Angela Ferraro-Fanning - Little Homesteader: A Spring Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom

ANGELA FERRARO-FANNING & ANNELIESDRAWS

HEY , this book was a REALLY GOOD CHOICE!

Not just because its a GREAT BOOK (of course wed say that), but because it is PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER made from 100% post-consumer waste. Turning a tree into new paper uses a lot of energy, water, and chemicals. But turning waste paper into fresh paper again uses a lot less of those resources.

Did you know that most picture books are made in countries on the other side of the world, so they travel a long way to get here? This special book was printed right here in the US, so the CARBON FOOTPRINT FROM SHIPPING IS LOWER , too.

This more PLANET-FRIENDLY way of making books costs more, so why did we bother? Because at Ivy Kids we know that our young readers will inherit the world we create today, and we think those children want a HEALTHY, HAPPY PLANET . (As well as awesome books to read).

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!

Spring is one of the busiest seasons. Its a time for new life and new beginnings. All around, nature is hard at workand so are we!

Crops such as kale, watercress, and strawberries can be planted, then harvested and enjoyed later in the season. Edible wildflowers can be foraged and used to make sweet syrup and tasty cookies.

There are spring holidays to celebrate with homemade gifts and seasonal recipes, and its a perfect time for outdoor adventures and craft projects that use natural materials.

This season offers an abundance of fun and opportunity.

Turn the pages and see how you can join in!

In the spring, nature comes to life again. Animals wake up from their winter sleep, baby lambs and kids are born, and ducklings and chicks are hatching. The earth thaws, flowers emerge and bloom, the days grow longer and warmer, and we can finally spend more time outside. Discover some of the things you can do and experience during this special season...

PHENOLOGY

Phenology is the science of reading natures signs and discovering the relationships between plants, animals, and insects. Natural events, such as the opening of flowers, can help farmers and gardeners to plan for the arrival of certain insects and to know when to start planting crops. We can even look at plants and their behavior to predict weather, such as rainfall! Here are some common springtime examples...

When the crocus blooms in spring, its time to plant "cool weather crops," such as lettuce, peas, and radish.

When lilacs and apple trees blossom, plant cucumber, green beans, and squash.

If iris and peonies bloom, its warm enough to plant peppers, eggplant, and melon.

When peach and plum trees blossom, its a good time to sow carrot, beet, broccoli, radish, cauliflower, and cabbage seeds.

Can you spot tulips or daffodils closing their petals? If so, rain is on the way! The plants do this to protect their pollen from rainfall.

Lily of the valley blooms signal the time to plant tomatoes.

Watch for morning glories to blossomthis means Japanese beetles will arrive soon!

Watch for dandelions to openthis means its time to plant potatoes.

MAKE A PHENOLOGY WHEEL

Do you think there are relationships between plants, animals, or weather in your own backyard or local park? You can make a phenology wheel to keep track of whats happening in nature around you.

YOU WILL NEED:

• A LARGE SHEET OF PAPER OR A PAPER PLATE
• SOMETHING CIRCULAR TO TRACE, SUCH AS A PLATE
• SCISSORS
• A RULER
• A PENCIL
• MARKERS OR CRAYONS

1. If using paper, trace a large circle in the middle of the sheet of paper, then carefully cut the circle out. If using a plate, skip to step 2.

1. Use a pencil and ruler to divide the circle/plate into sections. Create as many as you like.

1. Use each section to record a relationship you see in nature. Start by choosing one section and write down or draw what you see. For example, which flowers are blooming? Which insects are arriving? Do the flowers react to the weather?
2. Continue watching nature throughout the spring and keep drawing and writing down the relationships you notice!
3. After youve completed your phenology wheel, be sure to keep it as a reminder for what to expect next spring!