Module 2: Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

"Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!"

indiebound.org

Citation
McCloskey, R.  (1976).  Blueberries for Sal.  New York:  Viking Press.

Summary
Little Sal and her mother head to Blueberry Hill to pick blueberries for canning for the winter.  On the other side of the hill, Little Bear and his mother are eating blueberries to prepare for hibernation.  Both little creatures become separated from their mothers while eating blueberries and end up following the wrong one!  Both mothers go home with their children and full bellies and pails for the winter.

My Impressions
The cover for this popular children's book had never really appealed to me, but I wanted to read it this week because many of my friends fondly remember the story.  I was immediatly drawn into this charming tale about a little girl and her mother picking blueberries.  The black and white illustrations are realistic, but not overly detailed.  Both the setting and characters come to life, with landscapes that stretch across both pages and an overall strap that can't seem to stay atop Sal's shoulder.  It is easy to imagine any little preschooler carrying that tin pail. There is little to show the age of the book, as only the mother's clothing and hairstyle indicate the time period in which the book was created.  The language is simple but fun, as Little Bear hustles after his mother while munching berries and Sal drops berries in her pail with a "kuplink!"      

Review
"And School Library Journal’s starred review said, 'All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside.'"

Bird, E.  (2009, April 30).  Top 100 Picture Books Poll Results #13 [Web log post].  Retrieved from http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2009/04/30/top-100-picture-books-poll-results-13/.

Suggested Library Uses

• For a storytime for 4-6 year-olds, discuss animal safety and the importance of not wandering too far away from parents/guardians.  Have children share any experiences in the outdoors.  Play a "Hi-Ho Cherry-O"- style game with blue beads and pails, encouraging the children to drop their "blueberries" and enjoy the "kuplunk" sound.  Ensure the beads are large enough to be safe for younger participants.
• Host a berry-picking party at a park or nearby outdoor recreation area.  Prepare a simple recipe using the berries, emphasizing steps that children can perform.  Read the book before picking berries or during a lull in the food preparation.

Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Library
E M1326B


Notes
Caldecott Honor Book, 1949
Original illustrations were done in blue ink, adding to the blueberry experience! (see Bird blog posting cited above)