• Heathcote Elementary School

     April 2014

     Book of the Month:

     Milo and the Magical Stones

     By Marcus Pfister

     
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     Dear Heathcote Family,

     

    April is Earth Month! April 22, is Earth Day!

    The story of Milo and the Magical Stones tells the cautionary tale of what can happen to our planet Earth based on our choices.  I first learned of this book when I was an elementary level science special for grades K-4. I would share it with classes during the month of April to celebrate Earth Month and Earth Day. That was almost 20 years ago.  At that time our planet was not in as much turmoil as is evident today.  Climate change is a reality.  That is why I felt that it is now time to share this cautionary tale with my Heathcote family. 

    Milo discovers something precious on his beloved island and he takes it.  This leads to the other mice wanting the same.  Wise mouse Balthazar warns his fellow mice “If you take something from the island, you must give something in return”.  At this point the story separates into a happy ending and a sad ending each based on the choice that is made. The book closes with a letter from Milo encouraging us to save the Earth and providing suggestions on how to do so.

    I hope you will join Milo and celebrate the Earth. Let’s all make the choice to help it to stay healthy.  Happy Earth Day!

    Warmest regards,

    Mrs. Stile

    Principal

    PS- Many resources are available online to provide extensions to this book- enjoy!