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alexialovesmith

alexialovesmith

Joined June 2019

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alexialovesmith
Charlotte's Web | E.B. White
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Charlotte‘s Web (TL) written by E.B White and illustrated by Garth Williams. This famous book tells the story of a pig name Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. One day, Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered. In an effort to save him, Charlotte writes notes in her web praising Wilbur in all sorts of ways! This cute story would make a great LC for older elementary school students.

alexialovesmith Because this book was turned into a major motion picture, it only makes sense to watch it with your students after reading! The following link takes you to an online activity site. https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/activities/teaching-content/charlottes-web-f... This website gives students the opportunity to make their own comics, learn about the author, and much more. 5y
alexialovesmith Using this website meets UDL2.5 by using the internet and EL13 by having students complete the activities. This site is very interactive! #ucflae3414su19 5y
fquadri This book is great for LC. I love this book and will definitely use it in my future classroom. Thanks for sharing! 5y
DrSpalding Scholastic is a high-quality resource and your image is beautiful! I could not help but think of Wilbur when Kendyl brought those cute little piglets. Use this classic for literature circles in your classroom. 5y
gabbymartin @alexialovesmith I LOVE this book! I read it as a child & was obsessed! I would definitely have my students watch the motion picture because I watched it so many times & it is a great remake for the book. I love your website you used too! 5y
8 likes5 comments
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alexialovesmith
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How Does A Dinosaur Say Happy Birthday (MF) Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Mark Teague. This story would make a great S to read for your students‘ birthdays! It‘s short and sweet. This book explains how a dinosaur should act at a birthday party. It‘s a great lesson! While completing the S, UDL1.3 can be accomplished by using visual aids that represent important parts of the story as well as ELS14 by speaking slowly and ELS17 by using realia

alexialovesmith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Q76SBt4Dc Attached is a link to a youtube video of the song Happy Birthday. I chose the karaoke version for two reasons. One being so the children can sing with their powerful voices, the other being that it provides the lyrics which might be helpful for ELLs. Telling this story the dancing and singing with your class will make a student feel extra special on their birthday! #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding You did a lovely job on your storytelling of this title! Many of the books in the series would make excellent storytellings as well. Thoughtful link that would meet the needs of all students participating in this presentation! (edited) 5y
2 likes2 comments
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alexialovesmith
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The Man Who Walked Between The Towers (B) written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein - This Caldecott award winning book is crazy! Being that I‘ve never heard this story before, I was shaking in my seat when a Briston was reading it aloud for her storytelling. It is a story about a man, Philippe Petit, that literally walked on a rope between the two towers of the world trade center.

alexialovesmith The illustrations are wonderful, and I think students would really enjoy a technological S, like the one Briston shared with the class (UDL2.5) Since this book mentions the twin towers, reading this around 9/11 would be an excellent way talk about history! Doing so would incorporate ELS4. http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/manwhowalked.html The link provides pointers to use during a S or RA. 5y
alexialovesmith It talks about things you should mention to your students and things to make sure they notice, as well as various activities associated with the story. #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding You have such a passion for books! You truly take it all in, during class and are applying this learning to these posts. I love it 5y
3 likes3 comments
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alexialovesmith
Wonder | R. J. Palacio
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Wonder (RF) by RJ Palacio is an amazing read. It tells the story of a little boy named August who is very nervous to start his first year of school, in fifth grade. He is afraid people will be mean to him because of his face. This tear-jerker would make a perfect LC in the classroom meeting ELS37. Not only does it discuss acceptance but transition, which all students can relate to! The moral of this story causes natural discussion about being kind

alexialovesmith This discussion meets UDL7.3 by minimizing threats! https://wonderthebook.com/for-teachers The link attached has excellent resources from bingo to stickers and of course, an educators guide. My personal favorite is the link that allows you to certify your classroom as a kind classroom. This can be done after the book is finished! I absolutely adored this book and the lesson behind it. (edited) 5y
alexialovesmith In the book, August‘s has a dog named in Daisy. Coincidentally, my dogs name is Daisy, which is why I chose to capture the book the way I did! #ucflae3414su19 5y
fquadri This is one of my all time favorite books. Great resources provided! Thanks for sharing! 5y
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Kendylleonard Such a cute puppy 💙💙 5y
DrSpalding What a wonderful text to self connection! Hello to Daisy. Dogs are the best! This book should be used in your future classroom and I look forward to you all being able to discuss it in our class today. 5y
DrSpalding FYI: there is a Daily Wonder app that provides daily precepts. Teachers and admirers of this book use it… I do! 5y
8 likes1 stack add6 comments
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alexialovesmith
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? | Steve Jenkins, Robin Page
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What Do You Do with A Tail Like This? (NF) written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins & Robin Paige. This Caldecott honor book explores many different animals. Through the story students are exposed to the many traits animals have including their ears, eyes, mouth, noses, tails, etc. and explains what they do with each. This would make a great RA.

alexialovesmith However, after reading this book aloud I would hand out the following activities and have students PR and complete them together (UDL8.3) https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/17-18/biggest-strongest-fastest... This amazing scholastic activity utilizes ELS50 by using a KWL chart and providing comprehension checks. This book is awesome! #ucflae3414su19 5y
Macker11 This is such a good way to make students observant and realize the differences that we may have! I love the Scholastic resource and having students make predictions! Going to have to check out this book! 5y
DrSpalding This was one of my teach live read aloud choices. Excellent book that is a great example of quality nonfiction. ❤️📚 5y
5 likes3 comments
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alexialovesmith
The Dot | Peter Reynolds
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The Dot by Peter Reynolds is a cute RF picture book! I was introduced to this story today by a classmates story telling, and just couldn‘t get it out of my head. This book tells the story of a little girl named Vashti who at the start is convinced she cannot draw anything. However, her very smart teacher, decided to frame her artwork that consisted of a dot. This motivated Vashti to create more pieces of art that incorporate dots.

alexialovesmith At the end of the story she inspires and motivates others! This would make a great RA and would be an awesome way to integrate art in the classroom! http://www.peterhreynolds.com/dot/dot_activities.html These activities linked above are perfect to utilize in your classroom after reading the story aloud. You can let your students choose which one they want to complete which encompasses UDL7.1. 5y
alexialovesmith As they complete their masterpieces, ELS18 is used because this involves finish product involves a total physical response! #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding Besides a read aloud, we saw it be a very successful storytelling too! Using the author‘s website is wise. There is no one better than the author to help you utilize their book in your classroom. 5y
DrSpalding I had to add one more comment. Carly contacted this author and he immediately got back in touch! How cool! She‘s trying to have him Skype into her internship classroom in the fall. 5y
4 likes4 comments
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alexialovesmith
Owl Moon | Jane Yolen
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Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by John Schoenherr (RF) - This Caldecott Award winner tells a cute story of a little girl and her father going on an adventure in the winter night looking for owls. I loved that this book incorporated a father-daughter relationship because most stories include relationships with mothers and their children. https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/owl-moon-exten...

alexialovesmith This scholastic activity integrates the arts, allowing children to sketch, color, and lay under trees! It would be a fun activity to do after a RA, and would make a nice break from sitting inside all day! This activity would meet ELS11 by making the information from the text meaningful. It would also meet UDL7.1 since it allows students to choose a tree they want to draw as well as draw what they choose! #ucflae3414su19 5y
Bshelton27 I saw this book when I was doing my author study! I also thought the same thing about it being about a father/daughter relationship. I love the activity and getting children outside of the four walls of the classroom! 5y
4 likes2 comments
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alexialovesmith
Zathura: A Space Adventure | Chris Van Allsburg
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Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg (SF) - I first learned about this Caldecott Award winner during the author study assignment! I was drawn to this story because it is the sequel to Jumanji, which is an awesome major motion picture! Zathura is about two boys who are travel on an intergalactic adventure when their house is brought through space. This book would be a perfect RA when teaching your class about space due to the amazing illustrations!

alexialovesmith http://readingtokids.org/Books/BookView.php?pag=5&bookID=00000510 This resource has great discussion topics that meet ELS13 in regard to preview and review activities and UDL2.1 by clarifying vocabulary within the text. There is a lot of things you can do with this book! I love it! #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding I can tell your passion for books in your post. Keep the passion going!❤️📚 (edited) 5y
1 like2 comments
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alexialovesmith
One Crazy Summer | Rita Williams-Garcia
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One Crazy Summer (HF) by Rita Williams-Garcia - This is an AMAZING multi-award winning novel (Scott O‘dell, Newberry Honor, CSK, and National Book Award Finalist). Sisters Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern are sent across the country to visit their mother for the first time in years. Although they are nervous, they end up having ‘one crazy summer‘ and are surprisingly sad when they have to go back home to their Pa.

alexialovesmith This amazing story is perfect for a LC or SR. I chose to read this book for courses LC assignment and was given such great ideas that I could one day incorporate in my own classroom. https://www.rif.org/sites/default/files/Support_Materials/One-Crazy-Summer-Discu... As you read the book with your students or before they break off into their LC, you can help guide discussions from the book via the attached link. 5y
alexialovesmith This book can idolize UDL3.3 by acting as a visual for what they are learning in their social studies class. ELS4 applies to this as well if read during the time of discussion of the civil rights movement. #ucflae3414su19 5y
megnews I love this series 5y
Princess-Kingofkings I read this book last year and enjoyed it. 5y
DrSpalding You are doing a nice job of aligning the universal design and English learner strategies. It really is fairly simple when you have quality books like this one! Social studies and literature work hand in hand. 5y
6 likes5 comments
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alexialovesmith
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Bark in the Park: Poems for Dog Lovers by Avery Corman and Illustrated by Hyewon Yum (P). This book is a cute way to introduce poetry to your students in a RA. It covers poems about multiple dogs including a afghan hound, beagle, boxer, and pug! My personal favorite part is the short snippet about the bulldog, because those are my favorite kind of dogs. http://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/mammals/dogs

alexialovesmith These coloring sheets could be colored by students before the RA. It would be fun to display these around the reading area for students to see the dogs they colored as the poems are being read about them. This activities meets UDL1.1 by offering a variety of information on display and ELS30 by using drawing aids. #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding What an excellent idea! To go one step further, you could have them write their own poem about the dog image they colored??? 1.1 and 30 are perfect. 5y
5 likes2 comments
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alexialovesmith
The Jungle Book | Kipling
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Walt Disney‘s the Jungle Book (TL) is a classic picture book retold from Rudyard Kipling‘s “The Jungle Book”. One day, a panther finds a boy in the woods and takes him to a mother-wolf to be taken care of. The story tells the adventure of the boy growing up in the jungle! This would make a great S. Since there is a live action movie coming out about it soon, UDL7.1 can be used to relate the book to the movie!

alexialovesmith http://skgaleana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Jungle-Book-Maze-Activity-Page.p... These activity sheets are great for kids to complete after the read. It meets ELS50 by using the word search as a comprehension tool. It is full of the characters names, so as they complete the worksheet, ask who each of them are. There is a reason why this book has been around for a while, it‘s an awesome story! #ucflae3414su19 5y
Myiab I absolutely love this book and loved the activity you chose to go along with it! The story line is awesome and I‘m sure students of all ages will enjoy this book! 5y
Estradan The jungle book is a classic! During one of my service learning experiences I actually had students relate to the jungle book when they were learning about habitats and what animals they could find in the jungle. It was awesome seeing them make connections from the book/movie with what they are learning. 5y
DrSpalding This is a classic that students should be exposed to. Helpful resource and helpful peer feedback. 5y
3 likes4 comments
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alexialovesmith
A Light in the Attic | Shel Silverstein
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A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein (P). I remember reading these poems as a child in school, and feeling really cool because I was checking out a “big” book at the library! The pages in this book are filled with fun poems from Backward Bill, Sour Face Ann, and even the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire. I would use this book in many ways including RT, RA, IR, and SR.

alexialovesmith http://www.shelsilverstein.com/media/learning/resource_files/EightBalloonsBookle... This resource gives students the opportunity to participate in a short RT, and draw illustrations for the Poem, Eight Balloons. This activity will meet ELS16 and UDL1.3 by integrating reading, drawing and writing. I enjoyed this book because there are fun poems for everyone! #ucflae3414su19 5y
jmartucci I love Shel Silverstein! That was probably my first introduction to poetry, and it's such a cute way of doing it! Love the booklet that the students can make. 5y
DrSpalding Readers theater ...yes. Choral reading ...yes. Independent poetry readings ...yes. Quality resource to help you use these wonderful poems. Now it‘s on you to use them. 5y
4 likes3 comments
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alexialovesmith
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Light in the Darkness by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome (HF) - This is a touching story about a young slave named Rosa. During the night, Rosa and her mother sneak out to go to school in hopes that they don‘t get caught by their master or groundskeeper! All the slaves learn from gathering sticks and scratching letters in the dirt. She hopes to learn all the words she can so one day, she‘ll be able to read!

alexialovesmith I would use this as a RA and stress the importance how lucky we are to be able to go to school and learn the way we do! https://books.disney.com/content/uploads/2013/09/Light_in_Darkness_DG_Æ&lsquo... This resource has excellent pre-reading activities that meet ELS13, the vocabulary in specific would meet UDL2.1. This book is another great book to read during social studies. #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding What a wonderful book to integrate literacy and social studies. Helpful resource. 5y
2 likes2 comments
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alexialovesmith
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Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker (B) Written by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by Christina Robinson. (Corette Scott King and Caldecott Awards) I LOVED this book! It summarizes the life of Josephine Baker, a brave, strong, heroic dancer! I feel like this story would make a great ST because it just makes you feel like dancing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6cSTBfIGHk

alexialovesmith I would play this in the background as I read to the students, then after the story is over I would let them dance around as if they were Josephine! It‘s only fitting! This meets UDL4.2, using technology! Having the children dance would meet ELS15 because it reinforces an important part of the story, Josephine is a dancer! It‘s safe to say I‘ve found my new found my favorite illustrator through this assignment, Christian Robinson! #ucflae3414su19
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Kendylleonard I love the idea of this book because it‘s not your “typical” biography. Students will love having the freedom of getting up and being able to dance around the room! This is a great idea! 5y
DrSpalding This is a beautiful book and reading it to funky jazz music is an excellent idea that would be engaging and motivating. You are correct it meets universal design and English learner strategies when you add music! One of your peers found a YouTube video that is the synopsis of the book using Robinson‘s illustrations… Check it out. 5y
3 likes3 comments
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Martin‘s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Written by Doreen Rappaport and Illustrated by Brian Collier (Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Jane Adams Awards). This B would be great for S, since it shares the life story of Martin Luther King Jr. This book is perfect for students because it explains this piece of history in way children can understand. Some vocabulary may be new, but this resource has a great vocabulary activity!

alexialovesmith http://www.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=35990 This resource meets ELS28 by reviewing who MLK is beforehand as well as ELS23 by reviewing vocabulary that is in the text. Very EL friendly! UDL7.2 also aligns because teachers are instructed after the read to connect the story to history! This is a wonderful book to read to children before MLK day. #ucflae3414su19 5y
Macker11 I think this is a great entry to talking about MLK Jr. and the resource you chose seems really helpful! I like how it talked about the feelings your students might have after learning about this. Also, I completely agree with reviewing who MLK was and the vocabulary prior to reading because the book wouldn‘t be as impactful without this. 5y
DrSpalding I agree that this particular book is very English learner friendly. The large print and bold text truly help highlight Martin‘s big words. Use this in a social studies unit. 5y
2 likes3 comments
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Duck for President | Doreen Cronin
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Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, Illustrations by Betsy Lewin (Caldecott Award) - This hilarious MF story is about an unhappy duck who decides he wants to become President! He runs a campaign, gives speeches, and even kisses babies on his journey to Presidency! At the end of the story, he returns to the farm because being a President is no fun.

alexialovesmith 5. I believe this story is best fit for a RA because it provides teachable moments about our government system. This book encompasses UDLS7.1 since it explains the power of choice. https://doreencronin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DUCKACTIVITIES.pdf These activities are excellent resources for before and after reading. Pages 2-3 of this PDF touch on ELS4, background knowledge. #ucflae3414su19 5y
MeganKlein @alexialovesmith, I love the resource you provided, and I totally agree that this book would be a great tool to help teach about our government system. This is an awesome read for when election time comes around! 5y
DrSpalding You may need to invite Megan in to your class to perform the storytelling! The author resource is excellent and this book is perfect to integrate language arts and social studies. (edited) 5y
4 likes3 comments
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alexialovesmith
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Don‘t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems (Caldecott Award)- This MF book would be a perfect RA or S. In the story, a bus drive takes a break from his route and a pigeon is dying to take the wheel while he is gone! The pigeon begs to drive it over and over again, even throwing a fit. While reading, students are able to yell at the pages, making them feel like they are in charge of the fate of story.

alexialovesmith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZp67sDhuw0 Playing this video as you flip through the pages with your students would meet UDLS2.5 and EL17. I love this video because it allows students to feel like they‘re actually interacting with the pigeon on the pages! #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding More detail needed here regarding your English learner and universal design principles. 5y
3 likes2 comments
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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, Illustrations by Christian Robinson (2016 Newberry Medal, Caldecott Honor, #1NYTBS and Coretta Scott King Award) - This RF story is centered around CJ and his nana. On a bus drive through the city, nana teaches CJ to appreciate the things he has and see the true beauty of the world around him. At the end of the story, CJ and his nana volunteer at their soup kitchen.

alexialovesmith https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/giving-back-ou... This is a perfect activity for teachers and students because it encompasses the theme of the book: beauty and giving back. This activity utilizes ELS11 and UDL9.1 by putting the meaning of the story to life. As a teacher, I would emphasize the importance of this lesson and story through a RA! #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding Nice post. This is an excellent resource to use with this award winner. Look online for the video of the author reading aloud on a bus. It‘s excellent. 5y
3 likes2 comments
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Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, Illustrations by Christian Robinson is a great RF picture book to use for a RA in your classroom. This is the story of a bulldog named Gaston a very proper pooch who fits right in with his poodle siblings! One day they meet a bulldog family and realize there has been a mix up between pups. Antoinette the poodle and Gaston switch places for the night, but realize although it looks right, it doesn‘t feel right!

alexialovesmith They go back to the park the next day and go back with their real families. This is a GREAT story to introduce the topic of diversity and inclusivity. UDLS3.2 and ELS30 can be used to explain the family relationships in the text. I would pair these strategies with this compete and contrast activity: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kelly-DiPucchios-Gaston-Compare-and-... #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding I truly adore this book and the sequel, Anastasia! Her books are excellent additions to your classroom library and even completing an author study about her would be a wise choice. 5y
3 likes2 comments
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High Tide in Hawaii | Mary Pope Osborne
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High Tide in Hawaii by Mary Pope Osborne - This MF chapter book is full of adventure shared between a brother and sister! This time the magic treehouse takes them to a small village in Hawaii to build a special kind of ship. Through hula dancing, eating poi, and surfing Jack and Annie discovered the magic ship they were meant to find, friendship! This book would be great for either IR or LC, time permitting of course!

MeaganM I like how your source has a lot of neat worksheets. Especially the word unscramble because it would focus on the book with vocabulary and reading as an added bonus! 5y
alexialovesmith Any of these worksheets https://www.abcteach.com/documents/magic-tree-house-high-tide-in-hawaii-28-prima... would be useful for students to complete after their read. These worksheets can be used to meet ELS13. UDLS3.1 can be used in order to inform students about tsunamis and tribes mentioned in the text. #ucflae3414su19 5y
DrSpalding I truly like the idea of using this series for options for literature circles in your classroom. This particular title can teach a great deal about science and geography while reading about Jack and Annie‘s adventures! 5y
4 likes3 comments