How Your Favorite Book From the Past, Can Lead to a New Story:
IF YOU WERE A KID GROWING UP IN NEW ENGLAND over the last 50 years, then chances are you have had your nose in a Robert McCloskey book at some point. He's as famous as chowder in these parts. His children's books have inspired for generations. There are even landmarks and monuments that pay homage to his work. From the "Make Way For Ducklings" Statue in the Boston Public Garden, to the "One Morning in Maine" Outer Scott Nature Conservancy in the Penobscot Bay, McCloskey left his mark on New England.
He certainly left his mark on me too. One of my favorite books as a child was "Blueberries for Sal." Sal is a spirited little girl who goes off with her mom to "help" pick blueberries on the hill. Meanwhile on that very same hill, a mother and baby bear are picking blueberries too. Sal and the baby bear get caught-up in the mesmerizing world of blueberry picking that they both end up following the wrong mother! This hilarious mix up entertained me to no end. I loved everything about this story. Picking blueberries, tossing them in the tin bucket and listening for the "Ku-Plink" sound.
I always tried to emulate little Sal when I went out into the woods berry picking. Now I am doing my best to emulate one of my favorite authors, Robert McCloskey. I hope you enjoy this tasty adventure with the Baby Foodie and Mary Blueberry!
Have a TASTY Day!