Sam, Sandy, and Drag travel from Sedona, AZ to the Grand Canyon and as Drag the Dragonfly becomes thirsty they stop for a rest. While Drag searches for water, Sandy notices a large canyon, or what Sandy perceives as a canyon. Sandy is excited and stand to close to the edge and falls in. In a daring rescue, Sam and Drag save Sandy, but as they do, they see two looming eyes out of the depth of the canyon, which is fact a rabbit hole. They meet Will the Rappin Rabbit who spins a jam for the trio and introduces them to his friend, Barnabus, a bird. More specifcially, a Bohemian Waxwing! "Barney" takes the trio, who want to see water and the world, onto their next adventure! Told in English and Spanish, the three central characters represent key intrinsic values demonstrated by children as role models for adults.
Sam the Ant persists even as fears are confronted, and is always looking to build community with others.
Sandy the Ant affirms and trusts Sam, and learns how to risk.
Drag the Dragonfly loves to fly high in the sky to gain a broader perspective.
Sam the Ant was created by Samantha "Sam" Feldman and her father, Enrique C. Feldman, when Sam was between the ages of 3 and 6. Sam the Ant was from the beginning a representation of the hero inside all of us. The Fall is the third of 30 books.
The 30 books, each with a learning guide, tell one large global story centered on
- Understanding that adversity can be your ally
- Embracing diversity as opportunity
- Fostering multiple perspectives.
Multiple cultures are experienced visually and through the use of questions, which permeate each story. The series is focused on empowering young children in ways which encourage them to:
- embrace discovery
- recognize multiple perspectives
- identify integrity
- foster compassion
- understand perseverance
- comprehend subtext through facial gesture and setting
- build language through provocations in the form of questions
Each book ends with a unique parent and learning guide that gives hints on how parents can use authentic learning strategies. Results have shown, with the use of these books, an increased desire to read, and an elevated level of curiosity and critical thinking.
Review :
"I read my 5 year old son Sam the Ant. He often gets distracted while we read together, but this book seemed to draw him in and capture his imagination - I think it's the pacing of the story and the character. He loved the twist at the end. I really appreciated how the book gave me ideas on how to dig deeper into the content with him to create a discussion about the story, and he loved that part as much as the story himself. I've noticed that many kids books are trash...Sam the Ant is the opposite - a well put together story designed to deepen and broaden the mind of a young reader. Recommended!"
Simon Smart
"Sam the Ant is an outstanding example of story telling to build developmentally appropriate learning and values for children. Learning is all about the questioning of life's adventures."
Jess W. Gibson, Ph.D. Author, Developmental Psychologist and Educator
Sam the Ant is quite a curious creature. Sam, along with his good friend Sandy, has an adventure of the 'watery' kind. As they face challenge after challenge, Sam and Sandy meet insects that they have never before encountered who offer to help them.
"Time and again Sam and company overcome their initial fear and accept help from someone who is different than they are and in the process discover a whole new community of friends. This book offers the reader the chance to engage the listener with questions that relate to his/her own life experience. The illustrations are delightful and add expressive backdrops for Sam's story. Having the option to read it in either English or Spanish is another big plus. This book would make a wonderful addition to any bookshelf whether in schools or in homes. I look forward to the further adventures of SAM THE ANT!"
Alice Pringle Early Childhood Music Educator
