A Tree is Nice
Dear Friends,
Trees are the perfect childhood friends. How many summer days are spent playing in the shade of a tree? Or fall afternoons spent tramping in the the fallen leaves? In imaginative play, tree can be almost anything, from houses to spaceships, as well as base in a game of tag or the perfect place to climb. Although we sometimes take them for granted, this week's book helps us to take a few quiet moments to celebrate the many gifts that trees give us!
A Tree is Nice
by Janice May Udry
illustrated by Marc Simont
Winner of the 1957 Caldecott Medal, A Tree Is Nice
Gorgeous illustrations by Mr. Simont are perfectly matched to the poetic text, alternating between soft, lush watercolors and black and white illustrations that are quiet but never stark and cold. Simplistic but never dull, A Tree Is Nice compels readers to go for a walk and take the time to notice and appreciate the beauty of the trees that surrounds us.
In This Issue
Crayon Rubbing Autumn Tree
Bark rubbings and leaf rubbings are autumn activities that never get old. No matter the age of the artist, making these fall favorites seems to usher in the season of crisp weather, shorter days, and the excitement of the quickly approaching Halloween season. We decided to expand on the basic rubbings in order to further engage in the spirit of our book of the week. So get out the paper, crayons and scissors and get ready to create a little autumn magic.
Why We Like It
- Fun activity for developing observational skills by discussing the size, shape, texture, and colors of the leaves.
- Great way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and make some fun art.
Crayon Rubbing Autumn Tree
What You Will Need
- White paper
- Crayons – wrappers removed
- Scissors
- Glue
- Leaves – fresh are best
- A tree
How To Do It
- Hold a sheet of paper on the trunk of a tree and, using the side of a crayon, gently rub the crayon over the entire sheet of paper to get a bark rubbing.
- Collect several autumn leaves. Place 1 leaf on a flat surface, textured side up, and lay another sheet of white paper on top of the leaf. Using the flat side of a crayon, gently but firmly rub across the leaf to make the image of the leaf appear. Repeat until you have several leaf rubbings.
- Cut a vertical section of paper from the bark rubbing to use as your tree trunk. Cut the remaining bark rubbing into strips to use as tree branches.
- Cut out the leaf rubbings individually.
- Glue the branches to the trunk and attach leaves.
- Lay flat to dry.
Leaves and Twigs Snack Mix
With dried cranberries and golden raisins in the colors of fall leaves, pretzels sticks reminding us of the shape and crunch of twigs, and flavored with two delicious gifts from trees, this is the perfect snack to enjoy on a beautiful autumn day while sitting under your favorite tree.
Snack mixes are perfect for kids because they are portable, not messy, and easily customizable to picky eaters!
Leaves and Twigs Snack Mix
Granola adapted from Pumpkin Granola.
Makes roughly 2 cups.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (see video below)
- 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 3/4 cup pretzel sticks, broken in half
Directions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix together oats, applesauce, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Spread mixture on an oiled or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let granola cool before scooping into a medium bowl, breaking up any large chunks.
- Add cranberries, raisins, and broken pretzel sticks to granola. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Curious where cinnamon comes from?
- Farmer's Tree
- Harvest Moon Leaf Person
- Twig Paintings
- Miss Suzy's Oak Tree
- Cereal Box Nature Tote
- Scarecrow Trail Mix
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