Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie



Last updated Friday, July 13, 2012

Author: Julie Sternberg
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0810984245
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2012

Synopsis: When Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, has to move away to take care of her ailing father, Eleanor must try to bear the summer without Bibi and prepare for the upcoming school year. Her new, less-than-perfect babysitter just isn't up to snuff, and she doesn't take care of things like Bibi used to. But as the school year looms, it's time for new beginnings. Eleanor soon realizes that she will always have Bibi, no matter how far away she is.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever had a babysitter?
•  Has anyone you loved ever moved away?
•  Do you know where Brooklyn is?

Vocabulary
•  Distraction: to interrupt, to shift attention
•  Magnolia: the blossom of any tree
•  Shattered: to break into pieces
•  Stationary: to stay in one place

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever had a babysitter?
•  What do you think of Eleanor?
•  Why do you think the book is called like pickle juice on a cookie?

Craft ideas:
•  Write Letters

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!