Got this question from a librarian today. Any suggestions?
The Preschool teachers have been asking for books to read to the children on our national holidays. I have books for those in elementary school, but the preschool books I have are on Thanksgiving dinner, and on helpers that do not include many that are being taught about in the school. There is nothing on why we have the Fourth of July. In fact, when I look for national holidays, the closest I can get are Winnie the Pooh and there are few of those.
Is there anything you have, or anywhere I can look?
Replies
I just remembered a book to add to your list that we have in the Library. It is called "The Pledge of Allegiance. The book does a nice job to state each sentence in the Pledge. Following these pages are Facts about the Pledge of Allegiance and the American Flag. In the back, the book states the days that the flag is flown and other facts. The publisher is Scholastic, copyright 2000. ISBN 0-439-39962-9. Good luck.
The best book that I have is America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney. The book discusses the constituion, declaration of independence and patriotism. You might find some 4th of July reference in this book. Lynne Cheney has also written Our 50 States. Good history lesson. Good luck.
Has she tried looking at Library and Education Services?
I don't think preschoolers are mature enough to understand the reasons we have the 4th of July, but a book about the fun activities and traditions would be appropriate. I found one possibility, although it says it's a primary level rather than preschool level book:
"Happy Birthday America" by Mary Pope Osborne (author of the Magic Tree House series and other books):
http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID=f6a0853eaad92b8336c4806f65d3e45e
"Notes: Introduces the Fourth of July, as the whole family joins in a lively small-town celebration of Independence Day, including a parade, a picnic, music, and fireworks and includes information on the origin of the celebration of the holiday."