Paddle-to-the-Sea

Bibliographic Information: Holling, H.C. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Holling Clancy Holling. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Brief Annotation: H.C.Holling received the Caldecott Honor in 1941 for this story. This story begins in Nipigon country north of the Great Lakes when a young boy carved Paddle-to-the-Sea and placed it atop a melting snowbank. This story takes the reader along the harrowing journey with Paddle-to-the-Sea from Canada to the Atlantic.
Genre: Realistic Historical Fiction, Caldecott Honor Award
Grade Level: K-4
Readers who will enjoy this: Readers who enjoy historical fiction, stories of adventure and achievement will enjoy reading this book. This is also a good chapter book to savour.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! This book is so peaceful, even during the uncertain parts of Paddle-to-the-Sea's journey. The painting are timeless, as is this story of adventure. This story reminds the reader that our adventures, journeys and experiences define us and collectively give us our true names--like Paddle-to-the-Sea.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What are the names of the Great Lakes? Who can guess what this story is about from the title and cover art? Why might a young boy make a wooden carving and set it to sail to the Sea? Have you ever been to a Sea or Ocean?