Watermelon!

Did you know....

- the watermelon is 92 percent water

- August 3rd is National Watermelon Day

- the Japanese have grown a square watermelon

- watermelon is technically a vegetable

- watermelons are a good source of vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium and fiber

- it's watermelon week on Little Page Turners!


One Watermelon Seed by Celia Barker Lottridge

With the brilliant colors of a summer garden, this gorgeously illustrated book tells the story of Max and Josephine and the garden they plant. They start with one watermelon seed, then plant two pumpkin seeds, and so on until 10. Eventually their hard work and labor produces a rich harvest.

More than a simple counting book, it teaches the concept of counting by tens as well as introducing multiplication. I love the abundance of food that results from simple seeds and the childrens' obvious joy at reaping such a harvest. The text is sparse, but the vibrant illustrations more than make up for any lack in the story.


Watermelon Craft

You can't get much simpler. Draw three half circles of slightly less diameter on green, white, and red paper. (I really need to invest in a compass.) Let your child cut out the semi-circles and glue together, lining up the straight edges. Glue to a sheet of paper and add seeds, either with a marker or by gluing teardrop cutouts from black paper.

Now let them practice writing "watermelon". Didn't E do a fantastic job? This was her second try. She did much better once I gave her some lined paper to write on.

I'm linking up to:
- Silly Eagle Books