October 21st is World Earthworm Day. Earthworms are important to our existance. They improve our soil in various ways.
I have a book, “Earthworms and Their Allies” by F.E. Beddard, published in 1912 by Cambridge University Press.
This is quite a study on earthworms. There are chapters on the anatomy, and senses of earthworms. Then a discussion of various types of earthworms. There is even a very interesting chapter on migration of earthworms, and how oceans and mountains limit the earthworm’s movement. This is an old book, and yet very detailed.
I also have a kids story on earthworms, “How to Eat Fried Worms” by Thomas Rockwell. My kids and grandkids have all read this book in school.
October 21st is American Frog Day. It is the day to get more aquainted to amphibians. I have a good book to learn about those critters, “Bufo, The Story of a Toad” by Robert M. McClung, published 1954. This book explains the whole life cycle of frogs and toads. It also has great illustrations throughout the book, all drawn by the author.
I have a kid’s book about frogs and toads, aptly named, “Frog and Toad Together” by Arnold Lobel, printed 1972. There are some good stories here, the best being ‘Cookies’.
What is important about learning about earthworms, and frogs? I have a book on that-“Let’s Go Outdoors” by Harriet E. Huntington, and photos by Preston Duncan. The book was printed in 1939.
This book encourages children to go outdoors and explore. As the author states:
‘Let’s go outdoors and see what we can find. There are a lot of little creatures who live there and are fun to watch. Most of these creatures are helpful to us.”
The book has many pictures and descriptions of many ‘creatures’ to discover and learn about. The cover has a boy holding a frog. Chapter three is ‘Worms’; Chapter eleven is “Poliwogs’; Chapter twelve is ‘Frogs and Toads’. Children should be outside whenever possible, to learn and explore.
Yesterday, October 20, was Kamala Harris’ birthday. I was just given the book “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea” by Meena Harris printed 2020.
It was written about Kamala and her sister putting together a playground in their apartment building court yard, when they were children. The author is the niece of Kamala Harris. It is an example of of what being an organizer can do-even at a young age. And, they played outside!
So get out there…and take some kids, too.
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