Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Summer Solstice Mondo List

"The Whippoorwill, Wednesday, with wings to fly
Four times the sun moves across the sky"
- Seven Time the Sun: Guiding Your Child through the Rhythms of the Day

Our Praying Mantis egg case arrived yesterday and Satch hung it on a shrub in the yard. In two weeks approx. 300 baby mantids should emerge. Satch is convinced he hears it hatching.

In celebration of the upcoming summer solstice which marks the official first day of summer, I offer you the mondo list of what we've been reading and playing with.....


I love toys that allow children to explore their world in new ways. Well, Satch and I had the pleasure of playing with the GeoSafari SeaScope by Educational Insights. It's a 4x telescope than can be used to see below the surface of streams and ponds OR on land (for watching birds or playing pirates - Yo Ho Ho!) . Oh what fun!

Tar Beach is an exquisite book by artist, Faith Ringgold. The gorgeous images are from her story quilt. A work of art transformed into a story! "If one can anyone can...all you gotta do is try".

The Salamander Room is one of Satchel's favorite bedtime books. Beautiful illustrations and magical imaginings! Salamanders are one of Satchel's favorite creatures and he's very good at finding them.

Little Hoot is a sweet book which can also be found in our bedtime book basket beside our bed. It's a story about a wee owl who would like to go bed early for a change. I just adore the illustrations by Jen Corace.

Another book that makes our bedtime fun is Constellations , a glow in the dark guide. We put some glow in the dark stars on the bedroom ceiling too, but my sense of direction got all wonky and I put Libra on the wrong side - DRATS!

About Birds is a delightful children's guide that offers a peek into the world of our feathered friends. We hope to get a closer look as Satchel received a window nesting box for this birthday from his Grands!

Lifetimes is an unusual and interesting book that introduces children to a few of nature's shortest and longest lifetimes. It fosters an appreciation for nature and the cycle of life. Did you know that the lifetime of an earthworm is 6 years? Lifetimes won Learning Magazine's Teachers Choice Award.

The Dandelion Seed is very moving. It's the story of a dandelion, but the message runs far deeper than it's roots...the more you see, the smaller you will feel.

We're enjoying reading about Places of Power, beauty and wisdom according to Native American tradition as told by Native American and conservationist, Michael DeMunn. This ABA Award winner is spiritual and thought provoking and we love it!

Wave is a wordless wonder by artist, Suzy Lee. A story that makes Satch giggle every time!


Fireflies! The story - a classic! The message, the illustrations - magical!



The Kids' Guide to First Aid is a wonderful guide to teach children about the bruises, bumps, burns and stings that often comes with summer fun!

This summer we're going to learn how to read the sky and predict the weather with this fun book!


Satchel's dada is a bit of a weather buff so we're learning all there is to know about the clouds with The Kids' Book of Clouds and Sky.


Explore the world after dark with Night Science for Kids, build a bat house and talk to fireflies! I'm definitely trying the firefly experiment with Satch.

Festivals Family and Food is becoming a dog-eared companion. Not everything in it resonates with me, but it's packed with wonderful ideas to celebrate the seasons...some of which has sparked ideas to create our own family celebrations.

I've adored Lynne Franks ever since her "Seed Handbook" and now she's published this wonderful journal, "Bloom!".

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posted by Wendy at 6:17 AM

4 Comments:

Blogger Kirsten Michelle said...

The Dandelion Seed is a most definite favourite around here...it's one of those books even mama doesn't mind reading 10x a day ;-)
This is a lovely list with some familiar and new titles, thanks for taking the time to list and link!

I just sent off my registration to squam and I'm very much looking forward to meeting you!!!

11:23 AM  
Blogger This Girl loves to Talk said...

I just did a blog about winter solstice!!( I live in Australia) thanks for the ideas for 6 months time for me

I collected nearly all I could find on the winter solstic ideas for celebrations with kids - feel free to use mine in 6 months time :)

http://comber-family.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-another-celebration.html

12:20 AM  
Blogger Wendy said...

thanks, bobbie, will certainly check i out :-)

6:25 AM  
Blogger Shana said...

Ooooh, more great books to search for at the library. Thanks for sharing!

12:06 AM  

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