Read and Discover, Together

Balloons Over Broadway: The Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade. Living in the Northeast, the Macy's Parade was a highlight of our Thanksgiving Day morning; almost as important as putting the turkey in the oven. I picked up the book displayed on the non-fiction shelf, thumbed through, and placed it in our library bag to be checked out. I couldn’t wait to introduce my children to a family tradition.

When we arrived home an eager, curious little learner retrieved the book from the bag. "Mom, let's read this one!"
 

We did! Amazing! I learned the back story about the balloons I marveled as I child. In the process of reading one of our newest library finds, I was able to tell my children about one of our favorite holiday traditions—watching the Macy's Day Parade while smells of cinnamon and roasting turkey permeated our home. A slice of family tradition and a delightful piece of American history served up during read-aloud time. It couldn’t be a more perfect combination and it led to amazing conversation and additional studies.

  • Learn more about New York City

  • Read A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino

  • Read The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

  • Perform a puppet show (using sock, finger, hand, or mixed media puppets) to entertain family and friends

  • Experiment with shadow puppets

  • Visit a local marionette theater