Blueberries are such a wonderful and happy little berry, my very favorite! We have five young blueberry plants in the garden, two are old enough to start producing some nice berries. We have been picking them as they become ripe for the last two weeks. Perfect for blueberry muffins, breads, and pancakes, and we are hoping for enough to also make a blueberry pie by the end of the week. I would like to review my favorite blueberry themed children's books as well as share a blueberry craft and some pictures.
My favorite blueberry themed Children's books are Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey- a cute story, well written, about Sal and her mother's adventures out picking blueberries, and their run in with a Mother Bear and her cub also out to pick blueberries. This story moves along at a good pace, and holds the attention of the listener, as well as being interesting to the adult reading it. Great illustrations too, this story has been a favorite of our families since the children were toddlers. I would say this is a must read classic children's book.
And Peter in Blueberry Land, by Elsa Beskow- an adventure about Peter's search for Blueberries and cranberries for his mother, and how he meets the King of Blueberry Land. All of Elsa Beskow's books are charmingly illustrated, her pictures and stories spark imagination, highly recommended.
Here are the links to those books through Amazon.com:
I have included a picture of my latest needle felted project. A wonderful little blueberry baby. A perfect summer addition to the bookshelf, sitting next to our mini copy of Peter in Blueberry Land. I have also included a picture of one of our wonderful blueberry bushes, and some of the blueberries we have picked.
We have a very tiny yard, and it is amazing how many things one can grow in a small space, our blueberries are planted in half barrels, and although they won't get as big as bushes planted out in the ground, they will provide us with a nice portion of blueberries, as well as the joy of watching them grow. I would encourage anyone with the space for a few barrels to plant some.
Another fun thing to do during blueberry season, is to go to a u-pick blueberry farm. We did this when the children were younger, and they loved it, the plants were beautiful, the air smelled of amazing blueberries, and we were able to pick a large amount of berries for a fraction of supermarket prices, as well as meet a very friendly farmer.
I hope I have inspired everyone to get out there and enjoy blueberry season!
