Touch the Sky
Vern longs to be one of the kids who swoop until their toes touch the sky. He heads to the swings and desperately tries to pump his legs, but he just can’t get it. A chance encounter with precocious (and hilarious) Gretchen gives him just what he needs to know, and he finally learns to soar.
A story for every child on the cusp of learning something new who just needs an extra push to get there.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-7284-6045-1
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$14.24 | |
|
979-8-7656-1191-3
|
$23.99 | |
|
979-8-7656-4902-2
|
$34.99 | |
|
979-8-7656-4904-6
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$6.99 |
| Interest Level | Kindergarten - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 2 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Category | SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2024 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Carolrhoda Books ® |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2024-05-07 |
Author: Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Her work includes The End of Something Wonderful, Hello Star, and The League of Picky Eaters.
Illustrator: Chris Park
Chris Park has been a professional illustrator for over twelve years. Some of his previous clients include TBS, Team Coco, Rolling Stone, American Greetings Co., Cloudco Entertainment, Pro Publica, Sleeping Bear Press, Usborne Publishing and Lightspeed Magazine. He co-authored and illustrated his the picture books Little Sock and Little Sock Makes a Friend with his wife Kia. Chris lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Touch the Sky
Vern longs to be one of the kids who swoop until their toes touch the sky. He heads to the swings and desperately tries to pump his legs, but he just can’t get it. A chance encounter with precocious (and hilarious) Gretchen gives him just what he needs to know, and he finally… View available downloads →
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Touch the Sky: An Interview with Author Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
Learning to pump on the swings is a rite of passage for many young children. In Touch the Sky Vern longs to be one of the kids who swoop until their toes touch the sky. A chance encounter with precocious (and hilarious) Gretchen gives him just what he needs to know, and he finally learns View →
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Awards
- Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books
- NPR Best Books of the Year
- Kirkus Best Children's Book of 2024
- Booklist Editor's Choice
- CYBILS Award Nominee
Reviews
Booklist
“This is a book that soars on multiple levels, grounded in the sense memories of the playground while not only serving as a practical guide but also capturing the challenge, excitement, and wonder of conquering your first swing.”—starred, Booklist
School Library Journal
“This lovely, dynamic picture book would be an excellent choice for libraries needing stories about the path of learning, step by step, the small joys along the way, and sharing in that joy with others.”—School Library Journal
The Horn Book Magazine
“Readers of all ages will relate to Vern’s experience of mastering something new, all the stops and starts included. Lucianovic’s vigorous text captures the joy of soaring high into the sky on a swing . . . Park’s illustrations are magnetic, drawing viewers’ eyes to each page.”—Horn Book Magazine
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“This is a wonderfully engaging and supportive must-read about personal growth through persisting, trying again, succeeding, and helping others pitched perfectly to resonate with the target audience’s age, context, and interests. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature
Kirkus Reviews
“Lucianovic demonstrates a keen, child-friendly understanding of what it’s like to master a new skill. . . The energetic, loosely drawn mixed-media illustrations zing with color. . . It’s swing, hit, and no miss with this rip-roaring charmer.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews