In Illinois, all grades Kg-4th have standards that introduce students to history. The youngest learners talk about comparing life in the past to life today, and the people who have made important contributions in the past that lead to us celebrating them today. Older learners talk about how the decisions people and groups in the past made an effect on our land today. Here is a new book that will be a perfect introduction story and poem to this area of study.
Once Upon Another Time
written by Charles Ghigna and Matt Forrest Esenwine
illustrated by Andres F. Landazabal
published by Beaming Books
The authors have written a beautiful poem that makes us think back to a different time on our planet. Not a specific time period, but one from a time different than now. Perhaps as far back as dinosaurs, but maybe not. Maybe a time when things were slower, but the wind and the sun and the living things around us were still growing. This book is like taking in a big gulp of fresh air that leaves us thinking a little clearer and easier. The book invites us to think back to what was before, and perhaps, what was before that is still here now.
This is a perfect text to use when talking about our past. It invites readers to think and ponder without giving them a specific time period or place. It can be used in grades kg-4th grade to open up a discussion of the past. It would be interesting to have students talk about what are some of the things that connect to the past that are mentioned in the book.
Some other books you may want to include as a text set:
Old Rock (is not boring) by Deb Pilutti
A Chip Off the Old Block written by Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
Want to add a copy of Once Upon Another Time to your library! Enter for a chance to win - Beaming Books has generously donated a copy for a giveaway! Entries will be accepted until the evening of March 12th (US residents only). Fingers crossed!
Thank you so much for your support, Michele. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, and appreciate you sharing your thoughts with your followers!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michele, for this original, heartfelt review! "This book is like taking in a big gulp of fresh air..." I'll remember that line!
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