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Summary: Mm-mm-mm. At the edge of the woods sat a blackberry bush, full of ripe blackberries. A mouse spotted it first, followed by a bluebird, squirrel, fox, and deer. When a bear shows up, will there be any left? Learn about animals who eat fruit with this picture book story.
Type of Reading: bedtime story, anytime reading, family reading, playtime reading, read aloud book, early reader
Recommended Age: read together: 4 to 8; read yourself: 6 to 9
Interest Level: 5 to 8
Reading Level: 1.7
Age of Child: Read with nearly 7-year-old girl.
Little Kid Reaction: "This was too short." Our daughter enjoyed this book, and particularly liked mimicking the animal sounds as they munched on blackberries.
Big Kid Reaction: This is a simply-presented book, almost too simple. I kept waiting for something else. You really don't get the full sense of what the book is trying to teach until you read the Plants and Animals section in the back. The expressions on the animals' faces adds to the book.
Pros: Kids will enjoy this cutely-illustrated story about animals sharing food in the woods.
Cons: There is very little non-fiction information woven into the tale. The reader needs to flip to the back to get some context if they want to 'teach' with the story.
Borrow or Buy: Borrow. Although for elementary readers (lots of sight words), if presented as just a story, it is probably better suited for a preschool audience.
Educational Themes: The back of the book is filled with great information about animal habitat; distinguishing omnivores, carnivores, and herbivores; even a lesson about blackberry bushes as native and non-native plants. This would be good in a classroom, with children taking turns making the sounds of the various animals. Bring the book to life by picking some blackberries (even if you have to go to a farmer's market). You'll find some recipe ideas in the back.
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