The Chalk Box Kid ~ Chapter Book & KID KANDY

The Chalk Box Kid
By Clyde Robert Bulla
Illustrated by Thomas B. Allen
(Scholastic, Inc., 1987)

The Chalk Box Kid is the perfect beginning chapter book for the readers you know. This book tackles many situations that face our children in modern society - moving to a new home, going to a new school, making friends, having no privacy, finding a personal space, and being oneself.

Yes, that's a big list. But I was delighted to read this book that encourages readers to be themselves and to keep on going when dealing with difficult issues.

Gregory is forced to move to a new home and school when his father gets a new job. He almost gets his own bedroom but immediately has to allow his uncle to share his room. Gregory has a difficult time making friends at school. When a guest speaker at school talks about gardening and brings plants so students can choose one to take home, Gregory is inspired to make his own garden.

Except Gregory's garden is not the sort you would imagine. Behind his home, he discovers a burned down building. But the surprise is what type of business it used to house and what supplies he uncovers in the dirt.

The magic of this story is how Gregory uses his imagination to create a space for himself. Gregory's garden opens the door to new friends and acceptance at his school and within his own family.

Read The Chalk Box Kid to inspire young artists and children in transition.

KID KANDY:

Chalk Art

Any kind of chalk will do, but for finer detailing, use the thin, old school chalk. Fat sidewalk chalk works great for filling in large spaces.

Get permission before you do any chalk art on sidewalks or patios.

Can you make your own chalk garden?

What kind of plants so you want? Flowers? Trees? Vegetables? Herbs? Rocks and birds? Insects?

Include garden beds and pathways. Remember how Gregory wanted a fountain in his garden? Add a water fountain to your garden.

Don't forget to make a hangout spot for visiting friends.

Up the Creek ~ Wacky Wednesday Picture Book & KID KANDY

Up the Creek
by Nicholas Oldland
(Kids Can Press, 2013)

Up the Creek is a humorous tale of three wildlife friends - a bear, a beaver, and a moose.

One day, the three friends, who often disagreed with one another, decided to go for a canoe ride. That was when the arguing, adventures, disasters, and hilarity began.

Young readers will have fun and laugh as they enjoy Up the Creek. Anyone who has siblings or friends will recognize the squabbling and cooperation that takes place throughout Up the Creek. This book would be good to help children learn how to get along with others.

KID KANDY:

Go on a Canoe Ride

Summer is the perfect time for exploring a stream, river, or pond in a canoe. Many parks and recreation areas rent canoes. Maybe a neighbor, friend, or family member has one you can borrow.

~ Borrow or rent a canoe.

~ Make sure you have enough life jackets for all canoe riders.

~ Ask about safety instructions.

~ Wear plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. A hat and sunglasses would also be good.

~ Practice making the canoe move in calm or shallow water. Once your group has the hang of it, get on out there and start exploring.

~ Take pictures or click 'mental' photos with your mind to remember the experience.

Did you experience any of the situations that bear, beaver, and moose ran into on their canoe ride? What was the hardest part? The easiest part? What was your favorite thing about going on a canoe ride?