This may have been our favorite book as a whole from Volume 1. The kids loved the independence given to Mark, the main character and the author, and how he helped the family business. Children love to feel useful and I am always convicted to let them do more, mess and all.
Social Studies
The story takes place in New England, on the coast – but the original hot dog stand was found in Connecticut. We took the opportunity to learn about the original colonies in North America and the unique geography and culture found there now.
Math
We have developed our learning of money since this time, but this book introduced us to the different types of coins and bills we use today. I have also collected an assortment of money from a variety of countries – where I visited myself or was gifted from others. It is fascinating how each country designs their money and who or what they choose to immortalize.
Science
Neither kid had been to the ocean at this point of their lives, so we had to settle for books and videos on YouTube to take us there. Estuaries are just about the neatest places with incredible creatures and habitats. We found a livestream (unavailable now or else I would for sure share it) of jellyfish at an aquarium, but we also took a trip as a family to the nearby aquarium in Newport, KY. We have since visited the ocean and the great lakes and even taken a whale tour out into the St Lawrence River, which is an important estuary.
Other books
The Song of the Water Boatman isn’t about a saltwater environment, but I love finding different kinds of poetry to share with the kids. We also spend some time each week at a pond and we compared/contrasted the two habitats.
I love the artwork for this book! When I was younger, I discovered oil pastels and I really enjoyed working with it – actually rubbed my fingers sore blending the colors together. I was too intimidated with chalk-pastels back then, but the kids and I boldly took on practicing the medium and coming up with our own boat and sunset scene. I do enjoy learning new skills right along with my kiddos while we homeschool!
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Complete Booklist:
Find the full list on 
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- “Night of the Moonjellies” by Mark Shasha
- “The Thirteen Colonies” by Bray Jacobson
- “Explore New England” by Kristine Spanier
- “Learn About Money” by Mary Reina
- “Jellyfish” by Valerie Bodden
- “Curious About Jellyfish” by Annie Holdren
- “Estuary Animals” by Liza Colozza Cocca
- “On the Coast” by Claudia Martin
- “Sammy the Seasick Pirate” by Janelle Springer-Willms
- “Song of the Water Boatman” by Joyce Sidman
Xapa to the World 