WOW…have I got an awesome 100% relevant story for you today.
AND THAT’S A FACT!!!!
NANTUCKET SEA MONSTER: A Fake News Story
Written by Darcy Pattison
Illustrated by Peter Willis
Published by Mims House (2017)
Ages: 5-9
Themes: Fake news, journalism, freedom of press
Opening Lines:
Synopsis:
From Amazon: A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
Do you believe everything you read in the newspaper?
Early in August 1937, a news flash came: a sea monster had been spotted lurking off the shore of Nantucket Island. Historically, the Massachusetts island had served as port for whaling ships. Eyewitnesses swore this wasn’t a whale, but some new, fearsome creature. As eyewitness account piled up, newspaper stories of the sea monster spread quickly. Across the nation, people shivered in fear.
Then, footprints were found on a Nantucket beach.
Photographs were sent to prominent biologists for their opinion. Discussion swirled about raising a hunting party.
On August 18, news spread across the island: the sea monster had been captured. Islanders ran to the beach and couldn’t believe their eyes.
This nonfiction picture book is a perfect tool to discuss non-political fake news stories.
Back matter discusses the freedom of the press guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Quotes from Thomas Jefferson make it clear that fake news has always been one of the costs of a free press. A Timeline lists actual events in the order they occurred. A vocabulary list defines relevant words.
Why I like this book:
- Fabulous gem of a story
- So relevant in the world today
- Great launch pad to discuss journalism, news, and whether we can believe everything we read
- Super illustrations
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Make a family or class newspaper
Photo courtesy: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org
What fun to put together a family newspaper. Each member of the family can write a story. or put together a column. Or teachers can make a class newspaper. For detailed instructions: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2010/04/make-a-family-newspaper-to-talk-about-family-news/
I hope you all get to read this new book…tomorrow, author Darcy Pattison will be stopping by for Will Write for Cookies to chat about what motivates her to write for kids.
Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of NANTUCKET SEA MONSTER.
There won’t be a Perfect Picture Book Friday post on Susanna Hill’s website, but there WILL be an announcement of the WINNERS of the Halloweensie Contest…there were more than 200 enries…that is awesome! I hope you’ll hop over and check it out.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Wow! This is a winnner for all ages! As you say, Vivian, “Great launch pad to discuss journalism, news, and whether we can believe everything we read.” Congrats, Darcy. I’ll be watching for this one!
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Darcy, you have a gift for finding and telling the most fascinating stories! I’m adding it to my book wish list asap.
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Congratulations! Amazing how something you started a while back could turn out to be so relevant in the here and now! Bravo!
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Oh my – so timely. I can see this being a great teaching tool.
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Awesome! I’ve been thinking of this approach myself 🙂 Can’t wait to see this!
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This story could not come out at a better time! I’m looking forward to reading it. My best friend lives on Nantucket so I have a very warm spot for the island!
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Love this, Vivian & so timely!! 🙂
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This sounds like a fun nonfiction book for me to study as mentor text. I love the topic.
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I agree, this is a very timely discussion book for home and school. And, it’s fun! Great share!
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Darcy shared the backstory of “The Nantucket Sea Monster” at a recent SCBWI conference. She knows how to research a topic, event, animal or person from every angle. Wonderful mentor text!
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Wow! Couldn’t be more relevant! Thanks for the heads up on this one Vivian! Will alert our school librarian.
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My daughter loves monsters and would love this book!
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This sounds like a wonderful book, Vivian. It is so important to teach children critical thinking and for them to learn about the freedom of the press.
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Wow! This is so timely and I can see it going out the door like hotcakes. A winner for sure!
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What a great way to encourage kids to evaluate what they hear and read! I look forward to reading this.
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Sea monsters and fake news…love it! Looks like a great story Vivian.
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Hi Vivian, I know my response here is two years too late, but I came across your post while researching lesson ideas to use this book. I was not surprised to find your name here…LOL. I am creating a unit on fake news with my 3rd graders and this book is the launching of it.
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