Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time for a Perfect Picture Book review and craft activity. Susanna Hill’s blog is the place to go to find a whole bunch of other picture book reviews.

Last week I promised you that I would be reviewing lots of non-fiction picture books this year…this one is just lovely.

Elizabeth, The Queen of the Seas

Written by Lynne Cox

Illustrated by Brian Floca

Publisher: Schwartz-Wade Books (2014)

Ages: 4-8

Themes:

Pursuing your dream, friendship, elephant seals

Opening Lines:

“There was once a lovely elephant seal who lived in the city. Most elephant seals live in the ocean, in salt water. They sleep on rocky coasts and lie along sandy beaches. But this seal was different. She swam in the sweet, shallow waters of the Avon River where it flowed through the heart of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

“The incredible story of Elizabeth, a real-life elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch. The volunteers catch her again and again—each time towing her farther, even hundreds of miles away—but, still, Elizabeth finds her way back home.”

Why I like this book:

• Amazing true story about loyalty and love
• Text is lyrical and enjoyable
• Sweet engaging illustrations

How a parent can use this book:

• Talk about how people can help animals (care for our pets, preserve habitats that animals need) – and animals can help people (rescue dogs, service animals, etc.)

Related Activity:

Bean Bag Animal

Photo courtesy: http://www.firstpalette.com

For materials and step by step instructions, please go to: http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Animals/Animal_Bean_Bags/Animal_Bean_Bags.html

Kids love crafting. If you make the bean bag, you can play a bean bag toss game. Set up a clean empty wastebasket and see how far away you can stand and still get the bean bag in the basket.

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