Paul Bunyan
illustrations by
What’s inside...
With bounding glee, Steven Kellogg brings to life the legend of Paul Bunyan. Together with his blue ox Babe and his crew, Paul Bunyan fights the wild Gumberoos, digs out the Great Lakes and gouges out the Grand Canyon. Paul Bunyan and Steven Kellogg--a splendid pair indeed!--Booklist. Full-color illustrations enhance this lively and humorous retelling of Paul Bunyan's adventures, making it a perfect choice for read-alouds full of laughter. The book recounts the life of the extraordinary lumberjack, whose unusual size and strength brought him many fantastic adventures. Turtleback binding is a highly durable alternative to a hardcover or paperback book. The comprehensive cover reinforcement process will drastically combat wear and tear, keeping your favorite books in great condition for years to come! Turtleback books are ideal for any reader, or for use in schools or libraries.
Age
3-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Paul Bunyan such a legendary figure in this story?
Can you imagine what life would be like if you had a giant blue ox as a pet like Babe?
How do you think teamwork helped Paul and Babe accomplish their tasks?
What qualities do you admire in Paul, and why?
If you could go on an adventure with Paul Bunyan, where would you go and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book, highlight the importance of teamwork by referring to how Paul Bunyan and Babe work together to achieve their goals.
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to visualize and describe scenes from the book or think of new adventures for Paul and Babe.
Discuss the character traits that make Paul Bunyan a hero and ask your child about the qualities they admire in people they consider heroes.
Create a fun, interactive reading environment by using different voices for the characters or even creating small role-play scenarios.
Connect the storied elements to real life by discussing the logging industry's history and its impact on American folklore.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, work together to clear large forests and create new paths, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers on group projects or during team sports, understanding the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through Paul Bunyan's actions that reshape entire landscapes, the story highlights human impact on nature and the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think about their environmental footprint and promotes activities such as recycling, conservation, and respect for nature.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Paul Bunyan often encounters various challenges, such as harsh weather and tough terrains, and uses his wit and strength to solve them.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to approach obstacles in their lives with a problem-solving mindset, considering creative solutions to overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The character of Paul Bunyan is depicted as a giant lumberjack whose determination and hard work lead to extraordinary achievements.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of diligence and perseverance in schoolwork, chores, and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The mythical elements of the story, such as Paul's gigantic size and his extraordinary adventures, stimulate the imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and storytelling, enhancing their cognitive skills and encouraging them to think outside the box.