The First Independence Day Celebration ~ Picture Book & KID KANDY

The First Independence Day Celebration
By Kathy Allen
Illustrated by Tom Sperling
(Picture Window Books, 2010)

Happy Birthday, America!

If you are looking for a book that simply and easily relates the history of July 4th, Independence Day for the United States of America, The First Independence Day Celebration is a great one to read.

Simple yet complete text and full page illustrations make this book good for young listeners and older readers. Children will see the look of historical settings and learn about why our country celebrates July 4th. There is, after all, a great reason for all of the red, white, and blue activities. Parades, fireworks, and family traditions of celebrations on this day in July not only mark summer vacation, but are the perfect opportunity to sneak in a little history.

Add meaning to the birthday of our nation by reading The First Independence Day Celebration.

KID KANDY:

Fourth of July Traditions

1. What does your family do every 4th of July? Make a list of the traditions you enjoy. BBQ? Fireworks? Parades? Picnic? Go to the beach?

2. Do you wear special clothes for the 4th of July? Do you have red, white, and blue clothes or something with a flag?

3. How many flags do you see flying on Independence Day? Does your family display one at your home? Do you wave a flag while watching a parade?

4. Take some photos of what you do on America's birthday. Dig out old photos from previous years. What has changed? Are there any new traditions you enjoy? What would you like to add next year?

Have fun and stay cool while you and your family celebrate our country!

And don't forget to sing "Happy Birthday" to America!

How to Bake an American Pie ~ Picture Book & KID KANDY

How to Bake an American Pie
by Karma Wilson
illustrated by Raul Colon
(Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007)

Here is the perfect book to read for July 4th - How to Bake an American Pie.

This book is not truly a recipe book, but uses baking a pie as a metaphor for how America came to be. How to Bake an American Pie uses the ideals of our planning forefathers and many of the words from the song "America the Beautiful."

Who are the chefs? In this book, a cat and a dog join in the work and fun as a nation is put together and baked to make the best ever American pie. Cooking tools and terminology meld the baking theme with the lofty goals of the American dream.

Freedom for all. And plenty of American Pie for all who care to stop by.

KID KANDY:

Bake a Pie

1. Find a recipe and bake an apple pie. Use the terminology and tools of baking and let your child(ren) help you!

2. Share the pie. Have a slice of good old apple pie.

3. Reread How to Bake an American Pie. Notice the vocabulary and lavish language. Do the words make more sense to your child now that the experience of baking a pie has been enjoyed?

Happy 4th of July, America!