We are always looking for reading materials that can combine into our weekly school lessons. Something fun that keeps the learning going. Arbordale Publishing has two stories that we have fallen in love with. We recently had the opportunity to review Tuktuk – Tundra Tale by Robin Currie and Saving Katie’s Flowers by Cindy Sommer.

Written for preschool through elementary levels, both of these titles feature full-color, beautiful illustrations along with 4 pages of learning activities that allow parents to incorporate extra science learning as they are reading the stories. We were able to use the stories for fun and extend out what we were already learning in science.

We were fortunate enough to get to read Saving Katie’s Flowers in the fall. We were working on cleaning up our garden and the outside flowers. But we were also studying plants and seeds in Science class. Saving Katie’s Flowers was a great addition to our study. Our Caty loved reading how much Katie loved her flowers and wanted to take care of them. That is how our Caty felt about her flower bed and our garden.

After reading Saving Katie’s Flowers, we went out and saved seeds from her marigold flowers to replant in the spring. Our Caty also brought in various plants from our patio to our living room, so that we could continue to enjoy them and save them from the frost. She did learn though that we could not save all of our garden plants, but could save our herbs and brought those into the kitchen. It was great fun and a great learning experience.

The learning pages covered topics such as plant part, flower identification, plant life cycle and also how to plant flowers in pots. All wonderful extra science topics.

While reading Tuktuk – Tundra Tale, we had been reading about the tundra habitat in our science lessons. We had also watched a special on how the animals in these areas have learned to adjust to their habitat. The story of Tuktuk the collared lemming explains how animals work to get ready for winter. It’s the story of survival of all animals, and the struggles that they face in this harsh environment. Caty absolutely loved this story. I loved how easily it kept our learning going and brought what can be dry science material into a sweet story.

The learning pages in Tuktuk – Tundra Tale covered topics on the stars in the sky and the Northern lights. They also gave extra information on well-known animals in this region and how they survive and what they eat during the winter months in this climate.

Saving Katie’s Flowers and Tuktuk – Tundra Tale have been a wonderful addition to our learning, and I can’t wait to order more of the titles that are offered by Arbordale Publishing. If you are looking for a gift, these are also a wonderful gift for new parents and young children.

—Product review by Renita Kuehner, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December, 2016