* HAPPY 4th of JULY! *
CELEBRATE America's Birthday by
Reading 4th of July themed picture books
and
Making 4th of July Crafts!
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About the Book
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
ILA Teachers' Choices
Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List
From beloved author-illustrator Jessie Hartland comes a whimsical nonfiction picture book that tells the story of the American flag that inspired the poem and our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
If you go to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, you can see a massive American flag: thirty feet tall and forty-two feet long. That’s huge! But how did it get there? And where did it come from? Well…
The story of this giant flag begins in 1812 and stars a major on the eve of battle, a seamstress and her mighty helpers, and a poet named Francis Scott Key. This isn’t just the story of one flag. It’s the story of “The Star Spangled-Banner,” a poem that became our national anthem, too.
Dynamically told and stunningly illustrated, Jessie Hartland brings this fascinating and true story to life.
“So much to like about this, including the folk art–style artwork with childlike appeal, the emphasis on the women who constructed the flag, and the important ways a symbol can influence a country for generations.” —Booklist (starred review)
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About the Book
The American flag waves in reverence for many—for the immigrants who came and built a nation with hard work and ingenuity and for all who continue to defend and serve our nation. The verse and artwork resonate with the symbolism that represents the very characteristics of our nation and offers young readers a clear understanding of how one part of our country says so much.
MAKE the American Flag from There's Just One Mommy
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About the Book
Lynne Cheney and Robin Preiss Glasser, creators of the bestselling America: A Patriotic Primer and A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, take you on an unforgettable tour of America—from the Everglades of Florida to the grasslands of Kentucky to the Sierra Mountains of California.
Come along on a summer vacation from state to amazing state, and learn about interesting regional and historic facts along the way with an energetic family, and even the family dog!
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Ultimate Road Trip Postcards
Time for a make-believe vacation! Kids imagine criss-crossing the country and jotting down postcards from the coolest states they “visit.” Each one includes fun little drawings, pretend adventures, and silly details they come up with—all while sneaking in writing practice.
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About the Book
Award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee’s “exquisitely detailed…reverent, absorbing homage” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) to the Statue of Liberty—now with a new look!
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”
These famous words mark the pedestal of the most colossal metal statue ever made, and perhaps the most famous and beloved sculpture in the world: the Statue of Liberty. Lifting her torch high above the waters of New York Harbor, Lady Liberty has welcomed generations of people seeking freedom and a better way of life in America.
This book traces the evolution of the statue’s design and details the monumental feat of its construction, from the commissioning of the French sculptor who designed the giant statue to its assembly in puzzle-like copper segments suspended from a system of iron girders. On a cloudy day in 1886, Lady Liberty’s face was unveiled at last. And in 1986, for the occasion of her centennial celebration, she was treated to an extensive renovation, so that the light of Liberty might continue to enlighten the world.
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Some tall tales are actually true. This is a grand one, told with rightful pride by a boy who was there in the city of Philadelphia in 1777 and was lucky enough to play a role in the American Revolution.
John Jacob Mickley, eleven years old, and his father were in the city when the Great Bell began ringing Brong! Brong! BRONG! from atop the State House to warn the citizens: “Redcoats! The Redcoats are coming!”
And come the British did — with their muskets and their cannons and their will to keep the colonies for their king. Looting they came and stealing any metal they could get their hands on to melt down for the making of more weapons. And the prize above all? The Great Bell itself — metal for many a cannon! But the clever Pensylvanians (yes, the word was spelled like that then) had other plans for keeping the Bell safe from the British.
Megan McDonald has aptly caught John Jacob's excited retelling of the story, and Marsha Gray Carrington has relished every wild and wooly moment of it in her pictures — both funny and carefully researched.
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About the Book
June 14 is Flag Day, but with so many American flags proudly displayed, every day seems like Flag Day. Perfect for reading together with a young child, F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.
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About the Book
This colorful picture book follows one town’s parade, complete with jugglers, baton twirlers, a marching band, and more. The story is simple but fun and the drawings are as exciting and festive as fireworks.
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About the Book
This colorful book follows one town’s celebration of Independence Day. Music, sparks and balloons fill the pages and capture the spirit of this festive day.
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About the Book
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About the Book
Celebrate American independence with this delightful picture book as you travel to Revolutionary America and meet the amazing Amelia Simmons: mother’s helper, baker of delectable cakes, and soon-to-be authoress of the first American cookbook!
Master of the historical fiction picture book Deborah Hopkinson takes us back to late eighteenth-century America and the discombobulated home of Mrs. Bean, mother of six strapping sons, who simply can’t manage—until Amelia Simmons arrives and puts things in order. And how well she cooks—everything from flapjacks to bread pudding to pickled cucumbers! She even invents new recipes using American ingredients like winter squash. Best of all, she can bake, and to honor the brand-new president, George Washington, she presents him with thirteen Independence Cakes—one for each colony. “Delicious!” he proclaims. Author’s Note and original recipe included!
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Hit the road and see America with the Statue of Liberty!
The Statue of Liberty is feeling a little blue, despite being green. As much as she loves welcoming people to America, standing still for over a hundred years has left her with a stiff neck, aching arms, and a cramp in her leg. This lady could use a vacation!
With some encouragement from her friend Moe the pigeon, Lady Liberty takes off to see the rest of America! She explores the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, the waving wheat fields of Kansas, the breathtaking grandeur of the Grand Canyon, and the cozy sunshine of the California coastline. But will Lady Liberty make it back to New York City for the Fourth of July? And will she even want to?
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About the Book
It’s the night before the Fourth of July and all across the United States people are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and of course, watches a fireworks show. The Night Before the Fourth of July captures all the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday!
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About the Book
This humorous and factual history of five lads who grew up to become Founding Fathers brings the early days of American history to life with sass and substance, in Lane Smith's inimitable style.
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About the Book
Listen up! You've all heard about the great men who led and fought during the American Revolution; but did you know that the guys only make up part of the story? What about the women? The girls? The dames? Didn't they play a part?
Of course they did, and with page after page of superbly researched information and thoughtfully detailed illustrations, acclaimed novelist and picture-book author Laurie Halse Anderson and charismatic illustrator Matt Faulkner prove the case in this entertaining, informative, and long overdue homage to those independent dames!
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About the Book
Written in poetic verse, THE FLAG WE LOVE tells the story of how Old Glory solidified its place in the history and heritage of our nation – from its conception to its role in peace and war. This beautifully illustrated tribute to America’s greatest symbol has inspired young readers since its publication in 1996.
Unlike any other picture book about the American flag, THE FLAG WE LOVE evokes the passion and emotion Americans feel toward the Stars and Stripes. It is a way for children and adults alike to get to know and recognize the significance behind the symbol they see every day but do not fully understand.
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MEGAN CAHILL-ASSENZA – is from Northport, NY, and a recent Children’s Literature Fellow from Stony Brook University. A writer, filmmaker, and animal lover, Megan is pursuing a career to become a children’s author. She currently works in the Academic Tutoring Center at Suffolk County Community College and going to school to become an Orton Gillingham Reading Teacher.
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I feel that you should have more of the “find it at home” materials
thank you🙏
Great idea! Thank you!