Red and Blue Yarn and the Nest at the Barn
What’s so special about ravens? What can we learn from watching these amazing birds?
You’ll find out when you enjoy Red and Blue Yarn and the Nest at the Barn, an enchanting ‘yarn’ by Mary Catherine Rolston. The springtime observations of a passing hiker are imaginatively illustrated with ‘knitstrations’ created by needleworkers Carol Ponti and Donna Ridge.
All the proceeds of this book will be donated to The Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Victoria, British Columbia.
The front and back cover of Red and Blue Yarn and the Nest at the Barn
MC Rolston reading at a school visit
School Visit: What Can You Expect?
In costume, I will read the story to a group of students, (The suggested maximum is no more than three classes. The reading would be more effective with one or two classes)
A copy of the book for the school
The option to use the book as a fundraiser. I will ask for $7.00 to cover my cost and the school or the classroom can set their own price for instance, the book could be sold for $12 which is almost 5 dollars less than regular retail price
Depending on time availability, I will conduct a writing workshop with the students in your class
The Backstory
Love at First Click…..A knitter meets a soldier with a photography hobby
This story was ignited by a story of love. It was 39 years ago that Donna spied James across a room. Mustering courage, she sauntered over with a big smile and asked, “Do you want to dance?” That was it – they have been swaying, sock-hopping, waltzing, tangoing, and quick-stepping through a very busy life. Donna, a fellow educator and avid knitter, encouraged me to retrieve my needles and return to the craft. James, a former city manager for a number of Canada’s largest cities, never fails to delight us with his municipal leadership stories. They are both enthusiastic birders, travelers and are passionate about serving others. Donna and James particularly love ravens for their intelligence and symbolism. On weekends, they can be found birding with Raven, their black border collie mix, in tow, as weekend photographer James captures striking photos of birds. Their devotion to each other while serving their community through government and education is inspiring!
‘Knitstrations’ from Red and Blue Yarn and the Nest at the Barn
The Knitting Diva
A few years ago, we met Carol, a knitting diva who can transform any piece of yarn into art. Carol’s story is one of determination, optimism and creativity. For years, she was a leader in college education. During that time, she had a devastating bike accident that left her with multiple injuries, but she has managed to fight through to recovery. She approaches life as she does with her knitting artistry – with ingenuity, finesse, flexibility and fortitude. She is in constant service to others, coordinating social events, baking up a storm for her friends, or entertaining in the garden she passionately maintains.
Guide for Reading: PRC
Predictions, Reflections and Connections
Predictions
Predicting is an essential tool when developing as a strong reader. This story has been written to hook the young audience in engaging in predicable events.
Reflections
Reflecting throughout a book makes the story extra personal and come alive. It reflects a Reader’s level of comprehension. A more thoughtful and complex reflection and connection reveal a higher understanding of the story. They also help reinforce one’s memory sequence which forms the basis of a retelling with more detail and reference to nuance. A simple and literal retelling reflects a more simplistic understanding.
Connections
Making connections facilitates a deeper understanding of a story through making inferences, noting details and relating them to prior information. It is seeing, linking, and articulating other topics and events to the story. The reader is applying this reading experience to other learned information. Often when making connections the reader will arrive at exciting new insights that extend beyond the literal story.
