying proved true in this story with each chop of the tree top. Can you relate to tossing out an item that might be valuable to someone else?

I- Imagine that you could celebrate around a tiny trimmed tree with one of these woodland creatures. Which fun, furry family would you pick and why?

E- Explore a Christmas tree farm to find a tree to fit a special spot in your room. First, measure the spot and then measure the tree! Make sure it fits . . . or you may have to give the top a chop! Leave room for the tree topper.

N- Navigate your way through activities and vocabulary cards on free printables at http://homeschoolcreations.com/MrWillowbysChristmasTreePrintables.html

D- Develop a tree topper that will fit on your special tree: http://www.pinterest.com/sherron/christmas-tree-toppers/

S- Share your gently used items with others by donating them to the Salvation Army. Check out their pick up system: https://miami.satruck.org/schedule-pickup

*Class Activity: Each child could share by bringing in an item “to toss” and together as a class, make one child’s trash, another child’s treasure . . . For example, if the teacher designates a size, such as 8 inches or smaller, he/she could hot glue gun a looped string on each donated item  to create ornaments for the class Christmas tree.  Then, at the holiday party, the class could do a white-elephant exchange where kids gets to select one of these “new ornaments” to take home with them and treasure!

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Related Posts:
5 Great Gifts to Give Teachers: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-vn
Shall I Knit You a Hat: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-vP
The Tale of Three Trees: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-w5

*To receive free, educational kids’ book guides and ideas, please “Like” Kidsbook Friends on Facebook and follow http://www.kidsbookfriends.com by subscribing via e-mail!

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The Tale of Three Trees, “Keep Your Dream Alive!”

Posted on December 17, 2014 by hendersonintraining
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“Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become whey they grew up.”

Introducing Our Featured Friend: The Tale of Three Trees
A Traditional Folktale Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, Illustrations by Time Jonke

When three trees dreamed of what they wanted to become when the grew up, they couldn’t imagine how the outcome would exceed their wishes. The first tree wanted to be the most beautiful treasure chest. The second tree requested to become a strong fishing boat. The third tree desired to be the tallest tree on the mountain, pointing all who looked at her to God in heaven.

Years passed. The rains came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall.
One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain.

 With a swoop of his shining axe, each woodcutter cut down a tree. The first tree was brought to a carpenter’s shop and made into a feedbox for animals. The second tree was taken to a shipyard and built into a simple fishing boat. The third tree was cut into strong beams and left in a lumberyard.

The three trees almost forgot all about their dreams UNTIL one night, the first tree felt golden starlight touch her while a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox . . . And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.

The second tree was used to hauling smelly fish, UNTIL one night, a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. A thrashing storm arose, but when the man said, “Peace”, the storm stopped.  . . And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.

The third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She felt awful when a man’s hands were nailed to her. . . But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God’ love had changed everything.

It had made the first tree beautiful.
It had made the second tree strong.
And every time people thought of the third tree,
They would think of God.
That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.

Their dreams were alive after all in ways that exceeded their imaginations!

Inviting You to Become FRIENDS with The Tale of Three Trees
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

Discuss the questions and select an activity to do with your children or class:

F– Do you think the three trees felt happy with what they became when they grew up?

R- Can you relate to the three trees when they were disappointed at first because they didn’t get what they wanted? What did they realize later on in the story?

I- Imagine what you want to be when you grow up. Fill in the sentence:
“I want to _____________ when I grow up.” Realize there is a special plan for your life and that the times when it seems your dreams aren’t coming true, something even better than you imagined may be coming together!

E- Explore manger crafts like the ones below: http://www.pinterest.com/brendalpotter11/christmas-nativity-crafts-other-classroom-activiti/

N- Navigate your way through Luke 2, Luke 8 and Luke 23 in the Bible to read the stories about the baby born in the manger, the King in the fishing boat, and the One whose hands were nailed to the tree.

D- Develop a hands on Christmas tree craft: Handprint Christmas Tree and more . . .
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/christmas/

S- Share this story accompanied with some Christmas tree cookies carried in a treasure box so kids will treasure the story even more!

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Story Time with Third Graders

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Manger Craft (hung in front of a dish cloth)

Handprint Christmas Tree Craft

 Related Posts:
5 Great Gifts to Give Teachers: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-vn
Shall I Knit You a Hat: http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-vP

*To receive free, educational kids’ book guides and ideas, please “Like” Kidsbook Friends on Facebook and follow http://www.kidsbookfriends.com by subscribing via e-mail!

Posted in Christmas, Easter, trees | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment