The work of Johannah Bluedorn:

This week, In addition to our usual studies here at PrairieFrog Academy, we are studying the work of author and illustrator Johannah Bluedorn.  Her delightful books have been PrairieFrog favorites for several years.  One day while reading the bedtime story, I chanced to mention that the books were done by a homeschooled young lady who was only seventeen.  My girls' eyes lit up with wonder!  A real person--someone they could even relate to a little--lovingly painted the pictures and wrote the text! 

The most recent issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine featured a wonderful interview with Johannah.   As soon as I saw it, I determined it would make a fitting introduction into discussing authors and illustrators.  We will look closer at the "behind the scenes" of writing, illustrating and publishing.  Between the Bluedorn's Trivium Persuit website, and Johannah's interview for TOS, we shall have a virtual tour of Miss Bluedorn's studio!  

Today we snuggled on the couch to read one of our favorites, My Mommy, My Teacher. After reading it we went back through, enjoying each of the charming and detailed illustrations.  The children took turns pointing out the things they saw, and we discussed the definitions of "author" and "illustrator". 

Earlier in our school day, while studying Bible, we had reflected on how Creation tells us some things about the Creator.  Kaira and Kendra shared how things they've made can give clues about themselves. In keeping with this theme, both girls shared what they can guess about Miss Bluedorn from her books and paintings.  They concluded that she loves animals, loves the outdoors, loves her family, looks closely at things, and doesn't wear shoes. (I assume the last observation was based on barefoot children in the pictures.)

Planning the Garden by Johannah Bluedorn