Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey, is one of the Reading Kingdom’s recommended stories for kids with pictures. Melissa Gaynor explains why:
“What You Need to Know:
• This is a touching story that highlights the bonds that exist between mother and child.
• Blueberries For Sal was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1949.
• The story is still relevant, but it does reflect the era in which it was written.
• Two of the characters, Sal and her mother, are supposedly based on the author’s wife and daughter.
• There are a few pages of suspense when Little Sal and Little Bear briefly get lost.
• The setting is a small town in Maine, where picking blueberries is a popular pastime.
Summary:
Little Sal and her mother begin their day hand-in-hand, but as they each focus on their own intentions, they find themselves taking different paths. While her mother is collecting blueberries to preserve for the winter, Sal is more intent on immediate gratification. As her mother’s bucket fills, so does Sal’s stomach. At the same time, on the other side of Blueberry Hill, a baby bear and his mother are also preparing for the winter. Following these two parallel stories, readers can see the powerful connection that exists between all mothers and their children.”
Have your children read Blueberries For Sal? What did they think of the book?
If you’re teaching your child to read, check out the Reading Kingdom. It’s our award-winning, fun, easy-to-use online program that teaches children 4-10 years old how to read and write to a third grade level. You can sign up for a 30 day free trial, risk free!
