*Picture book, fantasy but gives a true message about Earth Day and recycling
*Young Shelby Squirrel as main character
*Rating: Trouble On Earth Day is a sweet story for young children to introduce them to Earth Day and/or recycling. The best and absolute most valuable part of this book is the resource section for teachers (and parents) in the back of the book. There are activities, games, questions, and more!
Short, short summary: Shelby Squirrel won a poster contest at her school, and she explains to her parents what RETHINK, REUSE, and RECYCLE means. As they are trying to figure out different ways they can re-use materials around their house, Shelby hears a cry for help from the outside. She runs to find a bird who has no material for a nest–Shelby and her recycling ways to the rescue!
So, what do I do with this book?
Well, I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel, so I’m not going to put a bunch of activities here. But here’s a preview of what you will find in the back of the book:
- Discussion questions on the importance of trees, birds, and recycling
- Going Green game
- Craft ideas made from recycled products like toilet paper rolls and ice cream cartons
- A to Z Let’s Go Green list
- Search-a-word
- Songs!
Here’s a bit about the author:
Kathy Stemke has a passion for writing, the arts, and all things creative. She has bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University and Covenant Life Seminary, as well as graduate coursework from New York Institute of Technology and Columbia University. Hanging her hat in the North Georgia Mountains, she has been a teacher, tutor, and writer for many years.
As a freelance writer and ghostwriter, Kathy has published hundreds of articles in directories, websites, and magazines. She is a reviewer for Sylvan Dell Publishing and a former editor for The National Writing for Children Center. As a retired teacher, Kathy has several activities published with Gryphon House Publishing. Kathy is also part of the team at DKV Writing 4 U, a writing services company that includes ghostwriting, copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, and resumes.
Kathy’s first children’s picture book, Moving Through All Seven Days, was published on Lulu. Her next two picture books, Sh, Sh, Sh Let the Baby Sleep, and Trouble on Earth Day were released in 2011. Visit her book blog at http://shshshletthebabysleep.blogspot.com
Mrs.Stemke offers great teaching tips and children’s book reviews as well as a monthly newsletter titled, “MOVEMENT AND RHYTHM,” on her blog. http://educationtipster.blogspot.com
