Today I have two more lovely picture books courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press. If you're hankering to get a glimpse into Michigan or the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, you're in the right spot.
REVIEWS
OUR MICHIGAN!
Our Michigan! We Love the Seasons is written and illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuzen, who has illustrated 34 books for Sleeping Bear Press-- many about Michigan--Sleeping Bear's home state. Each season is shown through the author's paintings accompanied by brief, sensory descriptions.
Spring in Michigan is walking near a pond and hearing croaking frogs, running through daisy meadows, and...
Summer in Michigan is seagulls at the water's edge,
riding a ferryboat,
and counting stars in the summer night.
Autumn in Michigan is...
"hearing dry leaves scrunch under foot," and watching the beautiful sunset "over green-gold hills."
Winter is foxes tracking through snow, "smelling the smoke from a wood fire," and...
*****
Lulu & Rocky in Rocky Mountain National Park
My blog readers will probably recognize Lulu and Rocky, stars of this adorable series written by Barbara Joose and illustrated by Renee Graef. In this fifth book, the two fox-boxing cousins explore Rocky Mountain National Park along with their sidekick Pufferson. (I blogged about their trip to Indianapolis here, and to Milwaukee here, ) If you are new to this series, each book includes a map showing where the characters visit. The stories include interesting facts which will inform children (and adults!).
Every Lulu and Rocky book begin with an invitation from Aunt Fancy. Although we never get to meet her, she's a silent planner behind every trip. This is the image before the story begins:
He meets his cousin Lulu and their guide Henry at the Stanley Hotel. The next day they hike, find a squabbit (a type of squirrel that looks like a rabbit because of its long ears) and set up camp. The next day they hit the trail again, this time on horses.
Their adventure includes learning about the Junior Rangers program, singing around a campfire with the coyotes, and
They watch bighorn sheep nibble on grass, applaud a shooting star show, and "bump over switchbacks and hairpin turns in the thrills-and chills roller-coaster ride of a lifetime!
At the Alpine Visitor Center they buy souvenirs and leave the park how they found it--which is what Junior Rangers pledge to do.
The book ends with the author's signature finale. As the friends say goodbye to all they've seen and done, they "shout goodbye to the Rockies..."
Which is such a wonderful way to end their adventure.
BACK MATTER
Both books have additional information at the end of the book.
Our Michigan! has two pages of craft activities. Lulu and Rocky in Rocky Mountain National Park includes two pages of definitions.
GIVEAWAYS
If you prefer one book over the other, please let me know in the comments. And PLEASE leave your email address if you are new to my blog. Continental U.S. addresses only. The giveaway ends Friday, September 24 at 6 PM, so enter now!
Congratulations to Gail Hurlburt who won WITHOUT SEPARATION from last week's blog.
16 comments:
What fun travel books. Lulu and Rocky always have fun adventures. And the art in Our Michigan We Love the Seasons, is stunning. Either book would be a fun favorite read at this Grandma's house.
Your name starts the list, Lois!
Thank you for your lovely review of Lulu and Rocky in Rocky Mountain National Park! It was so much fun to illustrate one of our National parks!
Both of these books look like great choices to share with my granddaughter. I would probably choose Lula and Rocky because of the Rocky Mountains theme. Thanks for sharing your reviews and giveaways,
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Renee for stoping by. And thanks, Connie. YOu're in the hat!
Thank you for the post and chance to win a gorgeous picture book. I would love to win a copy of Our Michigan! because not only is it my beloved home state, but I absolutely enjoy this artist's illustrations.
I was thinking you'd want this book, Danielle!
Great post. I would love to hold Our Michigan in my hands. thank you, Terri
You're in, Terri!
I have read the Rocky Mountain National Park book and some others in that series. They are all very cute. The Michigan book looks gorgeous and, since I don't know very much about Michigan, I would love to read that one. I will be looking for it. Fingers crossed I will only have to look in my mailbox. Thanks for another great post.
Love our national parks. Please enter me in the giveaway. The books look wonderful. Love those seagulls!
You're in Barbara!
Thanks for sharing these books with us, Carol. They both look great and I look forward to checking them out.
Thanks, Rosie. Nice to see your name here. You're in!
I think I made it just in time. These look wonderful!
You did, tiffany. But I don't recognize your name and I need your email address!! post it quickly!
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