The answer to the clues may be found at the bottom of this column.
Teachers and Parents: Enter to win an entire set of Dawn’s nature books of one title for your home or classroom. It's fun and easy!
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Just read the clues below. They describe an aspect of nature—a plant, animal, mineral, habitat, or natural process. |
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When you're ready to make your guess about who or what I am, click ENTER NOW. |
Who Am I?
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Clue 1: I'm a member of the "dog family." |
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Clue 2: I live throughout North America in deserts, prairies, forests, and even in towns and cities. |
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Clue 3: You might hear me howling at night to communicate with my pack. |
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Clue 4: Don't let me trick you—I am NOT a wolf. |
Do you think you know who I am? ENTER NOW.
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Entries should be submitted no later than noon on Friday. |
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If you guessed correctly, you’re automatically entered into the monthly drawing for a set of nature books from Dawn Publications. |
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A contest winner will be announced at the end of September. |
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Throughout the school year, clues for a new Who Am I are posted no later than Sunday night, so you can use them with your class on Monday morning.Good luck! |
Curious Collage Creatures by Carle
I’d like to introduce you to Eric Carle. You may already know him as the illustrator of the classic children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar…and 70 other books! 
This past weekend I watched a documentary of his life and discovered that he isn’t just a creative genius when it comes to illustrating picture books; he’s also a dedicated nature lover. His earliest childhood memories are of taking long walks in nature with his father. He draws on these memories to tell stories that delight children of all ages, and each story subtly teaches an important lesson.
Some of my favorites are The Mixed-Up Chameleon (a chameleon is finally convinced it should just be itself rather than any other animal), The Grouchy Ladybug (a bumptious bug learns the pleasures of being cheerful), and “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth (a sloth explains why moving slowly is a good idea).
The documentary, Picture Writer, showed Carle working with a group children to create a curious creature. He encouraged them to let their imaginations run wild. I hope you and your children let your imaginations run wild, too, with the activity suggestions below. And watch the movie trailer here.
Inside: Carle’s Collage Art
The Eric Carle website is full of interesting stuff—videos, newsletters, FAQs, and photos. I especially liked watching him paint the colorful tissue papers that uses for his collages. Carle provides these Collage Making Instructions on his website.
Outside: Over in the Arctic
Another book that is illustrated with paper art is Over in the Artic: Where the Cold Winds Blow by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jill Dubin.
Kirkus Review said, “Graceful, stylish cut-paper collages in a mixture of bright colors and patterns create icy backgrounds for each scene.” And a big plus for educators are the several pages in the back of the book that have ideas for curriculum projects. Go to this page on the Dawn Publication’s website to download activities for some outside wintertime adventures.
More Fun with Cut Paper Art
Other books illustrated with Jill Dubin’s cut paper art are Over in the Forest: Come and Take a Peek and Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under.
Each of Jill’s books has its own unique look and feel. This pdf gives you a quick peek at her techniques!