That Chickadee Feeling

Frank Glew -- Author and Self-Publisher

Section 1: Description of Primary Picture Books

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That Chickadee Feeling

(Grade Level JK to 4)

This story uses the Black-capped Chickadee to teach many science and literacy expectations such as reading and writing for a purpose, making connections, habitat, food chains, niche, omnivores, carnivores, herbivores and natural community. It is based on the feeling a child gets when feeding a chickadee out of their hand. It promotes a special bond with nature, parent and child. It teaches the identification of 27 local winter birds. It includes many questions and suggestions for using the book to foster the values of care, compassion and empathy for others and other species. The book has been a best seller for 5 years and was given a 5 star rating by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario. The Ministry of Education presently uses it for "Train the Trainer" for Jr. and Primary workshops.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be Just Like My Dog

(Grade Level JK to 3)

All of us has been asked what we want to be when we grow up, but at a primary age no one really knows the answer. This young boy wants to be like his dog because of all the wonderful characteristics his dog possesses such as unconditional love, loyalty, friendship and forgiveness. This humorous book, written in rich rhyme, can be the basis of many curriculum expectations and encourages the visit from a dog to the classroom. It begs the question: "What kind of person do YOU want to be when YOU grow up?"

Butterfly Wishes

(Grade Level 1 to 4)

The seasonal migration from Canada to Mexico is a wonder of the world all children should know. The story is fiction, but the facts are true. The story line is about Elzine, a Monarch Butterfly, discovering she has magic powers to grant wishes. Only if the wishes are for others do they come true. It delivers an altruistic message as well as creating a sense of place for students. The story is filled with true facts about life cycles and the long journey to Mexico and back. The story line has a strong values component to it that teaches giving and caring for others. It was given a 5 star rating from the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario.

Samuel's Most Important Message

(Grade Level JK to 4)

This is an excellent story for teaching the definition of habitat. No matter whether you are an ant, bear, wolf or human, all our physical needs are the same--food, water, shelter, space, air, soil, and sunlight. It uses the turtle, which is the native symbol of our earth, to teach the importance of looking after the earth, not only for ourselves, but also for the sake of future generations. It shows how a very young turtle, Samuel, has the power to change his world. It is based on a true experience. The story line is fiction but the animals and plants in the setting are real. It has a 5 star rating from the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario.

I Need A Hug

(Grade JK-4)

Saphira, a giant redwood tree, shows the importance of hugs no matter how old you are in a humorous and meaningful way. The use of trees to wild animals and humans is brought out in a realistic way.

Saphira, a giant redwood tree who had never had a hug in 2007 years, cleverly learns how to wave her branches magically in the air to create words. She finally persuades a young park visitor to give her that much needed hug by saying, "I need a hug, I need a hug, I need a hug, hug, hug", despite the trickster wind who keeps changing her message. Saphira teaches children the importance of a caring hug no matter how old you are or how big you are. The book brings out the many benefits of trees to humans and other animals through a very humorous but meaningful story.

BOOMer Rules

(Grade JK-4)

This is a timely book about nature that plays on the noisy "Jugarump" call made by a handsome, caring Bullfrog named Boomer. Boomer is a gigantic Bullfrog who uses his loud, unforgettable song to become, surprisingly, the hero of the river.

"Jugarump! Jugarump! Our habitat is not a Dump." By example, he teaches all his friends how one frog can make a big difference by solving problems creatively. Boomer becomes so popular he is awarded the Noble Frog Peace Prize. The fact-filled book uses the interesting and humourous characteristics of the endangered Bullfrog to bring out the need for us to protect the Earth both locally and globally.

It was written with seven literacy traits in mind. All seven are obvious in the story. VOICE is especially explicit. (See free teacher's guide.) The book is written at two levels. Teachers may take the book at face value and use it for teaching literacy traits and many science expectations or take it to another level and address environmental issues. I feel it is important to address environmental issues even at a child's level, but I leave this decision up to the teacher as every class has different needs.

Ultimately, I hope the call to positive environmental action, like Boomer's call, will be heard and have a profound effect upon our lifestyles for the promotion of the present and future healing of this planet. The worst atrocity we could ever commit is to ruin the Earth for our children, grandchildren and future generations who are not able to speak for themselves.

BOOMer represents the children's voice and plea for environmental care.

Feed the Good Wolf

(Grade 2-5) 2008

A young wolf who is having a dreadfully bad day learns why it is much better to look always on the positive side of things. Little wolf's wise old grandfather teaches how a simple thing like feeding the good wolf inside us can change life for the better. The story is based on a native legend that shows how the elders used stories to teach optimism and right from wrong. The book promotes a vehicle for parents/teachers for teaching good values and decision making at a child's level. It fosters the popular universal core values taught in Character Education; respect and responsibility. The story line also brings out the plight and natural characteristics of the much-maligned wolf.

Eggbert’s Dragon Dream

(Grade JK-4)

(An ACTION story with a good message) Eggbert’s dream is to be happy. At first he thinks being a rich, scary and powerful like a dragon would make him be the happiest creature of all. The kind Spirit of the Earth gives him wishes to help. Eggbert quickly learns a most important lesson. Being rich and powerful does not make friends or give happiness. Finally, Eggbert makes a wish that truly solves his problem. By using the real life cycle of the dragonfly, this story teaches a valuable lesson about our need for friends and helping others. It encourages children to aspire to be all they can be in life.

Author’s Notes The dragonfly is an ancient Native American symbol for light and transformation. “The bright colours take time to develop, reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colours come forth.” (Animal-Speaks, Ted Andrews) Dragonflies remind us that we are light/energy and we can reflect light in powerful ways. They teach us to let our own light shine through and to be the best we can be.

Like Eggbert, children have the wonderful potential within to transform their hopes and dreams into anything they want to be. All they need is love, encouragement and nurturing. FG

NEW! Little Ladybug Earns Her Spots

(Grade JK-4) 2010

At her first day of school Little ladybug notices that she is different from other ladybugs. Other ladybugs have spots.

She has no spots and this makes her feel very sad. Little Ladybug does not want to be different from her school mates. Having spots becomes an obsession with her. With the help of friends, she learns it is what you are on the inside that

really matters. By using the true facts about the habitat of ladybugs, this story brings out a most important lesson on

equity and inclusiveness for others that are different in colour and other ways. Little Ladybug comes to the conclusion,

“Ladybug, Ladybug as kind as can be, it is what I am on the inside that is really me.”

The world would be a better place if we could first see what a person is like on the inside (soul, spirit, heart) instead of seeing outside, judgmental images such as colour, age, gender, abilities, labels or differences in any way. FG