Waltz of the Scarecrows

Waltz of the Scarecrows

Author: Constance McGeorge
Illustrator: Mary Whyte

Themes: Halloween, fall, family
Genre: Fiction, Children's Stories
Age: Preschool and up

Synopsis: When Sarah goes to visit her grandparents, she helps them make scarecrows. But these scarecrows are a little different. They are dressed in top hats and tails, ball gowns and gloves and look as if they are ready for the ball. The illustrations in the book will make the readers mind dance as they read the book.

I enjoyed reading this book, and first came across it while visiting my mom at the pre-school where she works. The children really seem to enjoy this book and are always trying to be the first one to find the scarecrow hiding on the page.

Pre-reading Activiy: Before reading this book, as the students if any of them have ever made a scarecrow. Have a pre-made scarecrow on the board or easel and have the students name the different parts that a scarecrow has and have them come up with a list of objects that they could make this body part of the scarecrow out of.

Post-reading Activity: After reading this story talk about with the students whether they think scarecrows really dance. Ask them what the real purpose of a scarecrow is. Bring in a pile of old clothes and buttons, break the students up into groups, and have each group make their own scarecrow, to be displayed on the lawn of the school or in the classroom. After the groups have made their scarecrows, have them name their scarecrow as a group, and then have them write a story about the scarecrow.

About the Author: Constance McGeorge lives in Ohio, and is the author of a number of children's books, including Boomer Goes to School.



McGeorge, C. (2003). Waltz of the Scarecrows. :Chronicle Books. Grades Pre-k +.