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PATRIOTS - PATRIOTIC - 4TH (FOURTH) OF JULY • Books - Patriotic - 4th of July - All ages |
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BOOKS - PATRIOTS - PATRIOTIC - 4TH (FOURTH) OF JULY - INDEPENDENCE DAY - ALL AGES
Book titles are in blue and underlined. Click on them to get more information.
In performance, always credit your sources.
To retell any stories, get permission from the copyright holder if the material is not in the public domain.
Alphabetized for your convenience with short descriptions to save you research time.
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Adirondack Kids #2 (The): Rescue on Bald Mountain by Justin and Gary VanRiper. (2002 - Ages 9-12)Justin Robert and Jackie Salsberry are on a special mission. It is Fourth of July weekend in the Adirondacks and time for the annual ping-pong ball drop at Inlet. Their best friend, Nick Barnes, has won the opportunity to release the balls from a seaplane, but there is just one problem. He is afraid of heights. With a single day remaining before the big event, Justin and Jackie decide there is only one way to help Nick overcome his fear. Climb Bald Mountain. |
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Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong with Margaret Chodos-Irvine (illus). (2006 - Ages 4-8)Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are. But as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson. |
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Beat the Drum, Independence Day Has Come: Poems for the Fourth of July by Lee Bennett Hopkins (editor) and Tomie dePaola (illus). (1993 - Ages 4-8)32 pages of short, jolly poems - mostly on the fireworks, parade, and picnic level - about the traditional celebration of America's Independence Day. Diverse poets as Carl Sandburg, Lucille Clifton, and Stephen Vincent Benét. |
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Birth of a (Small) Nation Part 1: We'll Remember Always Independence Day from Amazon. The continuing story of a young American living as a fugitive on the Isle of St. Margaret's, he has survived the court-martial (The Flight Lieutenant's Court Martial - Part 2) and is freed from its burdens in time to resume his duties with the Air Militia on the very eve of Independence. This story follows the island and its people through Independence Day (April 15, 1973) and beyond. |
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Biscuit's Fourth of July (Biscuit) by Alyssa Satin Capucilli with Pat Schories and Mary O'Keefe Young (illustrators). (2005 - Baby-Preschool)Reader review: It is the Fourth of July and Biscuit is ready to learn about another holiday. The Girl-With-The-Purple-Sneakers starts out the day telling Biscuit it is America's birthday. The rest of the book shows all of the events and activities of the whole day, starting early with setting up decorations all the way to the final fireworks display. |
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Children's Book of America (The), edited by William J. Bennett. This audio edition has a selection of 13 patriotic stories and songs. After a brief introduction by Bennett, items are organized chronologically beginning with a Native American legend about the Grand Canyon. Well-known events such as the Alamo and the first Thanksgiving are joined by lesser-known stories of a freed slave who sang in European courts and an Irish immigrant who cared for the orphans of New Orleans. |
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Corduroy's Fourth of July (Corduroy (Board Book)) by Don Freeman with Lisa McCue (illus). (2007 reprint - Baby Preschool)Today is the Fourth of July, and Corduroy and his friends are having a fun- filled picnic. They eat tasty treats and play games in the hot summer sun. Then it’s time to cool down with a dip in the pool. Next they take part in an Independence Day parade! Scruffy Pup bangs the drum, Checkerboard Bunny plays the flute, and Corduroy carries the American flag. Once it’s dark outside, the friends gather to watch an amazing fireworks display. |
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Eloise and the Big Parade (Ready-to-Read. Level 1) by Kay Thompson, Hilary Knight and Lisas McClatchy with Tammie Lyon (illus). (2007 - Ages 4-8)Eloise and Nanny are going to a big parade! |
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Fireworks and Freedom: A Fourth of July Story and Activity Book (Let's Celebrate) by Carol Amato and Ann Koffsky. (2007 - Ages 4-8)The story of America’s Declaration of Independence and its signing by representatives of the 13 original colonies on the Fourth of July, 1776 - the meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia - the call to battle and the birth of the Continental Army commanded by George Washington. Boys and girls also read about how the Fourth of July has been celebrated in the ensuing 230 years. Extensive activity section suggests fun ideas for crafts, picnic foods, games, and songs. |
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Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols by James Cross Giblin with Ursula Arndt (illus). (2001 - Ages 9-12)Brings the history of America's Independence Day to life. Vivid descriptions of events surrounding the Declaration of Independence (down to the annoying flies and mosquitoes in Philadelphia's State House) are amusing anecdotes--how the 1890s "Society for the Suppression of Unnecessary Noise" tried to outlaw Fourth of July firecrackers; what a Yankee Doodle really is; that Uncle Sam was a real person; and how Benjamin Franklin wanted America's national bird to be ... a turkey... |
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Fourth of July Story (The) by Alice Dalgliesh with Marie Nonnast (illus). (1995 - Ages 4-8)The thirteen colonies unite in the desire for independence, select Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence, and carry the news of independence across the colonial settlements. |
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Founding Myths: Stories That Hide Our Patriotic Past
by Ray Raphael Patrick Henry never said, "Give me liberty or give me death!" In fact, no record exists of what he said in his powerful call to arms of March 23, 1775. And Molly Pitcher never took her husband’s place at a cannon after he fell at the Battle of Monmouth. Historian Raphael dissects these and 11 other myths of the American Revolution to uncover the truth of these famous events and the significance of their conversion into myth. |
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Fourth of July Mice! by Bethany Roberts with Doug Cushman (illus). (2004 - Ages 4-8) The Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the Fourth of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and sack race, and a refreshing dip in the stream. Even Mr. Mouse, the littlest mouse's special toy, joins in the festivities. The best part of all comes at the end of the day: a spectacular fireworks show! |
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Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney by Leslie Kimmelman with Nancy Cote (illus). It's the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath, Mike the fireman polishes the firetruck, and Mayor Swanson works on her speech. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It's a great day. "Happy Birthday, USA!" |
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4th of July Postcard Book by Blue Lantern Studio. (2003) Independence Day, or the Fourth of July as it is more commonly called, celebrates the signing of The Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. Fireworks are the most colorful and ubiquitous feature of Independence Day celebrations; they represent the battle scene Francis Scott Key looked upon when he wrote the "Star Spangled Banner." Our postcard book contains 30 reproductions of vintage Independence Day postcards and features flags, fireworks, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and many of the other cherished symbols of our national holiday. |
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Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky (Sparkle 'n' Twinkle) by Joan Holub with Amanda Haley (illus). (2003 - Baby-Preschool)Fireworks burst and flags fly. It's our country's birthday -- the fourth of July! |
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Hats off for the Fourth of July (Christian Mother Goose) by Harriet Ziefert with Gustaf Miller (illus). (2002 - Baby-Preschool)It's the Fourth of July, and the people of Chatham know this is one parade they won't want to miss! A juggler and baton twirlers are the first to march down the street. Who will come next? There are cowboys on horses, the third-grade marching band, and everyone's favorite, Miss Eelgrass with the long green hair. Everyone is sorry when the parade is over, but wait! There is something else to look at-way up in the sky. |
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Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Independence Day: With Parades, Picnics, and Fireworks (Holidays Around the World) by Deborah Heiligman. (2007 - Ages 4-8) Strike up the band, pack a picnic, and enjoy the fireworks. A nationwide perspective on the joy of America's biggest party. All the history and culture of Independence Day is here, along with fun facts, an all-American recipe, a locator map for every photo and a complete resource guide. Evokes the patriotic flavor of the Fourth—and explains its associations with liberty and democracy. The text also looks at how people from other nations celebrate their independence days, and includes an expert consultant's note. |
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Hooray for the Fourth of July by Wendy Watson (author and illustrator). (2000 - Baby-Preschool)A cheerful book for preschoolers and early readers. Tracking a family through their summer holiday, Watson begins, "Crack! Pop! Snap! Wake up, everybody--today is the Fourth of July. It's America's birthday!" The next pages proclaim, "Everything is red, white, and blue, even breakfast," and the lively illustration's accompanying verse reads, "Strawberry, blueberry, cream of tartum, tell me the initials of your sweetheartum!" Young children will enjoy the silly, often quirky traditional poems and songs. |
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I'm Going to Read (Level 2): Hooray for the 4th of July (I'm Going to Read Series) by Rick Brown (illus). (2007 - Ages 4-8) Whoopee—it’s a 4th of July parade! Kids will happily join the celebration as marching feet keep the beat, big brass bands pass the stands, and decorated floats roll along. Rick Brown’s art makes everything look grand, from the fife and drum players to the flags flying high. |
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Independence Day: Birthday of the United States (Finding Out About Holidays) |
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King's Three Faces (The): The Rise and Fall of Royal America, 1688-1776 (Published for the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, Williamsburg, Virginia) by Brendan McConville. (2006) How colonial society developed a political culture marked by strong attachment to Great Britain's monarchs. This intense allegiance continued almost until the moment of independence, an event defined by an emotional break with the king. A powerful counterthesis to the dominant American historiography. |
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Mailbox Mania (The Cul-de-Sac Kids #9) by Beverly Lewis. (1996 - Ages 4-8)Fighting over a Fourth of July contest for the best decorated mailbox threatens to tear apart the Cul-de-sac Kids. Ages 7-10. Cul-de-sac Kids book 9. |
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Snickerdoodle's Star-Spangled Fourth of July! by Clare Ham Grosqebauer. (2005 - Ages 4-8)Any child who has been teased or left out will find friends in this story. When the fireworks display for the Fourth of July celebration at Uncle Yankee Doodle's Farm are ruined, Snickerdoodle surprises all with a special guest who knows how to shine. Theme: second chances, appreciating diversity, sharing one's talents to help others. |
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Story of America's Birthday (The) |
CLASSROOM AND PARTY SUPPLIES, TOYS AND GAMES
FOR 4TH (FOURTH) OF JULY FESTIVITIES
Product names are in blue and underlined. Click on them to get more information.
Alphabetized with short descriptions for your convenience and to save you research time.
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Bunting - 6' American Flag Bunting by Century Novelty.Have A Star Spangled Celebration with Patriotic Party Decorations! The party doesn't start until everything is starred and striped. So don't start your Fourth of July party without the perfect patriotic party decorations. 3' tall and 6' wide. Red, white, and blue bunting with stars. Made of polyester. Pleated full fan. Three grommets across the top of bunting for easy hanging. Show your American pride with must have patriotic party decorations like these. USA decorations are perfect for any Fourth of July party or patriotic theme event. |
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Doll - Disney 10" 4th of July Mickey Mouse Plush Doll by Disney. 10" 4th of July Mickey Mouse Plush Doll. |
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Garland - Patriotic Lantern Garland by Rubies.Patriotic Lantern Garland makes a colorful patriotic display. Measures 12' across, and includes 6 paper lanterns (each about 3 1/2" in diameter). 3 lanterns have red and white stripes and 3 lanterns have white stars against a blue background. |
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Glider - Patriotic Glider by Century Novelty. Patriotic Party Favors Show Off Old Glory with New Style! The party doesn't start until everything is starred and striped, including your guests. So fill your goody bags with starred and striped favors like these. They make perfect patriotic party favors as well as festive Fourth of July give-a-ways. 6 1/2" long and wide glider. Made of foam. Fill your goody bags with American pride, with patriotic party favors like these. Your guests will love the patriotic party when they are supplied with the best patriotic party favors around! |
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Hand Clapper - Patriotic Hand Clapper by Century Novelty.Patriotic Party Favors Show Off Old Glory with New Style! The party doesn't start until everything is starred and striped, including your guests. So fill your goody bags with starred and striped favors like these. They make perfect patriotic party favors as well as festive Fourth of July give-a-ways. 7 1/4" tall and 3" wide at widest point. Made of plastic. Fill your goody bags with American pride, with patriotic party favors like these. Your guests will love the patriotic party when they are supplied with the best patriotic party favors around! |
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Keychain - Ty Soar - Eagle Keychain by Ty.Our Soar key clip, created in the same style as its Beanie sized counterpart, is a 5 plush American eagle whose wings bears the stars and stripes and with metal key clip attached. It's perfect for keys or can be clipped onto your belt, purse or backpack. Your patriotic pride will Soar! |
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Napkins - Americana Beverage Napkins, 100ct by Rubies. Each package of Americana Beverage Napkins includes 100 paper napkins. Each napkin features a classic American Flag design. |
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Napkins - Americana Lunch Napkins, 100ct by Rubies. Each package of Americana Lunch Napkins includes 100 paper napkins. Each napkin features a classic American Flag design. |
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Paper Cups - Americana Super Paper Cups, 25ct by Rubies. Each package of Americana Cups includes 25 paper cups that will hold 9oz of your favorite beverage. Each cup features a classic American Flag design with white stars against a blue background and a red and white stripe border on the top. |
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Rubber Duckys - 2 Dozen (24) 4th of July Patriotic RUBBER DUCK Ducky Party Favors by OTC. Hosting a party or cookout? Use as table decor around your appetizers, or use as cupcake toppers. These theme rubber duckies make great party favors or just fun toys for kids to play with. Great toy for pool or bath. They don't squeak, but do have a hole in their beaks for squirting water. These mini ducks measure 1-1/2". These glow in the dark. They do not float upright. |
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Rubber Duckys - One Dozen (12) Patriotic 4th of July Rubber Duckys by PrettyPartyPlace. Be ready for July 4th early this year with these cute themed duckys. They are wearing red, white and blue and waving the American flag. Hosting a party or cookout? Use as table decor around your appetizers, or use as cupcake toppers. These theme rubber duckies make great party favors or just fun toys for kids to play with. Great toy for pool or bath. They don't squeak, but do have a hole in their beaks for squirting water. These mini ducks measure 2". They do not float upright. |
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Star String Decoration by Rubies. Each package contains 6 strings, measuring 7' in length, adorned with metallic red, white, and blue stars. Individual stars measure about 4" across. |
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Statue of Liberty Torch (Latex) by Buy Costumes. Made of durable latex, approximately 15 inches tall. |
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Tiara - Patriotic Light Up Tiara by Rubies. Crowning glory! The tiara is made of hard plastic and sparkles with red, white & blue faux stones. On the front is a light up flashing red star. Tiara measures 3 1/2" x 5". |
ONLINE LINKS TO STORIES AND INFORMATION
PATRIOTS - PATRIOTIC - 4TH (FOURTH) OF JULY - INDEPENDENCE DAY
Online links are in blue and underlined . Click on them to get more stories/information.
Story titles are in quotation marks.
To retell any of the stories, get permission from the copyright holder if the material is not in the public domain.
Short descriptions included for your convenience and to save you research time.
• http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/fourth-of-july/short-stories/index.html
Short Stories for Kids.
• http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/july4/links.html
Kids Domain - Patriotic Sites!
• http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/People_and_Society/Holidays_and_Special_Days/Fourth_of_July/
Fourth of July.
• http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/4thUnit.html
Oklahoma Homeschool.
• http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/christmastvspecials2006/tp/july4movies.htm
Kids' Movies & TV.
• http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-why.html
Why do we celebrate the 4th of July? by Kim Moon from Kaboose.com.
• http://holidays.kaboose.com/july-4/
4th of July 2010: Crafts, Recipes, Party, Activities.
• http://www.surfnetkids.com/independenceday.htm
Independence Day: America's Freedom Documents, Bety Ross Homepage, Declaring Independence, Liberty: The Road to Revolution.
• http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/july4.htm
Celebrate Independence Day: 234th year.
• http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/index.html
General USA and Fourth of July Section from DLTK's Growing Together.
• http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/jmain.htm
America's Independence Day: Celebrate. Games, Holidays, Goodies.
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/july4/
Crafts and activities for July 4th from enchantedlearning.com. Includes Fourth of July activity book; stand-alone star; patriotic pinwheel, patriotic wind sock; craft stick flag, patriotic pebble, 5-pointed star, cascade of strs, string of stars, and much more.
• http://www.homeschooled-kids.com/julhistory1.html
All About Independence Day!: Resources for parents, teachers, and those who just love children. The history behind the celebration.
• http://www.americanfolklore.net/
Check out this site for stories about America and her State Folktales and famous folks. Key "4th of July" into the search box.
SOS - SEARCHING OUT STORIES AND INFORMATION
PATRIOTS - PATRIOTIC - 4TH (FOURTH) OF JULY - INDEPENDENCE DAY
Advice, Comments and References from Storytellers, Teachers and Librarians
(excerpts from Storytell posts plust original research)
Book titles and online links are in blue and underlined. Click on them to get more information.
In performance, always credit your sources.
To retell any of these stories, get permission from the copyright holder if the material is not in the public domain.
Story titles are in quotation marks.
Posts are entered chronologically as they are received at Story Lovers World.
1) One of the best things you can do is get your "kiddie" audience telling stories of their own favorite "4th." I usually have them pair off one-on-one and tell stories to each other. This eliminates the need for standing up and lessens the amount of time needed. You might prepare a "remember when" list to hand out with things like picnics, fireworks, weather, siblings, etc, which will get their imaginations started.
2) My idea is teaching the audience the first two stanzas of "Yankee Doodle" and telling three stories about Americans and singing the refrain between the stories. But with such little time, you could still teach them the song, but then tell short American Folktales - Br'er Rabbit, Jack Tales, Johnny Appleseed (okay, he was real), Paul Bunyan, etc.
3) Suggested reading list for Independence Day - Fourth of July books (listed alphabetically):
• America: Her Patriotic Stories and Exciting Events--True and Thrilling Incidents Relating to the Wonderful Progress and Achievements of our Country
• America the Beautiful: Stories of Patriotic Songsby Robert Kraske.
The stories behind the writing of six patriotic American songs: "Yankee Doodle," "The Star-Spangled Banner," "America," "Dixie," "America the Beautiful," and "God Bless America."
• Celebrating Independence Day (Holiday Celebrations)by Shelly Nielsen and Rosemary Wallner, with Marie-Claude Monchaux (illus). (1992 - Ages 9-12)
• Children's Book of Patriotic Stories: The Spirit of '76by Asa Don Dickinson.
• Children's Second Book of Patriotic Stories the Spirit of '61 (the American Holiday Story Books)by Asa Don Dickinson
• Holidays, Festivals & Celebrations Independence Dayby Heinrichs & Jordan. (2006)
• Holidays Set II: Chinese New Year/Cinco de Mayo/Columbus Day/Independence Day/Martin Luther King Jr. Day/President's Day (Holidays Set II)by Julie Murray. (2005)
• How to Draw Independence Day Things (Doodle Books)by Rob Court. (2008 - Ages 4-8)
• Independence Day (Best Holiday Books)by Willma Willis Gore and Michael P. French, Ph.D. (1993 - Ages 9-12)
• Independence Day (Holidays, Festivals, & Celebrations)by Ann Heinrichs and Robert Squier (illus). (2006 - Ages 4-8)
• Independence Day (Let's See Library)
by Marc Tyler Nobleman. (2004 - Ages 4-8)
• Independence Day (Pebble Books)by Helen Frost and Gail Saunders-Smith. (2000 - Ages 4-8)
• Independence Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays)by Trudi Strain Trueit. (2006 - Ages 4-8)
• Independence Day (True Books)by Nancy I. Sanders. (2003 - Ages 9-12)
• On Independence Day (Holiday Happenings)by Judith Mazzeo Zocchi and Rebecca Wallis (illus). (2005 - Ages 4-8)
• Patriotic America for young people: A book telling the thrilling story of our country, its progress and achievementsby R.S. Ewing.
• Stories Of Patriotism: A Patriotic Reader For The Intermediate Grades (1918)by Norma Helen Deming.
4) Here's a 4th of July site.
http://gurukul.american.edu/heintze/fourth.htm
Mary Lee S. 6/26/06
(Created 2003; last update 7/4/11)
Story Lovers World ... 707-996-1996 P.O. Box 446, Sonoma, CA 95476 |
by Elaine Landau. (2001 - Ages 9-12) 
by Patricia A. Pingry with Stacy Venturi-Pickett (illus). (2000 - Baby-Preschool)