Blueberries for Sal
on Goodreads (53)
What’s inside...
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Enjoy 30 sweet blueberry recipes in this beautifully illustrated official cookbook based on the beloved children’s classic Blueberries for Sal. With over three million copies sold since its publication in 1948, Robert McCloskey’s Blueberries for Sal has established its place in the hearts of readers worldwide. Now, for the first time, you can share Little Sal’s love of blueberries with this charming cookbook of thirty family-friendly, blueberry-based recipes to enjoy, including Blueberry Pie, Blueberry Muffins, Breakfast Berry Blue Smoothie, and Blueberry Coffee Cake with Streusel. Featuring the author’s original illustrations as well as new drawings inspired by the iconic images in the book, Blueberries for Sal Cookbook invites you to imagine all the ways Little Sal enjoyed her berries after that memorable day on Blueberry Hill.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Sal and her mother were feeling when they were picking blueberries?
How do you think the bear felt when he saw Sal?
Why is it important to stay close to your family when you're in a place like the forest?
What would you do if you were in Sal's shoes and got lost?
Can you think of a time when you helped your family like Sal helped hers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Sal’s shoes, imagining how they would feel in a similar situation.
Discuss the importance of staying close to family in unfamiliar places, drawing parallels with any personal experiences.
Ask your child to describe what they liked about the illustrations, fostering a deeper connection with the visual storytelling.
Explore the theme of curiosity by discussing what makes the child curious and how they seek answers, similar to Sal's exploration.
Highlight the relationship between Sal and her mother, prompting your child to talk about their relationship with family members.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing and cooperation
Explanation: In the story, both Sal and the bear cub learn to share the blueberry patch with each other, highlighting the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share toys and resources with their peers, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating nature
Explanation: The setting of the story in a lush blueberry patch emphasizes the beauty and bounty of nature, inviting children to explore and respect the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in outdoor activities, such as gardening or hiking, helping them develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of attention and staying close to caregivers
Explanation: Sal’s adventure away from her mother into the company of a bear mother exemplifies the need for children to stay attentive and close to their caregivers in unfamiliar settings.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for ensuring children’s safety in public places, teaching them the importance of always being aware of their surroundings and staying close to a trusted adult.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Sal’s mix-up with the bear cub’s mother shows children that it's common to make mistakes, but it's important to learn from them and find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to not fear making mistakes and instead use them as learning opportunities to improve decision-making in the future.