Summer Reading Project:

On a hot August afternoon in 2007 (just before Katy started seventh grade), we decided it would be great fun to recreate the cover of this book, complete with a bucket of real water.  We threw a rope over a tree branch and hoisted up the bucket, with a string for Katy to pull that (we hoped) would tip the bucket.  Happily, it worked like a charm -- although you would not think it was so charming from the expression on Kevin's face in the picture at left!  Naturally, several takes were required in order to capture the full effect. 

The most convenient tree was located in our front yard, and many passing motorists found our antics quite amusing.  We can only imagine what they thought we were actually doing!  We're not sure, but some folks may have driven around the block in order to get a second look.

Finally, after minor adjustments, several refills of the bucket, and at least one change of clothes for Kevin, we managed to keep our faces straight enough and get a few good pictures.  We had a LOT of fun doing this project!  The picture at the bottom is the one Katy ultimately chose for her book report cover.

-- Julie Nace

PS -- if you want a closer look at the real book cover or info about the book, use THIS LINK, or go to Amazon.com and search for Karen Cushman.  We highly recommend this book for tween-aged readers and up, particularly those who are interested in the Medieval or Renaissance times!

SEE THE WATER POUR!

Click Here for a .MOV file, 1.3 MB for high-bandwidth connections.  (You might need to save a copy before you can play it, and you will need Quicktime -- available at http://www.apple.com/downloads for free.)

Click Here for a .WMV file, 264 KB for Windows-based computers without Quicktime.  (Opens in Windows Media Player.)

Click Here for a .WMV file, 83 KB for Windows-based computers with dial-up connections, without Quicktime.