Book Talk Tuesday: Pippi Longstocking

Today is Tuesday, and that means it's time to link-up with Mrs. Jump's Class for another fabulous Book Talk Tuesday! This week, I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite books for the elementary crowd... Pippi Longstocking. 
NOW... I know that this isn't a new book. In fact, it's probably a book that you've all read at least once in your life. I wanted to share it anyway, partly because it's a GREAT summer read that can spark all sorts of super, silly, summer-y fun! More than that, though, I appreciate all of the opportunities that Pippi provides to discuss manners, safety, the importance of friends and family, different cultures, the importance of not telling lies, creative storytelling... 
Oh, I could go on, and on, and on!
Anyway, here are a few of my favorite activities to go along with Pippi Longstocking - one for each chapter of the book! Here's to a summer full of fun! :)

Chapter 1 - Make a Pippi collage! Carefully read the description of Pippi included in this chapter, then create a picture of her using scraps of paper, fabric, and/or bits of pictures from magazines and newspapers.
Chapter 2 - Become a "Thing-Finder!" Gather some assorted household objects in a bag or basket. Take turns coming up with alternate uses for each object.
Chapter 3 - Play a good old-fashioned game of freeze tag, or try making pepparkakor. 
Chapter 4 - Use sidewalk chalk to draw life-size creatures on your sidewalk or driveway.
Chapter 5 - Climb a tree, or play hide-and-seek - preferably inside your house and not inside a tree like Pippi. ;)
Chapter 6 - Pack a basket and go on a picnic!
Chapter 7 - Go to the circus if there's one in town. Otherwise, watch YouTube videos of a circus, or create your own silly circus with friends and pets!
Chapter 8 - Attempt "playing the comb" with a plastic comb and some wax paper. Can you make music? Check out YouTube for some tutorials.
Chapter 9 - Plan some simple refreshments, dress up, and throw a "coffee party" or a tea party.
Chapter 10 - Grab some rope or cord, and learn to tie different knots. You never know when this skill might come in handy!
Chapter 11 - Make up silly ghost stories around a campfire - or in the comfort of your home with flashlights. 

Do you know of any other children's literature that sparks good old-fashioned summer fun? Leave a comment and let me know!
{P.S. If you liked these ideas, please consider checking out my literature guide for Pippi Longstocking, which is published by Knowledge Box Central. It is also available through Christian Book Distributors or Rainbow Resources. Thanks!}

Book Talk Tuesday: The Oak Inside the Acorn

The Oak Inside the Acorn is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite children's books. Published in 2011, it's one of Max Lucado's more recent books, and is the parable form of his book Cure for the Common Life. I love this book because it conveys a wonderful and timely message for today:

God made one version of you, so be the best you that you can be.
Isn't that a message we need to hear?
The story starts out with Little Acorn, who is afraid to let go of Mother Oak. It's hard for him to believe that he can ever be a big, strong oak tree. Then, one day, a bump sends him on an exciting journey.
Without revealing too much of the story, Little Acorn's journey is echoed by that of Little Girl. By the end of the story, there is no doubting the lesson: we were made to grow up and be the people that God made us to be!
When I taught at the local Christian school, I read this sweet story to my class at the end of the year. :) I've also read it to my co-op classes, and have read it to myself too many times to count, but I still become a tearful mess at the end of the story... each... and... every... time!
So, grab a box of tissues and read this sweet story for yourself. :) 

P.S. I'm linking this post up with Book Talk Tuesday at Mrs. Jump's Class. Hop on over to see some other great recommendations for children's books!