Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Book Club ~ A Migrating Party School

Reading this humorous picture book was the catalyst for a Mexican fiesta, snow fort building, and painting watercolors while learning about migration. Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Book Club was our first mini party school, and it was a hit!

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Book Club

On a whim one day I purchased the book, Those Darn Squirrels Fly South. I was looking for a cute book that might inspire us to learn about winter bird migration. This short picture book is a hilarious tale about Mr. Fookwire and “those darn squirrels” who live in his backyard. The squirrels decide to follow the migrating birds to their winter homes by inventing some interesting contraptions. Later Mr. Fookwire joins them in their tropical local for a fiesta and a winter vacation.

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Book Club Food

The squirrels followed their bird friends to a tropical land where they ate mangoes and had a fiesta. We didn’t eat mangoes as they were a bit hard to find in January. But, we did decide to follow the squirrels’ lead and have a Mexican fiesta with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. While we were eating, we ran down a few language rabbit trails and discussed the differences between a “fiesta” and a “siesta.” After the “fiesta,” some of us were ready for a “siesta.”

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Book Club Outdoor Activities

Prior to reading the book, we had noticed some birds in our pond. After observing them for a while, we researched them and discovered they are Snow Geese. These geese spend their summers in northern Canada breeding. In the fall they begin their migration through North America and winter in the mid-South. In this case, our pond in Tennessee.

The day we read the book, we had an unexpected joy. It snowed in the South! We don’t often get snow, so this was a delight. Our little pond was frozen over, and our geese had found shelter somewhere else.

And, like the squirrels, we decided we would build a snow fort. But, alas, our snow was too powdery for snow forts. So, we went sledding instead.

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Book Club Indoor Activities

It was pretty cold outside, so we had some fun with a new art course membership, Masterpiece Society. We picked a watercolor bird tutorial with doodle writing.  (Here’s a little secret… I’ve never used watercolors before! So, I had to jump in on this project. ) We each picked a quote about birds and flying and started our tutorial.

We all had so much fun creating our own doodle writing and then painting our bird. I’m really proud of our results and looking forward to creating more Masterpiece Society projects.

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South Online Book Club

For years we have enjoyed book clubs. I began them as a way to add joy, excitement, and adventure to our homeschool. Recently, I started sharing these with others, and it has involved into an online book club where I add rabbit trails of discovery and a sprinkle of magic dust.

I have created an online book club for Those Darn Squirrels Fly South, and it is free to my subscribers for a limited time! It goes on rabbit trails of discovery about bird migration, fireflies and more. It’s a self-paced online course that your kids can go through themselves or you can work on together. AND, it NEVER expires.

Check it out below.

Welcome to The Nature Book Club

The Nature Book Club is a monthly book club devoted to connecting children to nature. This month’s theme is Birds and Nests.

Here are some other great articles and book clubs devoted to learning about birds this month.

Kristin Moon Science
All About Robins ~ A Bird Unit Study

Something 2 Offer
Birds, Nests, and Eggs Nest Scavenger Hunt

Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus
(Backyard Bird Series) Cardinals – Free Northern Cardinal Unit Study & Lapbook.

Rule This Roost
Fine Feathered Friends: All About Birds – DIY Bird Feeders

The Homeschool Scientist
Birds, Nests, and Eggs – Make a Suet Feeder

Forgetful Momma
Snowy Owls Snowy Owl Craft

Table Life Blog
A Nest is Noisy – Art Project.

Rainy Day Mum
Coming Home – Needle Felted Robin

The Playful Scholar
Backyard Birds of Winter – How to Make Hanging Suet Ornaments

Freshly Planted
Nests – Nest weaving

Eva Varga
Ravens in Winter: Nature Study Activities and Lessons for Teens – Winter Bird ID