MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – July is Blackberry Month, and what better way to celebrate than to take part in some blackberry-related activities, inspired by the new children’s picture book release, Blackberry Banquet by Terry Pierce?
In Blackberry Banquet (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2008), forest animals squeak, tweet, slurp, yip and chomp over the sweet, plump fruit of a wild blackberry bush. But what happens when a bear arrives to take part in the feast? Young children will enjoy following the story by making the animal sounds, and the chaos that strikes upon the bear's arrival will surely bring on the laughter. The cumulative, rhyming text makes for a great read-aloud, and the last few pages feature a “For Creative Minds” educational section with fun facts, a blackberry smoothie recipe and other activities. Just keep reading to find out more!
Fun Blackberry Facts:
• The fruit grows as clusters of drupelets on prickly shrubs.
• Unripe blackberries are actually red and can be easily confused with raspberries.
• Blackberries turn a dark purple and have a white core that runs through the center when ripe.
• Ripe berries may be picked during the summer or even in early fall in some areas.
• Do not pick and eat berries unless an adult is positive that they are edible (some berries can be poisonous) and that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides.
• Only pick enough berries that you are going to eat, and always leave some berries to reseed the plant.
Blackberry Smoothie Recipe:
Fresh berry smoothies are a great treat to beat the heat on a hot, summer day! They are even better with fresh picked berries.
• 1 c. vanilla yogurt, ice cream, or milk
• 1/2 c. fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1 small to medium banana
• 2 to 3 Tbs. sugar (to taste, depending on berries)
Use a blender on puree or high speed to mix.
Pick Your Own Blackberries:
A website overflowing with information!
