The Little Island
Book Description
The Little Island tells the story of a little island in the middle of the ocean as it exists through the changing seasons of the year. Some boats sail to the island in the summer, one of which brings a small black kitten to the island. The kitten questions whether the island can possibly be connected to the land when it is surrounded by the sea, and the island tells it to ask any fish. The kitten’s conversation with the fish raises questions of faith and believing in things we can’t see.
I like this book for the rich language, classic and colorful illustrations, and the way it is imbued with a sense of wonder for the natural world all around us. It lends itself to discussions of the changing seasons, which we are all starting to see signs of this time of year.
Grab your copy here.
Nonfiction Connecting Texts
The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
Land and Water: Landforms and Bodies of Water by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock
A Stroll Through the Seasons by Kay Barnham
These colorful, nonfiction texts are a great way to help your child develop more background knowledge on the the changing seasons of the year and landforms. Do you have a child who is constantly asking you WHY? These books have some of the answers.
Field Trip Connection
We had fun completing two field trips to accompany reading The Little Island. Because the book features boats sailing to the island, we stopped by Washington Sailing Marina and Catboat Pizza Bar. This is a great spot to enjoy some sunshine, play in the grass, and grab a bite to eat. The pizza bar is only open in the afternoons, and they are closed from Monday-Wednesday.
For our second field trip, we did a short hike and picnic on Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Island is located in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. The island now serves as a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26th president. There are miles of trails you can follow—great for slow, family hikes we took or quick jogs with older kids. Island tours are offered on Saturdays at 10:30 with park rangers, as well. If you go in Spring or early summer, be sure to check out all the wildflowers blooming, as well.
