Monday, August 27, 2018

American symbols made easy

I think this book is a terrific introduction to American patriotic symbols. And it gives readers an opportunity to draw the symbols by following simple directions. Each drawing has four steps. (There are no words.) There are just four pictures that range from beginning the drawing to reaching the complete symbol.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

An inviting book about John Deere

This is a beautiful book about the perseverance within the pioneering spirit. From the end notes:
*"John Deere wasn't the first American to tinker with plow designs." ; "But John was the first to blend the best ideas about plow designs and steel parts to make a better tool for America's thick prairie soil."
*"John Deere didn't invent the tractor. He died thirty-two years before his company bought the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company and began selling the Waterloo Boy Model R--the granddaddy of all John Deere tractors."
I do not know if it is purposeful, but the book reminded me of lovely picture books that tell the Johnny Appleseed story.
Thanks to the donation of this book to the Muehl Public Library by the Outagamie County Farm Bureau/Ag in the Classroom and thanks to the Fairest of the Outagamie Fair, 2018, Morgan Rynish for signing this library copy!
 

Friday, August 3, 2018

Go Eleanor Roosevelt!

The illustrations in this book are WONDERFUL and so is this glimpse into history that I never heard of. Eleanor Roosevelt decides to hold a picnic replete with hot dogs when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth come to visit America. I adore that Eleanor stuck to her guns and served hot dogs although the choice was considered by some to be disrespectful. Being such a people person she knew how to entertain and delight. And she nailed it when choosing hot dogs--they are very American!