Liz Garton Scanlon

Author: Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Publisher: HarperCollins, 2004
Ages: 4-8
Themes: stories in rhyme, pockets, poetry
Opening: A sock is a pocket for your toes, a vase is a pocket for a rose.Summary: (from my library catalog) A poetic celebration of non-traditional pockets and what they hold, pointing out that a sock is a pocket for your toes and a vase is a pocket for a rose.I like this book because: it’s so creative and inviting – inspires me to think up my own pocket rhymes. Definitely on my list for Christmas gifts!Resources/activities: creat your own ‘pocket’ rhymes; consider other objects in lieu of pockets – like, a roof is an umbrella for my house. SockJacketillo For existing PPBF selections including resources and activities, go to Susanna Hill’s blog: HERE

Author: Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Publisher: Beach Lane Books, 2015
Ages: 4-8
Themes: nature, hiking, Grand Canyon, stories in rhyme
Opening: Here’s a map, some boots, a pack, a walking stick, and sandy track.
Summary: (from my library catalog) Illustrations and simple rhyming text present a child who is hiking with a group into the Grand Canyon, enjoying the wonders of nature–whether a lizard, a picture on the stone, or a glimpse of the moon from the bottom..

I like this book because: it transports me! I haven’t hiked the Grand Canyon yet, but have hiked and camped not to far from there, and, as I said when I first saw some of the illustrations, I could feel the fine red sand building up in my shoes. And the gentle rhyming couplets give the sense of being right there with our young guide. Beautiful!

Resources/activities: plan a hike; list what will you need to take on a hike in your area; talk about the wildlife you might see on the hike and what clues could help to discover their presence; practice map reading.