Picture Book Review and Activity: LONG MAY SHE WAVE plus Giveaway

Posted on by

I’m always happy when Friday rolls around – because it means it’s time for Perfect Picture Book Friday. And today’s book is amazing. In fact, it was just selected as a Fall 2017 Junior Library Guild selection!!!!  

But first, some blog housekeeping. BTW, did you know this is blog post #700 for Picture Books Help Kids Soar? Where has the time gone?

Last week, Chana Stiefel offered a copy of her debut picture book, DADDY DEPOT. And the lucky winner is…

PATRICIA NOZELL

Congratulations, Patricia…let’s connect and I will put you in touch with Chana so she can get a copy of the book out to you!

Today’s book is close to my heart for two reasons. I am a lover of nonfiction picture books…it’s what I love to write…and the author is actually the guru of writing nonfiction picture books. In June of 2014, I took Kristen Fulton’s Nonfiction Archaelogy class and it was a life changing experience for me. Kristen, who will be here tomorrow on Will Write for Cookies, is offering a copy of the book. So, if you’d like to be entered in the giveaway, please don’t forget to leave a comment.

book cover

LONG MAY SHE WAVE

Written by: Kristen Fulton

Illustrated by Holly Berry

Publisher: Simon and Schuster (Margaret McElderry Books – 2017)

Ages: Preschool – Grade 3

Themes:

U.S. history

Synopsis:

From Amazon:

Discover the story of the girl who sewed the American flag that inspired the lyrics of the National Anthem in this beautifully illustrated celebration of our country’s iconic symbol for freedom.

Caroline Pickersgill came from a family of the best flag makers in Baltimore. She and her family proudly stitched the grand flag that gallantly whipped in the wind over Fort McHenry.

But when the British attacked Baltimore on September 12, 1814, would those broad stripes and bright stars still wave strong? Would America still be free and remain the home of the brave?

Why I like this book:

  • Exciting action-packed text marries perfectly with bold illustrations.
  • Wonderful read-aloud!
  • Kids love books where the main character is a child.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

craftsPhoto courtesy: http://www.thecraftycrow.net/fourth_of_july/

Lots of fun crafts and project at: www.thecraftycrow.net/fourth_of_july

Or how about a sponge painted flag at http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2008/07/happy-fourth-of-july.html

sponge-painted-american-flag-4th-of-july-craft-

Please don’t forget to leave a comment to qualify for the giveaway of a copy of LONG MAY SHE WAVE.

And Kristen and I will see you here tomorrow for her Will Write for Cookies Q&A.

36 thoughts on “Picture Book Review and Activity: LONG MAY SHE WAVE plus Giveaway”

  1. I like books that make me think, “Hmm, I never thought of that.” A family of flag makers is something that never came to my mind.Won’t this be fantastic for the Fourth of July. We celebrate it big time at our home in the country. This book would be a great read to the kids. And, thanks for all the great craft ideas!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  2. Congratulations on your 700th post, Vivian. I am pleased I met you here on the blogosphere, you have so much wisdom about children and picture books to share. This book sounds wonderful for your young American children and a timely publication with the Fourth of July not far away – teachers and parents can be prepared. I’m intrigued by a non-fiction archaeology class. Sounds fascinating.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  4. I love nonfiction, too. Where I once lived is a family of flag-makers that supply a good number of the US flags made. Why have we not heard of Caroline Pickersgill? I think of flags-makers I think of Betsy Ross. Interesting book should cause some discussions.

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Betsy Ross was a seamstress and happened to be depicted in a painting for the Columbia Expositian sewing a flag, this is what ignited the stories. Her grandson William Candy did share a story that she made a flag for George Washington (at the time General Washington). But this story wasn’t shared until thirty-three years after her death and no one has been able to prove it as fact, no receipt or even a letter requesting it to be made. Caroline was one of six (the youngest) to work on the flag that we know as our Star Spangled Banner.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  5. Wooooohoooooo! Congrats on your 700th blog post.

    As you know I, too, took Kristen’s amazing Nonfiction Archaeology course and have also been bit by the nonfiction bug. I’m so glad to see Kristen’s book is finally available. YAY!! I’d love to win a copy of Long May She Wave.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  6. I love stories about the United States and it’s historic symbols. I can’t wait to read LONG MAY SHE WAVE and add it to my collection. Parts of my home are done in Red, White and Blue as tribute to my son, father and all those who have served this country. I can’t wait to read this book to my grandsons.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  10. I’m looking forward to checking out this book at the library. I hope, hope, hope they have it. I’m taking Kristen’s nonfiction course in July and hear it’s beyond amazing. Thank you for sharing her book. And, as always, your art projects that go along with your PPBF post are perfect.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  11. I am excited about this book! It will be inspirational to kids, and a good way to draw them into US history. I’m equally excited about all the activities you posted, Vivian. I look forward to trying them out with my granddaughter. Congrats to Kristin, and thank you, Vivian!

    Like

    Reply ↓

  13. Congratulations! Can’t believe I’ve not heard of Caroline Pickersgill, We all know about Betsy Ross. I love when true stories are told about ordinary people in history. Perfect book for three upcoming holidays this spring/summer.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  15. Thanks for the post, Vivian! Colleen Paeff and I were admiring the book. I love how the song lyrics are integrated and the book makes sense of the song so you can’t hear them as rote any more. Also love how the flag-sewers were part of a collective group of skilled craftswomen making a living during very difficult time when women faced so many restrictions that virtually nothing was open to them.

    Julia Wasson

    Like

    Reply ↓

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.