Once Around the Lake Makes a Splash in the Lakes Regions of Maine

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Oct. 22-28
October 21, 2015
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Regions of Maine Oct. 29-Nov. 4
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Regions of Maine Oct. 29-Nov. 4
October 28, 2015

Once Around the Lake Makes a Splash in the Lakes Regions of Maine

Once Around the Lake Makes a Splash in the Lakes Regions of Maine

 

Fall Splendor on Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, Maine

 

Though Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, Maine, is the setting for the delightful children’s book entitled Once Around the Lake, it could take place on any lake or pond throughout the state.

 

 

 

 

A rare gathering of six loons …  a few wise snapping turtles … a hungry moose … a blue heron with attitude – now, that’s a motley crew of “neighbors!”

Susan Golder, author of the newly published children’s book, Once Around the Lake, takes little listeners and early readers on a playful adventure with young paddler, Odie, and his frisky friend, Max. Together, they explore a quiet lake’s shores and coves and discover the wonders of nature, the joy of friendship, and some pretty interesting facts about the creatures that hang out on the lake! 

 

 

OATLCover 4 18 2015 (1)

 

 

Rollicking rhyme and splashy illustrations are the backdrop for this endearing lake tale that begins with a misty morning and ends with a colorful sunset. In between, as Odie and Max’s adventures unfold, children get a view from the canoe of the lake’s ecosystem. “I didn’t know that herons hunted by day and night! Night vision is really cool,” commented a fourth grader.

Dr. Susan Golder, the book’s author, is no stranger to the lakes and mountains region where the story is set. She has lived on Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham for the past twenty years. Nature and one’s connection to it has often been a focus for her writing. She is a former teacher, writing coach, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development with a master’s and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. 

Susan is passionate about the value of the “outdoor” classroom in children’s lives. “The adventures of boat-loving Odie and his best-ever skipper Max encourage kids to get out and play and to discover the lessons that nature provides.” To develop “wonderment” about nature, Golder believes, “it’s important to slow down and take time to observe our surroundings … kind of like the turtles do in the story!” Odie’s notebook and pen are his constant companions as he paddles his way “around the lake.” His curiosity encourages readers to become little naturalists, keen observers and writers who “capture the magic” as they enjoy outdoor life.

 

 

Susan Golder

 

 

Once Around the Lake is delightfully refreshing … an engaging story, suitable for children of multiple ages:

2-4 love rhythm, rhyme and comical characters;

5-7 enjoy learning about nature, communities and creatures;

8-10 identify with characters’ behaviors and actions and understand the use of figurative language.

Once Around the Lake is available for purchase on Amazon.com and at Bridgton Books in Bridgton and Harvest Gold Gallery in Lovell. Visit www.susanwoodsgolder.com for free coloring downloads, follow-up activities and “fun-facts” about Odie’s amazing lake neighbors.

Testimonials:

“The text of Once Around the Lake weaves natural history into a story presented with a melodic tone. Spend one day on a lake with Odie and Max and you and your child will surely get caught up in their adventure. Along the way, future stewards of the environment will be formed.”

Leigh Macmillen Hayes, Freelance Writer and Education Director of Greater Lovell Land Trust

“Congratulations, Susan Golder, on your children’s book publication. Once Around the Lake is a delightful tour of the wildlife and pleasures of our region’s lakes.”

Judith Steinbergh, Poet and Teacher

“Your interactive read aloud of Once Around the Lake was inspiring to my class of young writers. You really extended the background knowledge of the lake’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. I should have booked you before the Science PSSA! What an engaging visit for my students!”

Maureen Naylor, 4th Grade Teacher, Rose Tree Elementary School, Media, PA

Once Around the Lake is a great book for kids who have experience outside in the woods or at a lake and it’s an excellent peek into that world for kiddos who don’t.”

Megan DelloRusso, 1st Grade Teacher, Horne Street School, Dover, NH

“What a great story! My daughter, who is almost 4, loves it. She really enjoys the section toward the end of the book where you can learn more about the animals from the story. It will become part of her weekly rotation!”

Casey Dellapenna, Manager, Business Development and Parent, Coral Gables, FL

To learn more about lakefront properties for sale on Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, click on the green box above

To learn more about Keewaydin and the Stoneham/Lovell area of western Maine, check out the blog links below. 

Stoneham, Maine: Home to Picturesque Keewaydin Lake and the Peaceful Waters of Virginia Lake

Maine Lakefront Lovers Want Their “Special K” – Kezar and Keewaydin

Quaint Maine Library Near Kezar Lake in Lovell a Delight for “Bookies”

Maine Lakefront Property Owners Enjoy Hikes In and Around Albany and Stoneham

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