Blueberries for Sal
Written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey
Verdict:
This classic picture book about blueberries and bears continues to charm.
What is it about?
A mother and her little daughter go to pick blueberries for winter. A Mama bear and her cub go to eat blueberries for winter. The little ones are not entirely helpful and get their mothers mixed up, but not to fear, everyone ends up with blueberries.
Our take:
This classic picture book from 1948 is still a favorite for its delightful, expertly-drawn illustrations and its gentle story. The pictures show many details of the era and of the landscape – and the bears – in style and competence not often seen today. The story is perfect for a read aloud, with large pages, clear illustrations with a lot to see. It has a simple text that offers some opportunities for varied voicing. Other books by this author are similarly delightful.
Perfect fit for:
This is a story for little ones, but the skillful, blue ink illustrations are for everyone to enjoy. You will want this book in your library for many readings, and for children to sit with and admire. Even for a story featuring bears, there is nothing frightening in the book, and with appropriate voicing, the reader can make the mix-up humorous.
Conversation Starters
Why do little Sal's berries go kuplink, but Mother's berries do not?
Was little Sal helpful?
Have you ever lost sight of your mother or father? How did they find you?
How do you help your parents?
What do you do to get ready for winter? What does your family do?
What do bears do to get ready for winter? Why?
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