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SAGUARO'S GIFTS: A Informational PIcture Book Review and Giveaway

carolbaldwin

 I’m always impressed with the scope of picture books that Sleeping Bear Press publishes. Today’s book is no exception.  SAGUARO’s GIFTS should adorn elementary school classrooms and family bookshelves with its evocative yet child-friendly poetry by Kurt Cyrus and gorgeous illustrations by Andy Atkins. 



REVIEW

That opening page is followed by 

The world is dark. The bloom is white.
A bat emerges from the night.
“Hello, Saguaro!”
Every year I find the sweetest nectar here.
And happy birthday, by the way.
One hundred years, this very day!

Throughout the book, desert animals, birds, and insects pay homage to the cactus on its’ 100th birthday. Play a game with young readers and ask them to find the hummingbird, woodpecker, owl, butterflies, a coyote, and a tortoise. 

All the animals pause when they hear,

A bobcat races up the trail

with javelina on his tail.

“Clear the way!” the bobcat screeches,

scrambling to the highest reaches.

 

The tortoise ends the day:

Another day is done old friend.

One hundred years have come and gone.

but you and I go on and on.

 

 

The book ends with a spread showing a meteor lighting up the night sky and the words, 

Another gift exchange tomorrow–
Happy birthday, dear Saguaro.
By the way, the flowers appear from April through June and are open for less than 24 hours. On a trip to Arizona nine years ago, I saw how huge these cacti are but unfortunately did not see their beautiful flowers.

GIVEAWAY

Leave me a comment by May 30 to enter this giveaway. Please leave your full name and email address if you are new to my blog. You can also email me if you prefer. Become a new follower or share this on social media and I’ll enter your name twice. Make sure you tell me what you did! U.S. addresses only. 

Congratulations to Marci Whitehurst who won So Much More to Helen from last week’s blog.

Published by carolbaldwin

Carol enjoys teaching writing and has presented at many educators' and writing conferences. She has published widely in newspapers and magazines and along with Rebecca Wheeler, co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you’ll find her walking with friends, golfing, or gardening.

50 thoughts on “SAGUARO'S GIFTS: A Informational PIcture Book Review and Giveaway”

  8. Such a gorgeous book with beautiful illustrations. Obviously done with excellence and a lot of love! 💖 (Sorry if this is my second comment not sure if the first one published)

    Reply

  12. This book looks lovely. I remember the first time I saw cactus in bloom in the Sonoran Desert.. It was stunning to a girl from rainy Oregon. Suguaros are truly spectacular both alive, in bloom, or as a beautiful dead skeleton. Thank you for writing this book. I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Reply

  13. This book looks wonderful! The poetry is delightful, and the pictures are beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. I would love to win this book for some special children I know.

    Reply

  18. This sounds like such a beautiful book that could be enjoyed by all! It could also be such a great mentor text for rhyme and creating setting. Love the premise of wishing the cacrus a 100th birthday! Thanks for sharing this book and review!

    Reply

  20. Wow. This is a gorgeous book, and the subject matter sounds fascinating. Thanks for telling me about it and for a chance to win a copy!

    Reply

  23. Carol my Dad lives in Tucson, AZ. I have been to the Saguaro National Forest many times. This book so eloquently tells the story of how valuable they are to the wildlife of the desert. So wonderful a celebration for the cactus. Lovely!

    Reply

  33. Such a gorgeous book with beautiful illustrations. Obviously done with excellence and a lot of love! 💖 (Sorry if this is my second comment not sure if the first one published)

    Reply

  37. This book looks lovely. I remember the first time I saw cactus in bloom in the Sonoran Desert.. It was stunning to a girl from rainy Oregon. Suguaros are truly spectacular both alive, in bloom, or as a beautiful dead skeleton. Thank you for writing this book. I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Reply

  38. This book looks wonderful! The poetry is delightful, and the pictures are beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. I would love to win this book for some special children I know.

    Reply

  43. This sounds like such a beautiful book that could be enjoyed by all! It could also be such a great mentor text for rhyme and creating setting. Love the premise of wishing the cacrus a 100th birthday! Thanks for sharing this book and review!

    Reply

  45. Wow. This is a gorgeous book, and the subject matter sounds fascinating. Thanks for telling me about it and for a chance to win a copy!

    Reply

  48. Carol my Dad lives in Tucson, AZ. I have been to the Saguaro National Forest many times. This book so eloquently tells the story of how valuable they are to the wildlife of the desert. So wonderful a celebration for the cactus. Lovely!

    Reply

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