Me on the Map

Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable 1996

Everybody has their own spot, and yet it can be difficult for young people to understand where their place on the map is. This story begins in a young girls room and expands out using maps of streets, towns, states, and countries. On each colorful page the girl points out where she belongs. Then the whole process reverses as she brings the scale back down from the earth to her very own room.

Sweeney's book is a great introduction to maps. It helps children realize that their community is important, and their place on the map is a special one.

"Just think......in rooms, in houses, on streets, in towns, in countries all over the world, everybody has their own special place on the map."

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Joan Sweeney on Amazon

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons)

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) by Jean Pendziwol, illustrated by Martine Gourbault 1999

A young girl invites a dragon over for tea, not realizing the turn of events a sneeze can cause. The dragon's "a-choo" causes a fire to start, and panic to set in. But there's no need to worry because the girl knows just what to do when the smoke alarm goes off. She proceeds to teach the dragon, and us, through the funny, rhyming verse.

Pendziwol emphasizes the importance of the individual rather than the stuff a child might want to save during a fire. She reminds us to have a safety checklist (included in the back of the book), and the important role that the firemen and women play during an emergency of this kind.

This story will stimulate wonderful conversation with your child.

Appropriate for ages 4-8