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Backyard Fairies 2018 Ages 2-6
Written and illustrated by Phoebe Wahl A girl searches for fairies in her backyard and the woods beyond, following little clues and traces of magic. Come to the Fairies' Ball 2009 Ages 2-5 By Jane Yolen and illustrated by Gary Lippincott All the fairies in the woodland are invited by the royal court to the Fairies' Ball, and a tizzy breaks loose as everyone scrambles to pull together dazzling outfits. "Where are my boots?/And where is my crown?/And please tell me,/Where is my spider-web gown?" One fairy, however, sits home forlorn because her dress is too worn to wear to the ball. Luckily, the forest ants band together to encourage her to create one. Endlessly Ever After 2022 Ages 5-8 By Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by Dan Santat Description: This fun picture book offers young readers the chance to create their own narratives out of the decisions they make each step of the way, powerfully illustrating how a story is created and how it proceeds from beginning to middle to end. Journey through the woods and encounter classic fairy tales, but you decide where you explore! Fairy Houses 2001 Ages 5-7 Written and illustrated by Tracy Kane Kristen vacations on a Maine island, where she is invited to use natural but non-living materials to build a fairy house, but when she checks it, she finds at first that it has attracted the local animals, not fairies. What would happen if you built a house for the fairies to live in? Would they come to visit? Kristen is in for a surprise when she sets out to build a fairy house in the woods. Nature wants to get in on the act with her own special cast of characters! Follow Kristen&;s story of discovery to its enchanting conclusion. A special section on how to get started with your own fairy house is also included. Fairy Houses --Everywhere! 2006 Ages 5-7 By Tracy Kane and photographed by Barry Kane Follow this photographic tour of fairy houses. From rustic habitats to fairy mansions, these are the creations of families, gardeners and nature lovers...everywhere! Fairy Science 2019 Ages 4-8 Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires All the fairies in Pixieville believe in magic--except Esther. She believes in science. When a forest tree stops growing, all the fairies are stumped--including Esther. But not for long! Esther knows that science can get to the root of the problem--and its solution! The Foggy Foggy Forest 2008 Ages 3-7 Written and illustrated by Nick Sharratt ‘"What can this be in the foggy, foggy forest?" That's the question on every spread of this clever book, each depicting the black-and-white silhouette of a fairy-tale figure or scene. Readers may take a guess and turn the page to see if they’re right — the answering image appears in full color (often sporting a funny twist). A unicorn playing a horn? An ogre doing yoga? They're just two of the characters lurking in The Foggy, Foggy Forest, a clear winner for curious kids.’ The Hidden Folk: Stories of Fairies, Dwarves, Selkies, and Other Secret Beings 2004 Ages 4-7 By Lise Lunge-Larsen and illustrated by Beth Krommes Selkies, fairies, gnomes, hill folk, river sprites—do you believe in them? Perhaps among the flowers, beside a mountain, or near deep waters you’ve caught a glimpse, once or twice, of what you thought might be the silvery shadow of a dwarf, or a hint of a fairy’s wing, or the tail of the water horse. Or was it just the odd light of dusk or dawn playing tricks? As Lise Lunge-Larsen’s magical, timeless stories reveal and Beth Krommes’s enchanting scratchboard illustrations capture, the hidden folk are there, all right: you just have to know where—and how—to look. The Hidden World of Gnomes 2022 Ages 3-7 By Lauren Soloy Description: Gnomes are curious little creatures, and they're very shy. But after reading this book, you will learn to spot the telltale signs that gnomes are around . . . and maybe even meet one! Lauren Soloy has been studying gnomes her whole life, and she has created this book to share her knowledge with you. For example, what jobs do gnomes do? Babysitting robin's eggs, squirrel-tail fluffing, storytelling. Where do they live? In gardens, forests and any place with plants, birds and bugs. What are their names? Hotchi-Mossy, Able Potter, Cob Tiggy and Puckle Swift, to name a few. With charming details and surprising facts, this celebration of all things gnome will enchant readers of all ages. Little Witch Hazel 2021 Ages 4-8 By Pheobe Whal Description: A collection of four seasonal stories, all in one! This book evokes classics like The Snowy Day, Where the Wild Things Are, Frog and Toad-timeless and beautiful. Little Witch Hazel is a tiny witch who lives in the forest, helping creatures big and small. She's a midwife, an intrepid explorer, a hard worker and a kind friend. In this four-season volume, Little Witch Hazel rescues an orphaned egg, goes sailing on a raft, solves the mystery of a haunted stump and makes house calls to fellow forest dwellers. Mister Fairy 2021 Ages 4-8 By Morgane de Cadier and illustrated by Florian Pige "Mister Fairy is not like other fairies; try as he might, he has not yet found his own special talent. In fact, all the animals laugh when he tries to copy what the other fairies do. So, Mister Fairy travels far from his forest home to another place where, almost by accident, he discovers and shares his special gift. Sometimes your talent is hiding in plain sight, it just takes the right time and place to reveal what was there all along. Mister Fairy is a touching, humorous story about fitting in, self-discovery, and finding one’s place in the world."--Publisher. A Natural History of Fairies 2020 Ages 6-10 By Emily Hawkins, Illustrated by Jessica Roux Description: This beautiful guide to the magical world of Fairies is the perfect introduction to whimsy, and will inspire kids to look a little more closely at the natural world. A great follow up activity is building a fairy house or creating a fairy dinner set out of found materials. Pine and the Winter Sparrow 2015 Ages 4-8 By Alexis York Lumbard and illustrated by Beatriz Vidal "Have you ever wondered why pine trees stay green all winter long and don't lose their leaves like other trees? According to an ancient legend attributed to the Cherokee Indians, it was a simple act of kindness towards an injured little bird that earned pine trees this very honor. Retold by award-winning author Alexis York Lumbard, this story invites readers to experience a world where trees and birds speak and interact with each other, and which shows us that no act of kindness and sharing goes unrewarded. Featuring beautiful paintings by multiple award-winning illustrator Beatriz Vidal, you will never look at pine trees in the same way again!"--Provided by publisher. The Poisoned Apple: A Fractured Fairy Tale 2020 Ages 4-8 Written and illustrated by Anne Lambelet In this retelling of Snow White, the evil witch watches in dismay as her evil plans are foiled by the generosity of the forest's animal, human, and dwarf inhabitants. Ripple Grove 2022 Ages 3-8 By Robert Broder and illustrated by Melissa Larson “Are fairies real?” a young girl asks her father. As the two walk through a forest that is magical enough to help us all believe, they tell one another a fairy tale he’s been building for her for a long time: Moomjean the fairy battles General Crag of the Trelfs to protect the fairy lands of Ripple Grove. Father and daughter finish their hike and return home, full of magic and wonder of both the forest and the fairies. Super Happy Magic Forest 2016 Ages 3-6 Written and illustrated by Matty Long When the Mystical Crystals of Life are stolen from the Super Happy Magic Forest--where everybody parties all the time--five unlikely heroes are chosen to go on a quest to retrieve them. The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies 2009 Ages 4-8 By Ammi-Joan Paquette and illustrated by Christa Unzer "We can see where they live if we know how to look for them") with warmer passages that include readers in the search ("Did you feel that tingle? I think something magical is about to happen"). Under the Great Plum Tree 2020 Ages 5-7 By Sufiya Ahmed and illustrated by Reza Dalmand An unlikely friendship between Miss Bandari and Mr Magarmach forms when the pair meet under the great plum tree, deep in the heart of India. Mr Magarmach is old and his hunting days are over but Miss Bandari loves hearing his stories as they munch plums together. One day their friendship is tested but with courage, trust and forgiveness they discover that living happily together tastes just as sweet as Miss Bandari's golden plums. The story of the monkey and the crocodile is a fable from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal fables dated to 300 BCE. But it's a tale from around the world and versions can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, China, Japan and the Caribbean. I love this quote from the founder of Mother Natured, Penny Whitehouse:
“They’re not just playing in nature, they are learning, creating, sensing, believing, relaxing, exploring, observing, wondering, connecting, discovering, appreciating, understanding, experimenting…” Every person needs time in nature to do all these things, especially our children. I am honored to have been selected as the new Executive Director and to be a part of the beautiful community of Barnacles & Bees. It is an enormous privilege to get to work with such passionate and dedicated nature educators/guides. I look forward to getting to know you and your children over the coming months. With the summer break upon us, I wanted to share a little about myself and my family. Having grown up on the Oregon coast I enjoyed exploring the beach and the mountains. When I had children, it was not only a necessity but a way of life to be outside in nature as much as possible. As the mother of two boys (15 and 13) living in the beautiful PNW nature has been at the heart of our life as a family. Boys have lots of energy and nature was and is the best place for that energy: beach walks, swimming, bike riding, hiking, scuba diving, and nature exploration in general. As my boys grew, I was fortunate to learn about the connection between nature and education through parent/child classes and then preschool at the Tacoma Waldorf School. We were blessed to be a part of such a holistic nature-based community. We formed very dear friendships and nature habits during these foundational years of growth for my boys. We then joined a Montessori preschool community and again enjoyed the Montessori approach to nature learning. These foundational experiences helped guide our school choices moving forward. My boys then moved into a Tacoma School District elementary school that was STEAM focused and adopted a very hands-on, real-world learning approach utilizing Project Based Learning. The school eventually added an Outdoor Learning component to further enrich the student's hands-on learning. As a parent volunteer and then staff member, I worked closely with the teachers to lead and support outdoor learning excursions across all grade levels. Also, during this time, I was inspired to bring mindfulness to the classroom and became a certified K-12 Educator. I have spent the past seven years supporting and teaching elementary students and teachers in various capacities at multiple public schools. Working with students and supporting outdoor education through a lens of mindfulness has become my personal passion. I consider this position a gift to be doing such meaningful work with Barnacles & Bees! Thank you and I look forward to seeing you all soon. Berries, Nuts, and Seeds (Take Along Guides) 1996 Recommended for ages 7-10, but can be used with younger children Written by Diane L. Burns and illustrated by John F. McGee Describes a variety of berries, nuts, and seeds that might be found on a nature walk and includes identification information. The Take Along Guides series, while older, The Camping Trip 2022 Ages 3-7 Written and illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish -- eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone? The Hike 2019 Ages 2-5 Written and illustrated by Alison Farrell Three friends set out on a day hike to explore their local forest, intending to climb to the top of the hill, where they will plant a flag, read a poem, and release feathers into the wind. Their individual strengths complement one another: Wren takes field notes, El teaches how to build leaf baskets to carry berries, and Hattie navigates using the map when they get lost. And their faithful canine companion, Bean, is there with them every step of the way. Pond Circle 2009 Ages 4-8 Written by Betsay Franco and illustrated by Stefano Vitale In the pond by Anna's house, a food chain begins with algae which is eaten by a mayfly nymph which is eaten by a beetle which is eaten by a bullfrog... Rotten Pumpkin: A Rotten Tale in 15 Voices 2013 Ages 4-11 Written by David M. Schwartz with photos by Dwight Kuhn Shows the amazing life cycle of a pumpkin/jack-o'-lantern as it decays and eventually gives birth to new pumpkins. The gross-out factor is high, as each of the rodents, insects, molds, fungi, etc., do their respective jobs. Fifteen different organisms describe their role in the eventual demise of this jack-o'-lantern. Secrets of the Garden: Food Chains and the Food Web in Our Backyard 2012 Ages 5-8 Written by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont Depicts a family of four who make their garden their summer home as they prepare the soil, plant seeds, water the garden, and watch for a harvest of vegetables. Shelter (A True Book: Survival Skills series) 2023 Ages 8-10 Written by Diane Vukovic "Learn basic survival skills and connect with nature! Knowing how to build a safe shelter in any environment is a skill that every outdoor adventurer needs. Did you know that a shelter can be made from sticks and leaves? Or that it can even be made from snow? Learn all this and more in Shelter - a book that gives kids the confidence they need to get outside and explore."-- Provided by publisher. The Sun Shines on the Jungle 2022 Ages 3-5 Written and illustrated by Michael H. Slack "Welcome to the jungle! Take a look at some animals who live there and discover how they depend on one another. Beetles munch on leaves, and spiders pounce on them in turn. Frogs lay in wait for the spiders, and an argus pheasant waits for a frog to leap. And so it continues, with a peek at some bearded pigs and a not-too-scary python. But what do you think the biggest animal of all will eat?"-- Provided by publisher. Trout Are Made of Trees 2008 Ages 4-8 Written by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Kate Endle "Leaves and bacteria, insects and fish, bears and people, too--we're all part of one big circle of growing and eating and living"--Inside front flap. Water, Fire, Food (A True Book: Survival Skills series) 2023 Ages 8-10 Written by Diane Vukovic "Learn basic survival skills and connect with nature! Knowing how to find safe drinking water, how to build a fire, and which foods are safe to eat -- as well as which are not -- are skills that every outdoor adventurer needs. Did you know that you can find edible plants right in your own backyard? Or that certain insects are super nutritious? Learn all this and more in Food, Water, and Fire -- a book that gives kids the confidence they need to get outside and explore."-- Provided by publisher. Bushcraft Kid: Survive in the Wild and Have Fun Doing It! 2022 ages 10+
by Dan Wowak https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/3huNqBv5bkoY4ji8M486pw How cool would it be to know how to build a fire, build your own shelter, find your food (and cook it too), and survive almost any environment? Now you can learn all the basic bushcraft skills from expert survivalist Dan Wowak. You’ll learn how to build the perfect fire, how to build all types of shelters, how to navigate your way through all types of terrain, how to forage for food, how to identify all types of plants and animals, and how to live the bushcraft way of life. And the best thing of all? You’ll have an absolute blast doing it! Do it Yourself Bushcraft: A Book of the Big Outdoors 2017 by Daniel Beard https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/rbcxk2VtzKXHWlprtskMxA Boy Scouts co-founder and avid outdoorsman Uncle Dan Beard provides a clear, enthusiastic introduction to the joys of camping, trapping, and outdoor survival. Originally published nearly a century ago, this engagingly written and charmingly illustrated guide provides an atmospheric reminder of a simpler time. Filled with timeless wisdom on conversing with nature, the book also constitutes a source of practical tips, offering advice on fishing, canoeing, and other aspects of outdoor life. Fishing-related instruction includes information on how to catch minnows, how to make a dip net, fly fishing, bait casting, and much more. Readers can learn how to stalk, to photograph, and even to capture wild animals with their bare hands. They'll also discover how to build a canvas canoe and a dugout canoe, how to make a portage, how to handle a canoe, how to row a boat, and the names of all the parts of boats. This ageless volume will prove a helpful companion to hunters, fishermen, campers, backpackers, Scouts, and anyone who enjoys outdoor recreation and the thrill of bushcraft. Pass the Energy, Please! 2000 ages 6-12 by Barbara Shaw McKinney, illustrated by Chad Wallace https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/N6fE0itq31hEUV-mBUFDSA Each of nature's creatures "passes the energy" in its own unique way. In this upbeat rhyming story, the food chain connects herbivores, carnivores, insects and plants together in a fascinating circle of players. All beings on Earth from the anchovy to the zooplankton depend upon the green plant, which is the hero of the story. Barbara McKinney's special talent shines again (see also A Drop Around the World) for being able to present the science curriculum so concisely, creatively, and cleverly. Trout Are Made of Trees 2008 ages 4-8 by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Kate Endle https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/DnU2I2uHJkU3rUFV5mvtvg How can a leaf become a fish? Join two young children and their dads to find out, as they observe life in and around a stream. Energetic collage art and simple, lyrical text depict the ways plants and animals are connected in the food web. Back matter provides information about the trout life cycle as well as conservation efforts that kids can do themselves. Who Eats What?: Food Chains and Food Webs 2016 ages 4-8 by Patricia Lauber, Illustrated by Holly Keller https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/VT7a219NPFUrlt1ouzepMA What do you and a tuna have in common? You are both part of a food chain that begins with green things and ends with you! Other important questions answered in this book include: Can you get energy from sunlight? Why is every link in a food chain important? Who Eats What? 2018 ages 3-5 by Stephani Babin, illustrated by Kiko https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/fEp2rckNdkqrcaGNs6u3_w Discover match-and-learn fun for preschoolers: What does the frog in the garden eat? What does the pig on the farm eat? What does the bear in the forest eat? Young children will delight in sliding the panels to find out just what the 36 animals in this book like to eat, chew, and nibble on! They will also learn about the habitats of the various creatures. It's a wildly informative adventure that little ones will enjoy time and time again! Acorn to Oak Tree 2021 Ages 5-8 by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt Introduces readers to how an acorn becomes an oak tree. All the Insects in the World 2022 Ages 4-8 written and illustrated by David Opie "A glimpse into the vast world of insects: their lifespan, how they build their homes, their color and shape variants, all leading up to their most amazing attribute--metamorphosis, as seen through the character of a caterpillar that turns into a butterfly.“ Provided by publisher Am I a Frog? 2022 Ages 4-8 written and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell A tadpole asks, "Am I a frog?" "Not yet. But soon," comes the reply as the author explains the life cycle of the frog from egg to tadpole to frog in words and illustrations. Animals Here We Grow! 2021 Ages 3-7 written by Shelley Rotner Photographs document the life cycle of a variety of mammals, insects, birds, amphibians, and reptiles"—Provided by publisher Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera 2020 Ages 4-12 written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann An admiring journey through the life cycle of the hard-working honeybee. Little Pine Cone: Wildfires and the Natural World 1984 Ages 6-8 written by Johanna Wagstaffe and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin "This STEM-based picture book explains what wildfires are and how they are started and managed, using the life cycle of a Jack pine cone to illustrate the concept."-- Provided by publisher. My Life as a Dandelion 2022 Ages 4-8 written by John Sazaklis and illustrated by Duc Nguyen "Hi, there! I'm a dandelion. You might see me everywhere, but have you ever stopped to think about how I got there? Learn more about my life cycle and how I went from a tiny little seed to a bold, beautiful flower"-- Provided by publisher. My Stinky Summer 2020 Ages 4-8 written and illustrated by Paul Meisel "Told in diary form, My Stinky Summer by S. Bug introduces readers to the stinkbug's life cycle and survival habits"--Provided by publisher. Planting a Garden in Room 6: From Seeds to Salad 2022 Ages 3-7 written by Caroline Arnold "Follow a classroom of diverse kindergartners as they plant seeds in their garden, tend the growing plants, and harvest the vegetables. Clear, bright photographs show the plant life cycle"—Provided by publisher. Robins!: How They Grow Up 2017 Ages 6-9 written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow “Who are we? We’re robins! Our black and white speckles mean we’re young- a few months old. Robin teenagers! Why are we living in your yard? Well, here’s our story” Salmon 2020 Ages 4-8 written by Ruth Daly Young readers will learn about a salmon’s life cycle, from egg to spawning. See a Pumpkin Grow 2023 Ages 4-8 written by Kirsten Chang This latest entry in the See It Grow! series follows a pumpkin from seed through its life cycle. A Seed Grows 2022 Ages 3-6 written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis "A seed falls and settles into the soil and the sun shines and the rain comes down and the seed grows... in the life cycle of a sunflower.” A Seed is the Start 2018 Ages 6-8 written by Melissa Stewart Beautiful photography and lyrical text pair with comprehensive picture captions in award-winning author Melissa Stewart's story about the surprisingly diverse world of seeds. Learn all about the plant cycle, from how seeds grow, the fascinating ways they travel, and what it takes for a seed to become a plant. Soar High, Dragonfly! 2019 Ages 5-8 written by Sheri Mabry and illustrated by Jonny Lambert Using narrative, thoughtful sidebars and engaging illustrations, this title follows the life cycle of the dragonfly. The Story of a Butterfly 2022 Ages 4-8 written by Margaret Rose Reed and illustrated by Manu Montoya “Join a class field trip in Story of a Butterfly for a study on this popular butterfly, encouraging children toward curiosity and exploration, and ending with a call to make the earth more accessible for everyone from humans to the tiniest bug."—Provided by publisher The Truth About Butterflies 2020 Ages 4-8 written and illustrated by Maxwell Eaton, III "This guide to the majestic butterfly walks you through its unique lifecycle and offers anything you ever wanted to know about the colorful insect..."--Provided by publisher Something that I have been really enjoying is watching all the kids learn and master climbing trees. At first, in the beginning of the year we had one child try to climb and they after some practice, about 3 months, they had gotten to a pretty incredible height. This inspired others to and they worked together to help each other climb. There will be at least two of them coaching one in the best path and cheering them on. I think every kid in my class has at least attempted to climb a tree last month.  With summer fast approaching I am still amazed at how quickly this year has flown by. Not only has the weather changed but so have the students. Some have had birthdays, some have grown taller, and others have come out of their shell and found a place among their peers. There have been strong friendships formed where the kids have begun to ask for play dates outside of school or can't wait to get down the stairs in the morning to start playing with their classmates. I've seen students work through conflict together, advocate for themselves, laugh with each other, and come to their adults if they need an extra helping hand. I can’t wait to see what skills continue to grow as the year comes to an end. It has truly been a blessing watching these dynamics shift and change much like the life cycles we learned about during the month of May. Due to some big life changes of my own, this year will sadly be my last at Barnacles and Bees. After I started working for the program back in 2020, first as a teachers assistant then as a lead teacher, I can truly say this job has been such an amazing chapter in my life. It has really opened my eyes to the wonders and joys nature and children can bring. I have enjoyed the small moments during class like listening to conversations at snack time or hearing laughter as a swarm of children try to catch me during a game of Run Rabbit Run. I am always excited to share my job with anyone who asks because there is something so rewarding about working with wonderful children and amazing staff under the large trees, by the ocean, and in all kinds of weather. I have loved being called Barn Swallow and I think that name as well as the names of each of my students will have a special place in my heart for years to come. 
All About Plants! (Ada Twist, Scientist The Why Files #2) 2022 ages 5-8 by Andrea beaty, Theanne Griffith, and David Roberts https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/jpo2KjG8N1UNmxGYX4-XDQ What do plants eat? Why do some plants have flowers and others don’t? And what’s the tallest plant out there? Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files is the perfect nonfiction resource for all these questions and more. Based on the bestselling series and the new Netflix show, this new nonfiction series is perfect for the youngest scientists of tomorrow, as they learn along with Ada. Designed in a scrapbook format, these books combine art from the show, illustrations, and photography to bring simple science concepts to life. Falcon vs. Hawk (Who Would Win?) 2020 ages 6-9 by Rob Bolster, illustrated by Jerry Pallotta https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/jgl-F0Fq80I9GkB16kPS8g What if a falcon and a hawk had a fight? Who do you think would win? This nonfiction Reader compares and contrasts two ferocious birds. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling pair before finally discovering the winner!This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans. Frog 2023 ages 2-5 by Maggie Li https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/fDcyhWd7_agI1nZxrqCeoA Meet Frog, who starts out as a tiny egg. Follow along as it transforms from tadpole to froglet to fully grown frog in this beautifully illustrated board book for the very young. From a tiny, vulnerable spawn to a tadpole swimming away from hungry fish, Frog evolves before readers’ eyes in a fun, informative board book that explores the life cycle of a frog. A die-cut throughout the book emphasizes how nature is full of changes—and how a frog’s life is full of excitement! How Does a Tadpole Grow?: Life Cycles with The Very Hungry Caterpillar 2022 ages 3 and under by Eric Carle https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/rbwr187Wriuh9Nm4KPwfgw Learn how a tadpole becomes a frog with Eric Carle's classic artwork and The Very Hungry Caterpillar! In this nonfiction story, young readers explore the transformation of a tadpole into a frog. The miracles of nature come to life in this early-learning series centered around life cycles, featuring simple text and Eric Carle's classic illustrations! A Kid's Guide to Backyard Birds 2023 ages 6-8 by Eliza Berkowitz, illustrated by Nicole LaRue https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/J-cnOF2kDSC-DfeiSFIskg Packed with essential facts on the United States' most easy-to-spot birds, this brightly illustrated guide is perfect for burgeoning birdwatchers ages 6 to 8. A Kid’s Guide to Backyard Birds is filled with fascinating facts about the most common birds, including where they live, what they eat, and how they sound when they sing. How did the Brown-Headed Cowbird get its name? Which bird can fly up to 40 miles per hour? Packed with over 80 full-color, gorgeous illustrations, this portable field guide will have burgeoning bird lovers excited about exploring the amazing world just outside their door. Michelle's Garden: How the First Lady Planted Seeds of Change 2021 ages 4-8 by Sharee Miller https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/-lOcjb5TGYJnPai5ma45gg Former First Lady Michelle Obama had an idea. A big, inspiring, and exciting idea! She would grow the largest kitchen garden ever at the White House. This wouldn't be easy, since she'd never gardened before: Where should she start? What tools did she need? What would she plant? Everyone needs help when they're learning something for the first time, even the first lady of the United States. So she gathered the help of local students, the White House staff, and even President Barack Obama. Together, they wouldn't just grow a garden—they would inspire a nation! Little Kids First Board Book: Becoming a Butterfly 2023 ages 2 and under by Ruth Musgrove https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/rn8L4rYV4dEhWrqBwTijqQ Bursting with vivid photos and featuring super-simple facts, this charming board book explores how a butterfly becomes a butterfly! Little readers will be dazzled by the variety of colorful butterflies they meet as they learn how these beloved insects develop from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to an adult ready to spread its wings and fly. National Geographic Readers: Bees 2016 ages 5-8 by Laura Marsh https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/rn8L4rYV4dFT-VT4LAsb0A What's that buzzing around? It's a busy bee! With beautiful, engaging, and authentic photos, and accessible text, kids will learn all about these incredible insects in this level 2 reader. Nobody Likes Frogs: A Book of Toadally Fun Facts 2023 ages 4-8 by Barbara Davis-Pyles, illustrated by Liz Wong https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/eBltQCnqQDuMzGGeJ6nXeg In this humorous narrative nonfiction picture book the text cleverly puts the reader in the role of the “expert” to educate a persnickety turtle about the amazing amphibian known as the frog. With the reader's help, Persnickety Q. Turtle learns intriguing frog facts, such as they can breathe through their skin while underwater and their eyes help them swallow. Pick up this book and help Persnickety find out all the reasons frogs are such incredible creatures. The Reason for a Flower: A Book About Flowers, Pollen, and Seeds 1999 ages 5-8 by Ruth Heller https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/dc8CCBE1U0xJzt5L6vtyoQ The reason for a flower is to manufacture seeds, but Ruth Heller shares a lot more about parts of plants and their functions in her trademark rhythmic style. Salmon 2023 ages 7-9 by Nancy Dickmann https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/GQoY-SAWPoIano2h1InJ9g Introduces readers to life cycles in nature by exploring the changes in a salmon's life. The Secret World of Plants 2022 ages 7-9 by Ben Hoare https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/3huNqBv5bkrgfWHhfUNZzw Learn how seagrass changes the environment around it, how the Venus flytrap counts to make sure it catches its prey, and why some tulips used to cost more than a house! This book explores the vast plant kingdom and explains how plants work, as well as the weird and wonderful relationships they have with animals. Plants provide us with food, fuel, and medicine, and without them, life as we know it would not exist. From orchids that grow vanilla pods to trees that cause headaches, and from bamboo that can be made into clothes to moss that soaks up vast amounts of carbon dioxide, plants shape our world in an endless variety of ways. The Story of a Butterfly: Learn about the life cycle and habitat of the Painted Lady 2022 ages 4-8 by Margaret Rose Read, illustrated by Manu Montoya https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/yxefp03frD6dgKSnUa1rPg Follow two friends on a class field trip as they visit a butterfly sanctuary and discover the magical life cycle of the Painted Lady, from egg to chrysalis, and finally, beautiful butterfly! Did you ever raise a Painted Lady butterfly at home or in school? You’re not alone! This stunning insect has wowed kindergarten and first grade classes for generations for its beauty and scientific intricacies. Join a class field trip in Story of a Butterfly for a study on this popular butterfly, encouraging children toward curiosity and exploration, and ending with a call to make the earth more accessible for everyone from humans to the tiniest bug. Matt recounts a week spent with his preschoolers at the Salmon Center. "We spent the day with the agenda of collecting stinging nettle, so that we could make pesto for the kids. What I love about preschool is giving kids direction and watching their excitement grow as we explore our daily activities. The fact that we ventured into the woods with 10 kids of preschool age and collected stinging nettle without catastrophic result, and instead saw intrigue and laughter is remarkable. Then to connect that with the following day of program, we made pesto that kids joyfully participated smashing and blending, then ate on pasta out of hand. Many of the kids can now identify stinging nettle, it’s these types of connections that I most love about outdoor program."
Breaking Through the Clouds: The Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson 2022 ages 6-9 by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/jpo2KjG8N1XGrIqeFhQeSA When Joanne Simpson (1923-2010) was a girl, she sailed her boat beneath the puffy white clouds of Cape Cod. As a pilot, she flew her plane so high, its wings almost touched them. And when World War II began and Joanne moved to the University of Chicago, a professor asked her to teach Air Force officers about those very clouds and the weather-changing winds. As soon as the war ended, Joanne decided to seriously study the clouds she had grown to love so much. Her professors laughed. They told her to go home. They told her she was no longer needed. They told her, "No woman ever got a doctorate in meteorology. And no woman ever will." But Joanne was stubborn. She sold her boat. She flew her last flight. She saved her money so that she could study clouds. She worked so hard and discovered so much that—despite what the professors said—she received a doctorate in meteorology. She was the first woman in the world to do so. Breaking Through the Clouds tells the story of a trailblazing scientist whose discoveries about clouds and how they work changed everything we know about weather today. Drip 2022 ages 2-5 by Maggi Li https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/fDcyhWd7_agULMkkkXsrpw From a droplet of water in the river to a cloud in the sky, Drip journeys across the earth and sky in a fun, informative board book that explores the cycle of a raindrop. A die-cut throughout the book emphasizes how nature is full of changes-- but begins and ends with a tiny drop of water. Explore My World Clouds 2015 ages 3-7 by Marfe Delano https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/rn8L4rYV4dFuf7NYOI2Hjg Curious kids ages 3 to 7 will be excited to learn about clouds—why they're in the sky, different types, and fun activities that celebrate being outside. These engaging Explore My World picture books on subjects kids care about combine simple stories with unforgettable photography. They invite little kids to take their first big steps toward understanding the world around them and are just the thing for parents and kids to curl up with and read aloud. Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Sandstorms, Hailstorms, Blizzards, Hurricanes, and More! National Geographic Kids 2014 ages 8-12 by Thomas Kostigen https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/rn8L4rYV4dFlYCYs3Qn-MA Record heat. Record storms. Record drought, snow, rain, and ocean levels. What's going on? In a world of crazy weather exacerbated by climate change, knowing about tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, derechos, blizzards, and storms is more important than ever. This book, based on cutting-edge science and first-hand accounts, helps kids learn about what's going on and what to do about it. Hello, Puddle! 2022 ages 4-7 by Anita Sanchez and illustrated by Luisa Uribe https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=1&cn=732349 Explores a deceptively simple, but unexpectedly crucial, resource for wildlife: puddles! Hello, puddle! Who’s here? A normal everyday puddle may not seem very special. But for a mother turtle, it might be the perfect place to lay her eggs. For a squirrel, it might be the only spot to cool off and get a drink when the sun is shining down in July. And for any child, it can be a window into the elegant, complex natural world right outside their window.”— Provided by publisher. I Am the Rain 2018 ages 3-8 written and illustrated by John Paterson https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=1&cn=652516 Introduces various aspects of water in rhyming verse including: the water cycle, states of matter, and the importance of water in our lives."-- Provided by publisher. I Survived the Joplin Tornado, 2011: (I Survived #12) 2015 ages 7-11 by Scott Dawson, illustrated by Lauren Tarshis https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/KTN6Q2Wiy7Uo5j38JGhdWw A destructive force is about to hit the city of Joplin...Eleven-year-old Dexter has always wanted to see a tornado. So when he gets the incredible opportunity to go storm chasing with the famous Dr. Norman Rays, he has to say yes! Dr. Rays is the host of Tornado Mysteries, the show that Dex and his older brother, Jeremy, watched every night until Jeremy joined the U.S. Navy SEALs and left Joplin. Dex certainly knows how deadly tornadoes can be, but this one isn't heading toward Joplin, and wouldn't it be great to have a brave and exciting story of his own to tell Jeremy when he comes home? But when the tornado shifts direction, Dexter's bravery is about to get seriously tested... The Ocean in Your Bathtub 2020 ages 4-8 written by Seth Fishman and illustrated by Isabel Greenberg https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=1&cn=636122 "The Earth's five oceans and its water cycle connect all of us in important and unexpected ways"-- Provided by publisher. True Tornado Survival Stories and Amazing Facts from History and Today (I Survived True Stories #3) 2017 ages 7-11 By Lauren Tarshis https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/lXB30KsL1mJHrPZqDiIdSw From the author of the New York Times bestselling I Survived series, comes two gripping accounts of two young people who survived two terrifying twisters.The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 was the deadliest tornado strike in American history, tearing through three states and killing 700 people. Almost a century later, the Joplin Tornado was a mile-wide monster that nearly destroyed the heart of a vibrant city. The author of the New York Times best-selling I Survived series now brings you the vivid and true stories of two young people who survived these terrifying twisters, along with fascinating facts about tornadoes and profiles of the well-respected scientists and storm chasers who study them. Tornadoes! 2019 ages 4-7 Written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=5&cn=215173 What in the world is a tornado? In this age of extreme weather, this newly updated edition of Gail Gibbons' informative introduction to tornadoes, including how tornadoes form, the scale used for classifying them, and the safest places to go in case one should happen near you, answers that question. Water Cycles 2021 ages 7-11 Published by Dk https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/3huNqBv5bkqk1jMrWLtV4A From snowflakes falling from the clouds, deep ocean currents to hot springs, and water in space, this children’s nature book showcases the beauty and power of water in the natural world. Inside the pages of this fascinating science book for kids, you’ll discover: • Bite-size facts about inhabitants of freshwater and saltwater • Incredible photographs capture the power of water in nature • Great new angle about water and its many uses • Subjects included supports STEM learning • Cross-curricular science book - covering biology, the natural world, geography, global warming for kids, and much more. The wonderful world of water awaits! Water is essential for life. We drink it, bathe in it, and thousands of creatures live in it. But we are running desperately low on it. Water Cycles shows children how important keeping hydrated is for our health and what we can do to save this life-giving substance in the face of climate change. This children’s wildlife book is packed with incredible facts about water. Little ones will learn how it affects Earth’s weather, through rainstorms, snow flurries, and cyclones, how it is used in growing food and in making electricity, as well as how water travels into our homes at the turn of a tap. What’s the Weather? 2019 ages 3-7 by Shelley Rotner https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=1&cn=627360 Seasons, precipitation, wind, clouds, storms, climate change, and other weather-related phenomena are explained for young readers. Includes glossary"-- Provided by publisher. When Cloud Became a Cloud 2021 ages 3-5 written and illustration by Rob Hodgson https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=1&cn=667548 Meet Cloud! Follow along as she moves, transforms, precipitates, and more in this charming and humorous portrayal of the water cycle. From drizzle to snow to a thunderstorm party, Cloud's journey is documented through short, engaging chapters that capture the excitement and humor of weather in its many forms."--Provided by publisher. A World of Water 2021 ages 5-7 written by Lisa J. Amstutz https://catalog.krl.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.10&pos=1&cn=678796 We live in a water-filled world. Water is all around us and even inside us! Learn more about where water is found on Earth and how it moves from place to place"--Back cover. Zap! Clap! Boom!: The Story of a Thunderstorm 2023 ages 3-6 by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Elly MacKay https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/R888A8PhO_6tG7js0k_xlQ Morning’s calm. Outside is still. A blue-forever day until . . . Stormy clouds begin to rise . . .and then — with a ZAP! CLAP! BOOM! — a thunderstorm erupts. Explore the life cycle of a thunderstorm in this informative and engaging picture book. Beautiful papercut art by Elly MacKay depicts the changes in weather from a blue-sky day, to the storm clouds brewing, through the climax of the storm, and all the way to the sparkle that envelopes the landscape after the storm subsides. And author Laura Purdie Salas’s poetic text is sure to have kids chiming in on the refrain — “ZAP! CLAP! BOOM!” This accessible book is an excellent resource to calm little ones' fears about storms and explain weather to young readers. An author's note delves deeper into the science of thunderstorms. I have been volunteering as a Parent Mentor every Monday morning since September. It has been a great way to start my week off and has provided neat insight into my daughter’s experience in the program. Every morning after arrival the kids are greeted individually by name as they sit around the stump circle. Volume level and type of greeting is personalized for each kid’s needs and preferences. You can tell the kids are known and valued just by watching and participating in this small ritual. After this, we do a pledge that talks about the importance of being kind to animals, plants, others, and themselves. My 3.5 yr old has this pledge memorized and often recites it unprompted outside of program. It is a great way to introduce kindness and respect for self, others, and for the environment. We also review safety rules, and it is neat to see how the kids learn these so quickly and really take them to heart. After these morning rituals, the topic of the day is introduced and discussed a bit, allowing kids a chance to share things they may already know about or be interested in, then everyone packs up their stuff and walks over to the “classroom” (a nearby picnic shelter). The short walk over provides a nice opportunity to chat with the kids and observe things in line with the theme of the day or just anything interesting that we happen to pass. Once we arrive at the classroom, the kids set down their backpacks and participate in a group game. As the year has gone on, it has been neat to watch the kids mature in their understanding of how to play these types of games. Lately, they have really been enjoying variations of duck, duck, goose, and it has been so fun to watch them light up as they play. After group game, the class is divided into two or three groups to participate in crafts or activities in line with the theme of the week. Everyone has a chance to rotate through the activities across the three class days. It is neat to see which activities kids really get into and how their personalities shine through in this process. After this, it is time to use the bathroom, wash hands, and have snack time while listening to a story. This is often a busy time for me as a parent mentor as I am available to help open snacks though as the year has gone on, kids have gotten more proficient in this task and even started offering to help each other. Observing the kids develop their own community has been a neat element of volunteering in this capacity. It can really restore one’s hope for humanity to see these kids support one another. Once the story is over and the kids have packed up their lunchboxes and thrown away trash, it is everyone’s favorite time of the day, free play. This is another favorite time for me as it is so fun to watch the creativity of the kids come to life as they pretend to be cats, various family configurations, or replay variations of the activities we have done earlier in the day. I love when we are at the picnic shelter with the sandbox as the kids come up with some creative “food” creations to offer me. Finally, we usually end the day with some time to respond to a journal prompt where kids draw something related to what they experienced or learned that day and have a chance to participate in a “sit spot” where they simply observe nature using their eyes and ears then share anything they noticed. We then walk back to the stump circle for pick up. Truly, these three hours of my week are a highlight. This opportunity allows me to take a small break out of my otherwise busy life, practice being mindful, and enjoy nature while being reminded of what truly matters by the kids and amazing staff.  With one of our core focuses being K - kindness, I have seen so much growth in our small group! There is inclusion, communication, and thoughtfulness. It’s been really fun watching the class share a bug to look at together, or a neat mushroom they found. I’m excited to watch spring emerge in the forest, signs of it are everywhere despite the snow. With warmer weather we will explore native plants as well as the invasive ones, hopefully we are always learning how to take care of our planet and each other.
Native Plants: Flora and Fauna of the Pacific Northwest by Collin Varner https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/XTs8TVthO8gfxtymjhYbHg The Flora and Fauna of the Pacific Northwest Coast is an extensive, easy-to-follow resource guide to the plant and animal life of the vast and diverse bioregion stretching from Juneau, Alaska, south to coastal British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and down to California’s San Francisco Bay. Encompassing over eight hundred native and invasive species, and including more than two thousand color photos, this is the most complete book of its kind on the market. The book is divided into flora and fauna, with detailed subsections for flowering plants, berries, ferns, shrubs and bushes, trees, fungi, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Each species (identified by common and scientific name) is illustrated by a close-up photograph and a concise description of its appearance, biology, and habitat, as well as its traditional use and medicinal properties (where applicable). The book also contains detailed maps, a glossary, and a complete index of species. Transition to Spring: Sing in the Spring by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Deb Plestid https://www.ballastbookco.com/item/yIT-oDvB-WuJZMqFMbmvlA A playful, poetic picture book celebrating the coming of spring from the award-winning author of Summer Feet and featuring luminous original artwork by an internationally renowned quilt artist. Spring is sometimes a long time coming. As snow melts and winter slowly blows away, the earth begins its unfolding of new life and hopeful greening. While we can still snowshoe through the soft white and sip the clear, wintry air, we dream of the sparkle of spring, that wind-chapped-cheek time, where "baby fiddleheads sleep/like so many questions deep" and the sun comes "smiling in/as longer days of light begin." Berries, Nuts, and Seeds (Take-Along Guide series) 1996 Ages 7-10 Written by Diane L. Burns and illustrated by John F. McGee Although meant for older children, this well-illustrated identification guide describes a variety of berries, nuts, and seeds that might be found on a nature walk. Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest 2017 Ages 5-8 Written by Fiona Cohen and illustrated by Marni Fylling Organized by habitat--forest, beach, fresh water, and backyards and urban parks--fun facts and full-color illustrations will introduce kids to the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring 2022 Ages 2-5 Written and illustrated by Kenard Pak A young boy watches how nature changes form winter into spring. Hello Spring! 2017 Ages 4-8 Written by Shelley Rotner A celebration of the arrival of spring, marked by changes in plant and animal life. On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring 2020 Ages 4-9 Written by Buffy Silverman The world comes to life on a snow-melting day. Only the Trees Know 2022 Ages 3-7 Written by Jane Whittingham and illustrated by Cinyee Chiu Little Rabbit is tired of waiting for spring. His parents and grandmama tell him to be patient, but he isn’t very good at being patient. Spring will come on its own time, they say. But when will that be? Only the trees know, says his grandmama. But when Little Rabbit tries asking the trees, nothing happens. Determined to make the trees notice him, Little Rabbit almost overlooks what's been there all along: hopeful signs that spring is on the way."-- Provided by publisher. Plants on the Trail with Lewis and Clark 2003 Ages 9-12 Written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent with photographs by William Munoz Describes the journey of Lewis and Clark through the western United States, focusing on the plants they cataloged, their uses for food and medicine, and the plant lore of Native American people. Also meant for an older audience, but the photographs and information are useful. Spectacular Spring 2018 Written by Bruce Goldstone Ages 4-8 A neat overview of spring, chock-full of interesting facts for young readers. Vibrant photographs grace each page, making it all the more appealing for little ones. The explanation of the science behind rain, rainbows, seeds, and more is presented in an accessible way. In addition, readers will learn about animals, spring flowers, how an umbrella works, the sounds and sights of spring, and spring celebrations, culminating in "some spectacular spring activities". Snowman – Cold = Puddle: Spring Equations 2019 Ages 4-8 Written by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Micha Archer A unique take on spring in a series of eye-opening equations. Whether it's breeze + kite = ballet or nest + robin = jewelry box, each equation prompts readers to pause and think about spring in unexpected ways. As a child in the art welcomes the change of seasons, sidebars provide more information about the science behind the signs of spring." What Will Grow? 2017 Written by Jennifer Ward Ages 3-6 Seeds can be big or small, round or pointy, and all sorts of colors. They can become flowers, trees, fruits, or vegetables, and they grow all times of year, during spring, summer, fall, and winter. But all seeds have one thing in common--inside each is a new plant life waiting to emerge. What kind of plant will bloom? Wait and see what will grow! Our time in the forest has been flying by incredibly fast! As someone who does not particularly enjoy the cold, dark, and dreary feeling that tends to creep in during winter days; it has truly been a gift to have spent so much time enjoying being outside, and taking in all the evergreen life still thriving around us. Thanks to the warmth of tea, cocoa, hot water bottles, and many, many layers, we’ve also managed to stay plenty toasty! Coming back from such a long period of being away, warm and cozy inside for break, it was also incredibly heartwarming to see our group find a new way to gel together after such a big period of change and time apart. While we worked on saying hello and goodbye to classmates, we also started bird watching, and it felt like the perfect community and solo activity for everyone to ease back into their own rhythm of this quiet season. It feels like success every time I see the kids lay back and look to the sky in their own moment of calm. This year has really shown there is much to see at any time of year for those who take time to look. Between seeing the sea lions catching a salmon breakfast, bald eagles nesting, and regularly checking on a special secret mushroom growing in the base of a tree, no day is ever the same outside. I can’t wait to see what new life we notice with the observation skills we’ve grown. In this last breath before spring arrives, I am filled with the hope to plan for my garden. With the returning sunlight and signs of growth that I see every day--in the kids and the world outside my door--I am beaming with excitement to continue to learn and share about local, native plants during lessons in March and onward!  Each month Kate Larson from Ballast Books and Kirstin from the Kitsap Regional Library kindly provide us with their recommendations for books depending on the themes our classes are focusing on. For Illahee, they are looking at Pacific Northwest Mammals this month. Below are some books to look into:  The Truth About Bears by Maxwell Eaton III 2018. “Did you know that when a bear is born, it weighs less than a picture book?” Interesting and funny facts about different kinds of bears.  Orcas by Elizabeth R. Johnson 2017. Graceful, but fierce, these mammals of the sea are also known as killer whales.  Deer (Animals That Live in the Forest) by JoAnn Early Macken 2005.  The Seal Garden by Ian McAllister & Nicholas Read 2018. Stunning photographs tell the story of harbor seals and other marine mammals seeking refuge in a seal garden along the Pacific coast.  Land Mammals of the Pacific Northwest by Fiona Reid This Folding Guide covers 49 mammals, both large and small, found in the Pacific Northwest from the California/Oregon border up and including British Columbia. It includes bats, moles, rabbits, as well as the large signature mammals of the region such as elk, bears, foxes, and cougars. The range extends from the front range of the Rockies westward to the Pacific, northward to include the Canadian Rockies and southward to the Colorado/New Mexico border. Illustrations and text are by Fiona Reid, accomplished naturalist, author and illustrator of the Peterson Field Guide to Mammals. For the Wetlands, the will be learning about Light, Rainbows, and Colors:  Light Waves by David A. Adler "An introduction to the physics of light for young readers, with an overview of photons, transparency, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the mechanics of reflection.  Cooking with Sunshine: How Plants Make Food by Ellen Lawrence 2013  Light is All Around Us (Let’s Read and Find Out Science) by Wendy Pfeffer 2014 An introduction to light and how it helps us to see profiles different kinds of light, including sunlight, firelight and electric light, and provides interactive experiments readers can perform at school or at home.   Sun in My Tummy by Laura Alary illustrated by Andrea Blinick
Description: How does a home-cooked breakfast give a little girl the energy she needs for a brand-new day? In gently expressive language, her mother takes readers on a journey into the earth where sleepy seeds are tickled awake and grow into golden oats; into blueberry patches, where green leaves break apart water and air to build sweet sugar; and into a pasture where sun becomes grass, becomes cow, becomes milk. Author Laura Alary’s free verse breaks big ideas into child-sized pieces, making Sun in My Tummy an accessible introduction to the concepts of matter and energy, and how the sun’s light becomes fuel for our bodies through the food we eat. Andrea Blinick’s mixed-media illustrations pair the cozy and homelike with the glowing and dramatic as she takes readers from the kitchen to the farm field and to the sky and back. A concluding Author’s Note shares further information about photosynthesis for young readers.  Each month Kate from Ballast Books kindly provides us with their recommendations for books depending on the themes our classes are focusing on. Below are what they suggest! For Storytelling: 2023 Family Astronomical Almanac Find out what to look for, when to watch, scientific explanations, and tips for getting the most out of 2023's night skies in The 2023 Family Astronomical Almanac. Gorgeous photos and simple diagrams accompany each entry along with hints about lunar brightness (which can diminish visibility) and best nighttime viewing periods. Covering everything from meteor showers to eclipses, lunar cycles to seasonal milestones, and a ton more, this handy guide will make sure your family never miss another celestial event again!  For Birds:
Backyard Explorer: Bird Watch Backpack Explorer: Bird Watch leads kids aged 4 and up through the basics of birding, from identifying common birds to learning about habitat and migration and listening for bird songs. The pages are packed with prompts and activities, including 12 interactive field guides (for common birds, nests, eggs, tracks, and more), sensory scavenger hunts, activities such as building a bird nest, matching games, and simple discovery zone pages about food chains and the life cycle of birds. Equipped with a real magnifying glass, stickers, and a birding log for recording sightings and encounters, this book is the perfect take-along for any nature adventure. One of my favorite parts about being an educator is helping to ignite curiosity and watching the kids enthusiasm as they immerse themselves in exploring. There have been so many instances this year where I have simply needed to point out something I find interesting, and the kids will launch into their own exploration and discussion. One of my favorite occasions of this happened before break. We have frequently talked about tracking and animal evidence throughout the year. While on a wander, we came across a boot print in a pile of dirt. I casually pointed it out as “people evidence.” That was all it took. The kids immediately launched their own investigation. They discussed the print size, and determined it likely came from a child’s shoe by comparing my shoes size and a few of their own to the print. Then, they all took turns stomping in the dirt next to the shoe print to see if the print came from one of their shoes. This turned into a full examination and discussion of shoe tread shapes and designs. The discussion went on for several minutes, with the entire group contributing thoughts and observations. While the kids determined the shoes print belonged to no one in our group, we never did solve the mystery of who actually made the print. Though the mystery remains, my awe at how they took something we discussed with regards to animals to a whole new level and made their own connections and conclusions remains. It was incredible to watch the group work together and become so immersed in exploration and discovery. My group consistently engages in child led spontaneous learning. While I love watching this occur, I think what I love most about working with my group was perfectly captured the first day back from winter break. All through snack and free play, it was so obvious how excited and happy the kids were to just all be together again. Whether all in a large group chatting, or working in smaller groups together to build forts, play games or adventure, there was constant giggling, excitement and support. It has been so wonderful to watch their relationships develop, and witness how much they just genuinely love being around each other. It really makes every day an absolute joy to work with them, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds!  We're still accepting enrollment applications for the following programs! If you're interested in joining us, click the applicable button to sign up for the waitlist. You'll be sent an enrollment application within a day.  Bremerton preschool, Illahee State Park, Early Childhood Education, Outdoor Learning, Outdoor Education.
   Incredible tattoo artist and former mom from the program, Krysten Dae (IG: @krystendae), illustrated these ADORABLE designs we're so excited to see on t-shirts! Local Bremerton printer, Fingers Duke, created a web page to collect orders and roll out printed tees and sweatshirts after the order deadline of July 11th.
Get your orders in now- There are limited quantities of certain styles and colors... https://fingersduke.printavo.com/merch/barnaclesandbees/  On Saturday, June 4th, please join us for our Barnacles & Bees Jamboree at the beautiful Pacific Northwest Salmon Center in Belfair!
We are excited to come together for a fun and festive day to celebrate our students and recent graduates as well as our families, friends and community partners. Join us for snacks, games, children's activities, program performances, and family portraits. Explore the Salmon Center grounds and p-patch, say hello to the bunnies and lamas and take a quiet, scenic walk with your family. Schedule for the day
Please note that during the event the Salmon Center grounds including the farm animals and p-patch areas as well as the wetland trails will be open for viewing and exploration. We encourage families to explore throughout the day! Questions? Please contact us at hello@barnaclesandbees.com. We look forward to seeing you on June 4th! "As we start to see the buds on plants begin to open and small purple crocuses push through the undergrowth we take the time to enjoy the life that awakens with the coming of Spring. This Month we are focused on the world of light and shadows. At Theler I've loved getting to sit down with our students as they weaved together elaborate and hilarious stories with their shadow puppets during our shadow puppet theater. I was encouraged by their shrieks of laughter and their willingness to let each of their friends have a turn. They set up scenes for their shadow characters to interact with as their audience waited patiently for the stories to begin. At Illahee I had the opportunity to see our students create beautiful artworks out of colorful mosaic pieces. They would gasp in excitement as I brought out flashlights and they were able to see how the light made their artwork sparkle with color. I loved hearing them talk to each other about which loved one they would like to give their finished art to. I am excited to see where the rest of this month takes us as we enter the time of new beginnings and new growth."  "With the slow and steady transition from January into February, our mornings in the forest have been gradually brightening and becoming strong with the promise of new growth! It has been incredibly heartwarming to witness everyone's comfort levels shift with each other and nature to be at ease enough to lay back and watch how the clouds are moving together, take a moment to enjoy how the sun makes us feel in the winter, and jam along to the incredible songs Fireweed has introduced. With this month focusing on tracking and animal signs, I've really enjoyed seeing the palpable excitement of digging into field guides to find answers to our questions and making more questions from what we notice and observe. After becoming familiar with hunting through the guides for our past birdwatching focus, they're now applying that skill to compare and contrast print shapes with other information and click their own puzzle pieces into place. I can't wait to see how these little buds bloom this spring!"  "I’m always amazed at how much growing and learning our little ones do daily. Being stuck inside the last three and a half weeks with my two has reminded me of this. This month we are focusing on storytelling. Storytelling is a great participatory and immersive experience as it gives kids an opportunity to exercise their imagination, develop language and emotions, and communicate effectively through words and gestures. Rhyming, rhythm and repetition are important parts of oral storytelling and I’m looking forward to using more of these in our daily routines. We are also going to be collecting and painting story rocks. Teacher Kelli is an incredible artist and will be doing a majority of the painting on our rocks, but the kids will be creating a rock that represents themselves and have opportunities to make more. I’m excited to see their personalities come out in the rocks and their storytelling. January tends to be a time of big emotions as we are coming off of a different routine with the holiday break and the days often seem extra wet and gray. We as teachers love connecting with you to hear how things are going with your child; both the good and the hard stuff so please don’t hesitate to share!"  "The darkness has been creeping up on us all throughout November, the nights have been getting shorter and the days have been cloudy and wet and yet this is still my favorite time of the year. In our class we have been trying to focus on the things that make the forest magical, mushrooms, fairy houses, the whispering wind and how the forest itself is alive. My favorite thing that has come out of this is the kids asking for permission from the forest to use found items and thanking it for providing materials for making art and fairy houses. November’s topic was fungi and lichen and we used mushroom troops and the symbiosis between algae and fungus to talk about teamwork and inclusion. My favorite part of that lesson was tying small groups together and having to walk an obstacle course, encouraging them to communicate with one another and work together to move. I’m really looking forward to watching the kids continue to grow as a group and master the new skills I’m teaching them."  Photo by Jamaal's daughter, Mazzy Ali If COVID taught us anything, it's that the local business community is the backbone of our town. As grateful beneficiaries of the volunteer efforts, donations, and services of these local businesses, we're acutely aware of the impact supporting local businesses has on non-profits like Barnacles & Bees. We know that the more you support the "mom & pop shop" in town, the more it comes back, so we prefer to keep that cycle going (we're talking local pizza joint's name on the soccer jersey, sort of vibe). Below is a short list of some of our favorite spots to acquire gifts or gift cards. Please email hello@barnaclesandbees.com with your additions to the list! *You can always make a donation to Barnacles & Bees in the name of the family member who already has everything.
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