Bookworm Burrow
Check back for updates. Click here to recommend a book.
Carl and the Meaning of Life
By: Deborah Freedman
Hot off the press! Recently, while visiting one of the Public Libraries of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, a librarian recommended this NEW book to us. We often struggle when trying to find an appropriate book to share with younger program participants as we dig into the discussion of soil. This book will be the next one that we add to our collection.
Throughout this story you follow Carl, the worm, and other woodland animals as they try to discover what Carl actually does. They know that he digs in the soil to keep it nice and fluffy, but why? When Carl leaves the soil in search of this answer, the illustrations show how the soil changes without his help. The soil becomes grey, hard, dry and barren. With no fertile soil or food the woodland animals leave, and all that Carl is left with is a small, sad ground beetle. After noticing the rock hard soil, Carl gets to work digging in the soil. After months of digging Carl’s woodland animal friends return.
This book fits in very well with a few of our programs; Mud Painting and Wiggly Worms. To see if either of these programs are a good fit for your students, scouts or participants head over to our website.
By: Deborah Freedman
Hot off the press! Recently, while visiting one of the Public Libraries of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, a librarian recommended this NEW book to us. We often struggle when trying to find an appropriate book to share with younger program participants as we dig into the discussion of soil. This book will be the next one that we add to our collection.
Throughout this story you follow Carl, the worm, and other woodland animals as they try to discover what Carl actually does. They know that he digs in the soil to keep it nice and fluffy, but why? When Carl leaves the soil in search of this answer, the illustrations show how the soil changes without his help. The soil becomes grey, hard, dry and barren. With no fertile soil or food the woodland animals leave, and all that Carl is left with is a small, sad ground beetle. After noticing the rock hard soil, Carl gets to work digging in the soil. After months of digging Carl’s woodland animal friends return.
This book fits in very well with a few of our programs; Mud Painting and Wiggly Worms. To see if either of these programs are a good fit for your students, scouts or participants head over to our website.
One Plastic Bag
By: Miranda Paul
The story One Plastic Bag introduces us to a young woman named Isatou Ceesay who lives in a small village in Gambia. Isatou notices one small piece of waste causing huge issues in her community. Even though Isatou is 4,516 miles away, in another country, we can still find the same small piece of waste causing huge issues right here in Cincinnati as well.
In Njau, Gambia discarded and broken plastic bags can be found by the hundreds littered along roadsides. These piles of plastic bags can lead to the death of livestock, poorly producing gardens, and the spread of mosquitoes and diseases.
After having been negatively impacted by these plastic bags Isatou takes it upon herself to make a change. After collecting, washing and drying the discarded plastic bags Isatou assembled a group of women to help her crochet strips of plastic bags and turn them into small bags and purses. Isatou took their creations into the village where she was able to sell them at the market.
While reading this story students can not only see the negative impacts that littering can have on a community, but can also become inspired to reduce, reuse and recycle waste that they have. There are many other uses for plastic bags, besides disposing of them in the garbage. There are also many alternatives to plastic bags. Just remember plastic bags cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins.
By: Miranda Paul
The story One Plastic Bag introduces us to a young woman named Isatou Ceesay who lives in a small village in Gambia. Isatou notices one small piece of waste causing huge issues in her community. Even though Isatou is 4,516 miles away, in another country, we can still find the same small piece of waste causing huge issues right here in Cincinnati as well.
In Njau, Gambia discarded and broken plastic bags can be found by the hundreds littered along roadsides. These piles of plastic bags can lead to the death of livestock, poorly producing gardens, and the spread of mosquitoes and diseases.
After having been negatively impacted by these plastic bags Isatou takes it upon herself to make a change. After collecting, washing and drying the discarded plastic bags Isatou assembled a group of women to help her crochet strips of plastic bags and turn them into small bags and purses. Isatou took their creations into the village where she was able to sell them at the market.
While reading this story students can not only see the negative impacts that littering can have on a community, but can also become inspired to reduce, reuse and recycle waste that they have. There are many other uses for plastic bags, besides disposing of them in the garbage. There are also many alternatives to plastic bags. Just remember plastic bags cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins.
All the Way to the Ocean
By: Joel Harper
Do your students know where the storm drains in their community drain? Does the water magically disappear? Does it go to a sewage treatment plant to be cleaned? Join James and Isaac on their way home from school and find out what happens to the storm water and debris that ends up in the storm drains.
After making the mistake of tossing a piece of trash in the storm drain, James soon finds out from his good friend Isaac, what actually happens to that piece of trash that he tossed in the storm drain. James and Isaac live in an area where their storm drains go directly to the ocean. This book does a good job describing what could happen when all that trash enters the ocean.
Even though our storm drains don’t drain to the ocean, like they do in the story, they can drain to local rivers, streams and creeks. This pollution has negative effects on water quality and can be dangerous to wildlife.
If your students want to take their actions one step farther after reading this story they can do a school yard clean up like James and Isaac organized at their school. You could also have us in for a free demonstration of our Enviroscape Model.
By: Joel Harper
Do your students know where the storm drains in their community drain? Does the water magically disappear? Does it go to a sewage treatment plant to be cleaned? Join James and Isaac on their way home from school and find out what happens to the storm water and debris that ends up in the storm drains.
After making the mistake of tossing a piece of trash in the storm drain, James soon finds out from his good friend Isaac, what actually happens to that piece of trash that he tossed in the storm drain. James and Isaac live in an area where their storm drains go directly to the ocean. This book does a good job describing what could happen when all that trash enters the ocean.
Even though our storm drains don’t drain to the ocean, like they do in the story, they can drain to local rivers, streams and creeks. This pollution has negative effects on water quality and can be dangerous to wildlife.
If your students want to take their actions one step farther after reading this story they can do a school yard clean up like James and Isaac organized at their school. You could also have us in for a free demonstration of our Enviroscape Model.
Bob and Otto
Written by: Robert O. Bruel
We have a few books in the office that get quite the use and have been read to many students over the years. One of our favorite books is Bob and Otto, written by Robert O. Bruel. This book tells the story of two very good friends, Bob the caterpillar and Otto the worm. These two very good friends spent every day together, doing what worms and caterpillars do. However, one day things started to change. Students will observe the differences between worms and caterpillars and will learn the distinct roles that each play in the world.
We loved this book so much that we gave it its very own program. To see if our “Bob and Otto” program is a good fit for your students, scouts or participants head over to our classroom presentation page.
Written by: Robert O. Bruel
We have a few books in the office that get quite the use and have been read to many students over the years. One of our favorite books is Bob and Otto, written by Robert O. Bruel. This book tells the story of two very good friends, Bob the caterpillar and Otto the worm. These two very good friends spent every day together, doing what worms and caterpillars do. However, one day things started to change. Students will observe the differences between worms and caterpillars and will learn the distinct roles that each play in the world.
We loved this book so much that we gave it its very own program. To see if our “Bob and Otto” program is a good fit for your students, scouts or participants head over to our classroom presentation page.
Smallmouth Sonny of Bass Island Bar
Written by: Bill Schroeder
Take a swim up the Little Miami River with Small Fry Sonny. This book, Smallmouth Sonny of Bass Island Bar, written by Bill Schroeder and published by the Little Miami Conservancy, does a great job highlighting many of the important creatures that can be found in our local streams. Along Sonny’s journey, back to Bass Island Bar, he encounters animals such as Aaron and Karen the Great Blue Herons, Beaver Bob, Myrtle the turtle and Russel the Mussel, to name of few. After reading this story, students will understand the roll of the stream community and how important it is for different species to interact. Thanks to the interaction amongst several species, Sonny was able to return home to Bass Island Bar.
Written by: Bill Schroeder
Take a swim up the Little Miami River with Small Fry Sonny. This book, Smallmouth Sonny of Bass Island Bar, written by Bill Schroeder and published by the Little Miami Conservancy, does a great job highlighting many of the important creatures that can be found in our local streams. Along Sonny’s journey, back to Bass Island Bar, he encounters animals such as Aaron and Karen the Great Blue Herons, Beaver Bob, Myrtle the turtle and Russel the Mussel, to name of few. After reading this story, students will understand the roll of the stream community and how important it is for different species to interact. Thanks to the interaction amongst several species, Sonny was able to return home to Bass Island Bar.
Sip, Pick, and Pack… How Pollinators Help Plants Make Seeds
Written by: Polly W. Cheney
Illustrated by: Kim Overton
We have come across a wonderful book by local author Polly W. Cheney, Sip, Pick, and Pack… How Pollinators Help Plants Make Seeds. This book does a great job of grabbing the reader’s attention with its beautiful illustrations and similes. Polly was able to take the complex topic of pollination and weave it into a story enjoyable for readers of all ages. By the end of this story you will be asking yourself how you can help our native pollinators.
Written by: Polly W. Cheney
Illustrated by: Kim Overton
We have come across a wonderful book by local author Polly W. Cheney, Sip, Pick, and Pack… How Pollinators Help Plants Make Seeds. This book does a great job of grabbing the reader’s attention with its beautiful illustrations and similes. Polly was able to take the complex topic of pollination and weave it into a story enjoyable for readers of all ages. By the end of this story you will be asking yourself how you can help our native pollinators.
Under the Ground
By: Anna Milbourne and Serena Rigliette
Have you ever wondered what lives and moves under your feet? Explore the world below your feet with two children as they dig deeper and deeper underground. This book does a great job of exploring what can be found underground starting with roots and small insects and moving all the way to dinosaur bones and diamonds.
This book is not text heavy and does a great job of illustrating all the things that can be found underground, whether they are natural or man-made objects. This book would be a great introduction for lessons on soil, fossils, insects and natural resources. If you would like your students to explore soil, worms, fossils and natural resources visit our website, and check out the programs we have to offer. The Education Department has several programs that can play off this book. The programs include Wiggly Worms, Bob & Otto, Fossils 101, Edible Soil and Cookie Mining.
For more classroom ideas and activities see the attached PDF.
By: Anna Milbourne and Serena Rigliette
Have you ever wondered what lives and moves under your feet? Explore the world below your feet with two children as they dig deeper and deeper underground. This book does a great job of exploring what can be found underground starting with roots and small insects and moving all the way to dinosaur bones and diamonds.
This book is not text heavy and does a great job of illustrating all the things that can be found underground, whether they are natural or man-made objects. This book would be a great introduction for lessons on soil, fossils, insects and natural resources. If you would like your students to explore soil, worms, fossils and natural resources visit our website, and check out the programs we have to offer. The Education Department has several programs that can play off this book. The programs include Wiggly Worms, Bob & Otto, Fossils 101, Edible Soil and Cookie Mining.
For more classroom ideas and activities see the attached PDF.
| under_the_ground_activity.pdf |
| dirt_secrets_in_the_soil.pdf |
The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time
By: Jan Peck and David Davis
Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes go green! Jan Peck and David Davis have created a fun twist to the original Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. They have taken favorites like This Little Piggy and Yankee Doodle and given them a ‘green’ makeover.
Thirty Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes have been revamped to cover important topics; such as, saving the earth, pollution, recycling, healthy living, solar energy and conserving natural resources. These revamped rhymes can be a fun way to introduce your students to environmental issues and solutions to the problems.
For more classroom ideas and activities see the attached PDF.
By: Jan Peck and David Davis
Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes go green! Jan Peck and David Davis have created a fun twist to the original Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. They have taken favorites like This Little Piggy and Yankee Doodle and given them a ‘green’ makeover.
Thirty Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes have been revamped to cover important topics; such as, saving the earth, pollution, recycling, healthy living, solar energy and conserving natural resources. These revamped rhymes can be a fun way to introduce your students to environmental issues and solutions to the problems.
For more classroom ideas and activities see the attached PDF.
| the_green_mother_goose_activities.pdf |
Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer
By: Carol Brendler
Winnie Finn is no ordinary young girl, she loves earthworms and knows absolutely everything about them. Winnie is super excited that spring is here, and it is almost time for the Quincy County Fair. This year Winnie hopes to win first prize with her worms. The prize money from first place would give her enough money to buy a brand new wagon. Unfortunately, Winnie finds out that there is no prize for worms in the Quincy County Fair.
Even though Winnie is not able to enter her worms in the Fair she comes up with a way to help others win first place with her worms. This book does a great job showing that with passion and determination anything is possible. In Winnie’s case people told her that there were no prizes for worms at the Quincy County Fair, however her worms were able to help three other participants win first place. This book also does a great job showing the importance of worms and how useful they can be.
Do you want to see if your students are interested in worms like Winnie? Contact The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Education Department to set up a Wiggly Worm program. This program will give your students the opportunity to learn about worms and make hands-on investigations.
For more classroom ideas and activities see the attached PDF.
By: Carol Brendler
Winnie Finn is no ordinary young girl, she loves earthworms and knows absolutely everything about them. Winnie is super excited that spring is here, and it is almost time for the Quincy County Fair. This year Winnie hopes to win first prize with her worms. The prize money from first place would give her enough money to buy a brand new wagon. Unfortunately, Winnie finds out that there is no prize for worms in the Quincy County Fair.
Even though Winnie is not able to enter her worms in the Fair she comes up with a way to help others win first place with her worms. This book does a great job showing that with passion and determination anything is possible. In Winnie’s case people told her that there were no prizes for worms at the Quincy County Fair, however her worms were able to help three other participants win first place. This book also does a great job showing the importance of worms and how useful they can be.
Do you want to see if your students are interested in worms like Winnie? Contact The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Education Department to set up a Wiggly Worm program. This program will give your students the opportunity to learn about worms and make hands-on investigations.
For more classroom ideas and activities see the attached PDF.
| wiggly_worms.pdf |
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin
By: Margaret McNamara and Brian Karas
It’s not too late to have some pumpkin fun! Before you throw your fall pumpkins on the compost let’s see what ideas you can get from Mr. Tiffin’s class. Follow Mr. Tiffin’s class as they explore the inside of a pumpkin to see how many seeds they can find. Mr. Tiffin places three different sized pumpkins in front of his class, he then ask the class to estimate which pumpkin they think has the most seeds. The class assumes that the largest pumpkin would have the most seeds and the smallest pumpkin would have the least seeds. Upon completion of their investigation they found something completely different. This story does a great job showing that judging something based on its size is not always accurate. This book would fit great into your science or math curriculum and could be used as an excuse to have some ewwy gooey pumpkin fun!
Below is a great resource from Reading is Fundamental that includes several awesome lesson plans that go along with this book. ENJOY!
By: Margaret McNamara and Brian Karas
It’s not too late to have some pumpkin fun! Before you throw your fall pumpkins on the compost let’s see what ideas you can get from Mr. Tiffin’s class. Follow Mr. Tiffin’s class as they explore the inside of a pumpkin to see how many seeds they can find. Mr. Tiffin places three different sized pumpkins in front of his class, he then ask the class to estimate which pumpkin they think has the most seeds. The class assumes that the largest pumpkin would have the most seeds and the smallest pumpkin would have the least seeds. Upon completion of their investigation they found something completely different. This story does a great job showing that judging something based on its size is not always accurate. This book would fit great into your science or math curriculum and could be used as an excuse to have some ewwy gooey pumpkin fun!
Below is a great resource from Reading is Fundamental that includes several awesome lesson plans that go along with this book. ENJOY!
| how-many-seeds-in-a-pumpkin-all.pdf |