A SHOUT OUT TO DADS - BOTH FISH AND HUMAN

I picked out Mr Seahorse from our book cabinet today to read to the children. It is one of the few Eric Carle books I've never read before, I was so happy I finally did. The book has tons of great factoids about 'father' sea creatures and
 how they care for their eggs and young. The kids (and teachers) found all the facts so interesting and all the information was perfectly short and direct so I never felt I was trying to force info into wandering attention spans. 

Check out this page by clicking here for even more fascinating facts from national geographic.   

Another awesome thing about the book was all the great camouglaged ocean animals hidden behind beautifully illustrated acetate pages. 

 There was some hidden behind seaweed, coral reef and a rock.This book is now  a 'must read' on our bookshelf partly because they get to expose those animals in hiding by lifting the acetate pages.
Which is ALWAYS a fun thing!


My absolute favorite part though was the chance to put dads in the highlight. And Mr. Seahorse couldn't be a better representative for all the Dads out there.  When Mrs.Seahorse announces that it is time for her to lay her eggs, Mr. Seahorse humbly asks, “Can I help?” She then lays her eggs into a pouch in the belly of her mate, who lovingly announces, “I’ll take good care of our eggs....I promise.”

 Then the great dad, goes on to meet other fish who are also carrying—or protecting—eggs, such as Mr. Tilapia, who carries eggs in his mouth, and Mr.Kurtus, who has stuck his mate’s eggs on top of his head. The chipper Mr. Seahorse gives each words of encouragement (“Keep up the good work”; “You must be very happy”; “You are doing a fine job”).  

He's such a great guy, don't you think? 
His Momma would be so proud. 

We used this as a jumping board to discuss all the things our dads do for us and how they help take care of us.

• Make sure to check out playingbythebook they have tons of wonderful reviews and lessons all based on kids books. Check out their ocean and seas lesson plans here for more book ideas, some great crafts, links and printables. 

Related articles 

• Eric carle collage (2011 art show) (metalinsects.blogspot.com)

The Robot Book (2011 art show)

THE ROBOT BOOK

HEATHER BROWN

Welcome to our Robot Parade!

(One of our favorite songs by They Might Be Giants)

This art project turned out to be the favored project amongst most of the children.

The inspiration for these endearing robots was the interactive and equally endearing story by Heather Brown. The book not only has
artistically vivid illustrations and actual moving parts but also a sweet message.

Just like these robots

It’s what's inside that makes us tick.

There's Only One You (2011 art show)

THERE'S ONLY ONE YOU

LINDA KRANTZ

"There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place"

This book quickly became an art show choice for us. Its overflowing beauty instantly captivated us beginning with theuniquely painted (rock) fish placed against the vibrant blue seas and picturesque skies. In addition to visual beauty we were enchanted by the endearing message the story delivered. It carries an uplifting message of hope and goodness and offers simple but invaluable wisdom. The principles in this book are ones we have always tried to nurture within the children.

We want them to know how important each of them are and to always see the world through inspired eyes.

How wonderful is this? 

The Curious Garden 2011 Art Show

THE CURIOUS GARDEN

PETER BROWN

This story is about a red-haired boy named Liam. He lives in a dreary town with no trees, no flowers, nothing but cement and smog. One day Liam happens upon a small plant. It's not much - some sad looking grass and a few flowers on their deathbeds, but Liam decides to nurse them back to health. As they get better, the vegetation begins to spread, and soon other folks begin to follow Liam's lead. After a while the town, once dingy and gray, is transformed. As the garden grows so does the color in the city. Even the sky turns to color again.

We discussed the idea that no matter your age, you can make a positive impact on the environment and on others around you. Due to the environmental discussions that came from this story we chose to do an art project using all recycled materials. The background was created using the cardboard from pizza boxes, the vibrant flowers were made using plastic disposable cups, the sparkling stems and leaves were made re-using newspaper and finally the frame pieces were painted on paper grocery bags. When put all together we were able to produce our own beautiful and

Curious Gardens.

Eric carle collage (2011 art show)

ERIC CARLE

Eric Carle is an acclaimed and beloved author and creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for children. His art is beautifully created using a collage technique and is distinctive and instantly recognizable. Eric Carle also had an extensive knowledge and love of nature. Due to this we chose plants and animals as our collage objects. We enjoyed the process of creating texturized painted using utensils, stamps, buttons, toothbrushes and more. We created a community pile of all the paintings and set out tracing our chosen object in its parts. And finally we began the process of cutting and layering to form these colorful and imaginative creations.

I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.” -Eric Carle[

Mo Willems we love you..... And we LOVED making our Knufflebunny art

KNUFFLE BUNNY

MO WILLEMS

Mo Willems has been an absolute favorite author of ours this year. Because of this we knew we definitely wanted to include him in our 'Literature Art Show'. We decided that the illustrations in Knuffle Bunny would be a great project to add to our gallery. The way the whimsical drawings are added to the realistic photographs throughout the story was the inspiration behind our own creations that are filled with individual expression, creativity, and tons of personality.

I LOVE THIS ONE OF TWO FRIENDS DOING THE PINK TOWER TOGETHER!  

We hope you enjoy our blend of reality and fantasy

.