Waltz of the Scarecrows - Softcover

McGeorge, Constance W.; McGeorge, Constance

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0811840786 ISBN 13: 9780811840781

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2003

Synopsis

While visiting her grandparents' farm one summer, Sarah helps her grandma and grandpa make scarecrows. Together they stuff old clothes with straw and sew button eyes onto pillow faces. But these are no ordinary scarecrows. Dressed in top hats and tails, ball gowns and gloves, these scarecrows look as if they are ready for a night on the town. And, indeed, they are! Coupled with sweeping watercolor illustrations that almost glow with moonlight, this magical tale will set readers' imaginations dancing. Includes a reader's guide with activities and discussion topics for home and classroom.

Awards and honors for Waltz of the Scarecrows:
1999 Parent Council LTD Seal
Smithsonian Notable Award

About this title

About the Author

Constance McGeorge dedicates her time to writing children's books and painting. She lives with her husband, James, three dogs and a horse in Columbus, Ohio.

Mary Whyte is an accomplished artist best known for her watercolor paintings. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and their golden retriever.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-On a visit to her grandparents' farm, Sarah is awakened by Grandpa, who announces that it's time to make scarecrows. Instead of rags, the scarecrows in this farm community wear old party clothes. When the child asks why, her grandfather begins a tale of long ago when hungry birds descended on the town and were chased away by a group of people attending a harvest ball. Ever since, the scarecrows have been dressed in fancy attire. Legend also has it that folks have seen the scarecrows waltz in their fancy satins and top hats during the full moon. The story ends with a wordless double spread depicting a luminous fall evening when scarecrows are hopping fences to join others dancing in a field. From the endpaper of golden straw to the final spread, the text and illustrations are sure to win the hearts of children. Whyte's watercolors are detailed and have dramatic perspectives that lend excitement to the story. An added bonus: readers are encouraged to find a cleverly hidden scarecrow on each page. Pair this story with Helen Ketteman's Year of No More (Orchard, 1993) for a seasonal storyhour.
Olga R. Barnes, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NC
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0811840786
• ISBN 13: 9780811840781
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Whyte Mary