What's The Big Idea, Molly?

What's the Big Idea, Molly?
by Valeri Gorbachev


I have always loved Valeri Gorbachev! Her stories are fun and always have a wonderful, yet simple ending. She write the type of books that make me wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?"

What's the Big Idea, Molly? is no exception! Molly Mouse wants to write the perfect poem, but she has difficulty finding the perfect idea. She sees her friends, Rabbit, Goose, Pig and Frog who are also looking for the perfect idea to give Turtle for his birthday. Unfortunately, they all come up with the same idea, but they quickly solve the problem to everyone's delight.

This is a must book for your library. It is perfect for using flannel board figures.

Some activities you might consider:
1. Find a tree branch (or buy a small evergreen) that looks like a miniature tree. Anchor it in a pot with plaster of Paris in the bottom surrounded with some moss. Children can decorate the tree throughout the seasons with seasonal art. They might tie originally made leaves, snowflakes, beds, etc on the tree.
2. Each child can write about the seasons throughout the year by making a booklet.
3. Make a seasonal nature table and label the items found outside that are indicative to that season.
4. Divide the room into 4 sections - one for each season. Draw trees that coincide with that season.Use the tree as a springboard for activities such as noting each child's birthday on the appropriate tree. Use the tree for a word wall placing words that relate to the season on the tree, etc.
5.Make tree bark imprints by holding a small square of paper against a tree trunk and rubbing a crayon against the trunk. Then do the same for other trees and compare the trunks through their rubbings.Research the type of trees found and discuss the differences in their tree trunks.
6. Find a tree that the children can "adopt." Name the tree and throughout the season, take pictures of the tree. Print the photos and place it where the children can see- on a bulletin board or in a book. Note the similarities and differences throughout the season. Children can write their comments about the tree by tacking them to a bulletin board or in the notebook.
7. Ask the children to print the vocabulary word's on a piece of ribbon. Tie them to the tree outside and watch them blow in the wind. Go outdoors and study the words as they blow in the wind.
8. Have the children measure the circumference of a tree. Discuss the circumference and show them the rings of a tree which has been cut.
9. Play circle games around the tree.
10. Ask the children to write letters to teh tree. Go outside and sit under the tree and read the letters.

Valeri's other books are:
One of my favorites is: