A Rock Island Tale for Kids

Sandra Johnson recently released her children’s book, Wisconsin’s Rock Island – Images in Paintings and Verse, for the fourth grade reading level.

Johnson says of her book, “While teaching fourth grade in Green Bay, I realized that there were few reading resources for young students that touched upon the important role that the Great Lakes, the river systems and early explorers played in opening up the Wisconsin territory. Often, I designed and incorporated age-appropriate, hands-on activities in my classroom to demonstrate the culture and lifestyle of early residents. After retiring, I wrote and planned the content of my new fourth grade reading level book, Wisconsin’s Rock Island – Images in Paintings and Verse, with the goal to entertain and educate young readers.

“My children’s book uses Wisconsin maritime history, my poem, “Rock Island,” and 17 original watercolor illustrations by fine artist Molly Johnson (no relation) from Denmark, Wisconsin, to tell this true Wisconsin story about the place that became Rock Island State Park. It includes also four pages of hands-on activities that can be used by teachers across the curriculum – social studies, science, math and language arts.”

Included in the sale of the book is a CD of Johnson’s “Rock Island” song preformed by musician and Tall Ship captain, Tom Kastle of Madison. Young readers and their families can learn the chronology of Rock Island with this sing-along song. The book is sold at Gunnerson’s Kaupstadur Gifts on Washington Island.