Giverny Award Books
Rodman, Mary Ann
A Tree for Emmy
Mai-Wyss, Tatjana (illustrator)
Peachtree Publishers, 2009
Description: Emmy loves trees. She loves oak trees with acorns. She loves pine trees with cones, and willow trees with swishy branches. But best of all, Emmy loves the mimosa tree that grows in her grandmother s pasture. Emmy swings on its branches, plays with its fuzzy pink blossoms, and rattles its seedpods like maracas. But when Emmy decides she wants a mimosa tree of her own for her birthday, she is dismayed to find that many grown-ups do not share her enthusiasm. Garden stores only sell ornamental trees like plum or pear or tulip trees. Emmy is crushed until she discovers that the answer to her problem is growing right before her eyes!This joyful story of a spirited young girl's steadfast affection for a wild mimosa tree will appeal to all who cherish a special dream, and will help readers appreciate the natural world around them. Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss s whimsical watercolor and collage illustrations capture Emmy s exuberant personality and the story s hopeful ending.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: Watercolor illustrations are bright and airy with lots of natural colors.
Activities: Pre-Reading: Discuss with students about different family members and what they like about going to different houses (food they cook, toys they can play with). This would be a great journal entry or discussion before the book.
Post-Reading: Great for integrating science. Learn about seeds and how they can be planted and grow into a tree. After reading the book, plant a seed, water it and watch it grow.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Emmy-Mary-Ann-Rodman/dp/product-description/1561454753/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
A Tree for Emmy
Mai-Wyss, Tatjana (illustrator)
Peachtree Publishers, 2009
Description: Emmy loves trees. She loves oak trees with acorns. She loves pine trees with cones, and willow trees with swishy branches. But best of all, Emmy loves the mimosa tree that grows in her grandmother s pasture. Emmy swings on its branches, plays with its fuzzy pink blossoms, and rattles its seedpods like maracas. But when Emmy decides she wants a mimosa tree of her own for her birthday, she is dismayed to find that many grown-ups do not share her enthusiasm. Garden stores only sell ornamental trees like plum or pear or tulip trees. Emmy is crushed until she discovers that the answer to her problem is growing right before her eyes!This joyful story of a spirited young girl's steadfast affection for a wild mimosa tree will appeal to all who cherish a special dream, and will help readers appreciate the natural world around them. Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss s whimsical watercolor and collage illustrations capture Emmy s exuberant personality and the story s hopeful ending.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: Watercolor illustrations are bright and airy with lots of natural colors.
Activities: Pre-Reading: Discuss with students about different family members and what they like about going to different houses (food they cook, toys they can play with). This would be a great journal entry or discussion before the book.
Post-Reading: Great for integrating science. Learn about seeds and how they can be planted and grow into a tree. After reading the book, plant a seed, water it and watch it grow.
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Emmy-Mary-Ann-Rodman/dp/product-description/1561454753/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Zimmerman, Andrea
Eliza's Cherry Trees: Japan's Gift to America
Chen, Ju Hong (illustrator)
Pelican Publishing, 2011
Description: Pioneering world traveler, writer, photographer, and peace advocate Eliza Scidmore dreamed of beautifying the nation's capitcal, where she lived. Her dream became a reality in 1912 when, because of her years of persistence, cherry trees were planted across Washington, DC. This picture book for young readers tells the inspiring story.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: The book features soft watercolor paintings that illuminate the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms.
Activities: This book can be used for teaching Women's History or Japanese culture.
http://www.elizascidmore.com/teacher-resources
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Elizas-Cherry-Trees-Japans-America/dp/1589809548/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348530749&sr=1-1&keywords=Eliza%27s+Cherry+Trees%3A+Japan%27s+Gift+to+America
Eliza's Cherry Trees: Japan's Gift to America
Chen, Ju Hong (illustrator)
Pelican Publishing, 2011
Description: Pioneering world traveler, writer, photographer, and peace advocate Eliza Scidmore dreamed of beautifying the nation's capitcal, where she lived. Her dream became a reality in 1912 when, because of her years of persistence, cherry trees were planted across Washington, DC. This picture book for young readers tells the inspiring story.
Recommended Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade
Illustrations: The book features soft watercolor paintings that illuminate the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms.
Activities: This book can be used for teaching Women's History or Japanese culture.
http://www.elizascidmore.com/teacher-resources
Reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Elizas-Cherry-Trees-Japans-America/dp/1589809548/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348530749&sr=1-1&keywords=Eliza%27s+Cherry+Trees%3A+Japan%27s+Gift+to+America