A book that will inspire readers to connect more deeply with the natural world, from the award winning author of Sometimes I Feel Like A Fox.
Inspired by the expression “once in a blue moon,” Danielle Daniel has created a book of short poems, each one describing a rare or special experience that turns an ordinary day into a memorable one. She describes the thrill of seeing a double rainbow, the Northern Lights or a shooting star as well as quieter pleasures such as spotting a turtle basking in the sun or a family of ducks waddling across the road.
In accessible language and delightful, naïve images, Once in a Blue Moon celebrates the magical moments that can be found in the beauty and wonders of nature.
With the same simple yet sophisticated design as Danielle’s award-winning picture book Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, this book is a very accessible and inviting introduction to poetry for young readers.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.5
Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.4
Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)
A book that will inspire readers to connect more deeply with the natural world, from the award winning author of Sometimes I Feel Like A Fox.
Inspired by the expression “once in a blue moon,” Danielle Daniel has created a book of short poems, each one describing a rare or special experience that turns an ordinary day into a memorable one. She describes the thrill of seeing a double rainbow, the Northern Lights or a shooting star as well as quieter pleasures such as spotting a turtle basking in the sun or a family of ducks waddling across the road.
In accessible language and delightful, naïve images, Once in a Blue Moon celebrates the magical moments that can be found in the beauty and wonders of nature.
With the same simple yet sophisticated design as Danielle’s award-winning picture book Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, this book is a very accessible and inviting introduction to poetry for young readers.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.5
Recognize common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.4
Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Oct 1, 2017 |
| Specifications | 32 pages | 8.5 in x 8.5 in |
| Keywords | poetry for children; wonder of nature; exploration and adventure; nonrhyming poetry; diversity; bedtime story; quiet moments; soothing stories; multiculturalism; appreciation; caring; respect for environment; positive attitude; read aloud; imagery; connecting; determining importance; Common Core aligned; kindergarten; CC Literature Craft and Structure; CC Literature Integration of Knowledge and Ideas; grade 1; grade 2; picture book; gift book; |
| Written By |
DANIELLE DANIEL is an award-winning author and illustrator whose journey into artmaking and book publishing has gone hand in hand with all she has learned — and continues to learn — about her Indigenous ancestry and her relationship with the land. Danielle’s picture books include Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox (winner of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and a Best 100 title at the New York Public Library) and Once in a Blue Moon. She has also illustrated You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith. She is the author of two novels — Forever Birchwood for middle-grade readers and Daughters of the Deer for adults. Danielle holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and lives on Manitoulin Island with her family. |
| Illustrated by |
DANIELLE DANIEL is an award-winning author and illustrator whose journey into artmaking and book publishing has gone hand in hand with all she has learned — and continues to learn — about her Indigenous ancestry and her relationship with the land. Danielle’s picture books include Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox (winner of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and a Best 100 title at the New York Public Library) and Once in a Blue Moon. She has also illustrated You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith. She is the author of two novels — Forever Birchwood for middle-grade readers and Daughters of the Deer for adults. Danielle holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and lives on Manitoulin Island with her family. |
| Written By |
|
DANIELLE DANIEL is an award-winning author and illustrator whose journey into artmaking and book publishing has gone hand in hand with all she has learned — and continues to learn — about her Indigenous ancestry and her relationship with the land. Danielle’s picture books include Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox (winner of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and a Best 100 title at the New York Public Library) and Once in a Blue Moon. She has also illustrated You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith. She is the author of two novels — Forever Birchwood for middle-grade readers and Daughters of the Deer for adults. Danielle holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and lives on Manitoulin Island with her family. |
| Illustrated by |
|
DANIELLE DANIEL is an award-winning author and illustrator whose journey into artmaking and book publishing has gone hand in hand with all she has learned — and continues to learn — about her Indigenous ancestry and her relationship with the land. Danielle’s picture books include Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox (winner of the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and a Best 100 title at the New York Public Library) and Once in a Blue Moon. She has also illustrated You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith. She is the author of two novels — Forever Birchwood for middle-grade readers and Daughters of the Deer for adults. Danielle holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and lives on Manitoulin Island with her family. |
| Audience | ages 4 to 7 / grades K to 2 |
| Reading Levels |
Fountas & Pinnel Text Level L
Guided Reading L Lexile AD530L |
“Daniel has enabled a full deep breath on every page of this gentle, relaxing book, which engages without overloading and lends a specialness to things too easy to miss in the natural world.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Like the rarities it celebrates, Once in a Blue Moon shines light on nature's wonders.” —CanLit for Little Canadians
“The overriding message is a worthy one – remember to notice the simple wonders that happen around us every day and regard them with the reverence they deserve.” —Youth Services Book Review