Perfect Picture Book Friday (sort of)

I forgot! Sorry, it's been a long week, but I already had a book I wanted to do so here it is!

Title: Westlandia
Author: Paul Fleischman

Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes

Publisher: Candlewick

Intended Audience: 4 and up read aloud

Theme / Topic: Fiction, civilization, planting, self

Synopsis: Now that school is over, Wesley needs a summer project. He’s learned that each civilization needs a staple food crop, so he decides to sow a garden and start his own - civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth, and plants begin to grow. They soon tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he finds that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before his neighbors and classmates develop more than an idle curiosity about Wesley - and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.

Why I Like This Book: this book is amazing for a million reasons. It teaches about valuing differences, confidence, intelligence, and agriculture, to name just a few things. The illustrations are spectacular. I cannot say enough about it. You could use it with First Graders studying plants (as I am) or with Sixth Graders studying Civilizations and everything in between.

Activities to do with Westlandia:
Trumpet Club
Home School Share
This is a great time to talk about George Washington Carver. I love Brain Pop Jr.
http://www.brainpopjr.com/science/plants/georgewashingtoncarver/grownups.weml