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| Lady Liberty's Holiday, fun fiction with informational backmatter |
Written by Jen Arena
Illustrated by Matt Hunt
Knopf Books For Young Readers, 2016
Ages 5-8, 40 pp.
Themes:
Educational, America, Vacation, Humor
Opening:
"Not long before the Fourth of July, Lady Liberty woke up feeling a little blue . . . despite being green.
"Year after year, she stood by New York Harbor, a torch in one hand, a tablet in the other."
Synopsis:
The Statue of Liberty is tired of the same scenery. When she confides her boredom to her pigeon friend, Moe, he convinces her to take a vacation. Just like that, Lady Liberty lays down her torch and walks off to travel the vast United States. She sends postcards to Moe about all the wonders of America. When the Independence Day fireworks celebration is cancelled because she is missing, Lady Liberty must rush home before the holiday is ruined.
The book includes an afterword of fun facts and a page of the real Statue of Liberty's history.
What I Love:
Come on, you aren't in love with this concept already? Both author and illustrator pull it off with flair. I love the use of postcards as a storytelling device. And Lady Liberty's adventures are hilarious. She travels to the Jersey Shore, but has to rinse off the sand in Niagra falls. You'll see her head among the presidents at Mount Rushmore and when she visits Yellowstone . . . well, you'll have to be surprised along with her. Lady Liberty realizes how much she loves America, and how nice it is to return to home sweet home.
Bonus:
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| Fabulous Stutue of Liberty craft from Buggy and Buddy |
2. Draw a kid-friendly version of the famous landmark on DrawWithRich. Combine it with salt painting fireworks, instructions from BusyMommyMedia.
3. ElementalBlogging has compiled some great homeschool ideas for studying the United States, including a state-by-state scrapbook.
4. I'd love to buy all 50 of the state cookie cutters from CheapCookieCutters and assemble a giant cookie map. Who's with me?
5. Follow the lesson plans on ReadWriteThink or benefit Leukemia patients on SendKidsTheWorld, by teaching about writing postcards. Then grab some American pen pals with the links and tips on RealClassRoomIdeas.
6. Visit the real Statue of Liberty in New York or take a virtual visit via The History Channel.
7. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.
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| Reviewed by Julie |
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| Reviewed by Carrie |
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| Reviewed by Erik |
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| Reviewed by Jarm |
Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, May 27, 2016 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.
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| Reviewed by Joanne |
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| Reviewed by Clara |
Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, May 27, 2016 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.
I am totally in love with the concept of this picture book! (and a little jealous I didn't think of it.) My daughter adored the Statue of Liberty as a 3 year old, for some strange reason. Wish we'd had this book then. You share terrific activities! One more to add--begin collecting the 50 states quarters. And now they're adding National Parks on the back of quarters too...
ReplyDeleteYes! Collecting quarters is an excellent activity. Thank-you so much for suggesting it!
DeleteWhat's not to love, indeed! What a fabulous idea to include all those postcards! I'm looking forward to reading and looking at this book. The cookie cutter idea is great! That sure would make a big cookie when it's all assembled! And what a great and tasty learning tool!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Wouldn't it be fun to decorate all the state cookies? (And eat them, of course. That's fun, too.)
DeleteOh, this is such a humorous story, but filled with traveling to new places in America. Love your choice today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. You're always so encouraging.
DeleteI just read this one yesterday! Love your craft idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I liked this book so much, but was surprised I hadn't heard of it ahead of time.
DeleteIt appears to be a fun way to learn about America! Thanks for sharing! Great resource ideas.
ReplyDeleteFun, and SILLY! Thanks for reading.
DeleteEager to read this one! Jen Arena gave me a wonderful consult as a PiBoIdMo prizewinner last year, and I was so impressed by her thoughtful, smart commentary. Love your review!
ReplyDeleteThank-you. The book is well-written and clever. I should have expected Jen would be a good "critiquer."
Deletegreat concept! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think!
DeleteWhat a fun story idea. Can't wait to read it. I really enjoy books that are imaginative but teach too.
ReplyDeleteGlad to introduce you to this one. It charmed me on many levels. Hope you like it, too.
DeleteThanks so much for giving Lady Liberty's Holiday such a great, activity-filled write-up!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by. BTW, I loved Marta and am looking forward to Sleep Tight, Snow White!!!
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