The bittersweet wrap up of summer days

 

The New York Times recently invited readers to read this book as an end of summer activity. What a terrific suggestion! I am ashamed to say that this is the first time that I have read this Caldecott winner. It won in 1958 so that is a little bit before my time. ;) This book celebrates the raw beauty of nature in summer. It also devotes part of the story line to a hurricane,,,wow! When you are bidding farewell (in this case, to the summer cabin), what a great idea to reflect on the time of wonder that you have had. Bittersweet!

Sea Stars and so much more!

 My sea star story time turned out great for OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES! 

Hoshi is a sea star who would like to travel to the night skies because she thinks they would offer her so many other things. She has a conversation with anglerfish who points out that happiness is in your own heart, wherever you are. Hoshi then sees her familiar, wonderful home with new awareness. Lovely! (*Quietly, the reader learns the parallels between the night skies and the ocean.)

Oh, wow, sea stars inhabit the oceans and they come in so many enchanting varieties. Example: the sunflower sea star has 24 arms! Facts are listed throughout this book...kids (& I) were particularly fascinated with how the sea star's stomach comes out if it's mouth. When the sea star is done digesting, the stomach goes back into the sea star's body!

A ritual is described in this book that I like. Closing eyes and listening while someone paints you pictures with their words. This basic premise of communication and imagination is something beautiful that we can enjoy as a human!