Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Booking Across the USA - Travels with Charlie Down South - Arkansas



I am excited to be a part of the "Booking Across the USA"  Hop.  Each of the 50 U.S. States are represented.  The Travels with Charlie series was chosen as there are 4 separate books covering each state. Travels with Charlie was written by Miles Backer and illustrated by Chuck Nitzberg. The publisher, Blue Apple Books provided each of the participants with a copy of the book representing their 
state.

The book I received is called Travels with Charlie Down South as I live in Arkansas.  This book is colorful, and fun.  It's similar to the "I Spy" game played as kids, with a hint of "Where's Waldo or in this case, Charlie!"  For each state, the pages open up to show a map with different landmarks and places to visit.  On the other side of the map is a list of locations in question form so that the person reading it can locate those places on the map.


This book, as well as the others in the series are a great addition to any classroom library to share with students about the state they live in as well as other parts of the country.  


Meet Charlie.  He is the main character in the Travels with Charlie books.   He wanted to learn more about Arkansas!

Arkansas was the 25th state to join the union on June 15, 1836.  The state capital is in Little Rock. The state is known for it's natural beauty.  It was nicknamed "The Natural State" because of this.   The state bird is the Mockingbird.  Would you like to learn more Arkansas facts?  Click here.

Even though I am not originally from Arkansas,  I was engaged in looking at the map in the book too!  I learned something new!  I didn't know that the state of Arkansas had a sanctuary for Elephants!!!  I just love elephants and it made me happy to know that there is a retirement home for them right here in my own state! I didn't get a chance to visit the elephants, but I did find their website online and hope to make a trip there in the future! {The link is below in the virtual tour!}




It isn't uncommon to see the white tailed deer walking around along roadways and in yards.  {This picture was taken in my own driveway.  I thought it was nice of the deer to pose!}

One of my favorite places to visit in Arkansas is Lake Norfork.  It is approximately 45 minutes from my home.  I share these pictures because I think it is one of the most scenic areas in Arkansas. There is a large bridge that spans the middle of the lake.



This picture shows one of the bridges (in the background) that spans the lake.  


Arkansas is located in the Ozark Mountains.  There are locations like this one in the picture where you can see the rolling hills.  In other places, it doesn't feel or look like you're in the mountains at all.


This picture was taken to show the water tower.  Water here in Arkansas is stored in big water towers.  Many smaller towns have these, and they hold millions of gallons of water that are pumped into the towers by wells.  The water towers are symbolic of the south.

There are many other locations in Arkansas to visit.  It's a friendly state that welcomes travelers like family.  Below is a virtual tour of my state to accompany the review of the Travels with Charlie book series.


Virtual Tour of Arkansas



I created a printable booklet for students to research states.  The cover is made to look like a small suitcase.  The writing sheets fit inside. I left the design a little generic so they can be used for any state.  The file includes instructions, and the 3 template pieces. 

I created this because the whole time I was reading the Travels with Charlie Down South book, I was thinking about how fun it would be to visit each of the states included in each book.  What is one thing that you take with you when you travel?  A suite case! 

Click image to download booklet file.




There is going to be a  giveaway of a set of all 4 of the Travels with Charlie books - Travelin' the NorthEast, Way out West, Down South, and Across Midwest!    This is a MUST HAVE collection for your classroom!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


To visit the other states in this hop...





4 comments:

  1. A suitcase book! What a wonderful idea!

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  2. Spent a year teaching in El Dorado, Arkansas getting to travel the state while there. I also never knew there was an elephant sanctuary. Look forward to sharing the virtual tour with my kids. They will be sharing the razorback head gear.

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  3. These books look awesome! I learned that the Ohio State Flag is the only flag in the US that is not rectangle. It's shape is called a burgee. Very cool!

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  4. I love seeing Charlie in your pictures! Thanks so much for being a part of Booking Across the USA!

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