Books with author Karen Dean

Let’s Go To Mackinac Island is the first in a series of children’s picture travel books for children ages 5-10, but delighting adults as well. A different family travels to each destination on a fun journey, exploring the sights while learning some history along the way. Each book is bursting with vibrant watercolor illustrations as scenes are depicted through the eyes of a child. Come along with the Anderson family – Josh, 10, Angela, 7, and mischievous Brandon, 5, as they visit a one-of-a-kind island in Lake Huron, located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. The island has no land access, no bridge or highway, in fact, apart from a small airport, the only way to get there is by ferry boat. Residents and visitors walk, ride bicycles or horses, or use horse-drawn carriages to get around. Whether you’ve yet to visit this idyllic wonderland, or have already experienced its beguiling charm, this book will let you enjoy, again and again, the exciting enchantment that only Mackinac Island can deliver.

Come along with the Butler family, Mom, Travis, 9, and Jessie, 6, as they take their summer vacation and discover all that’s great about Chicago, “The Windy City”. You’ll recognize and revel again in your favorite spots if you’ve been there before, or preview them and plan your trip if you haven’t. Karen Dean’s artwork is exceptional and pleasant in its color and detail. While written specifically for 4-10 year olds, adults will appreciate the life-like watercolor illustrations. You’ll experience the museums, tall buildings, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, boat rides on the Chicago River, and much more in this story about one of the truly great cities of the world.

What happens when the bully becomes the victim! Bossing everyone else around became a bad habit for the main character in Big Shot. Other students were afraid of him because of his mean actions, words, and stares. He didn t care who he hurt or made cry, both girls and boys. He wanted to be in control as much as possible. It was going exactly as he wanted until one day, it all changed. He moved away and had to go to a new school. Then he worried about what he was going to have to go through. How would he be treated by the bullies at that school? After confessing his bullying to his Dad and counselor, he was told to apologize to the classmates at his old school. Even though it was hard, the apology helped the other students and helped him to understand the hurtful effect he had on others. The discussion questions are a useful tool to help students verbalize how it feels to be annoyed or tormented by a bully s actions and words. Seeing how quickly a bully can become a victim will help students be more aware of their ways.