Foster Independence with ERNESTINE'S MILKY WAY
Plus a list of other titles about characters with agency
Ernestine’s Milky Way, written by Kerry Madden-Lunsford and illustrated by Emily Sutton is a wonderful tribute to the independent spirit in all of us. The setting is North Carolina in 1942. Daddy is off to war and Mama and Ernestine are trying to keep the farm running. Neighbors had to help neighbors during these difficult days. Mama wants Ernestine to journey to the neighbors and take them some milk. The story is of how Ernestine demonstrates courage to get the task completed. Walking that distance at five-years-old is a monumental challenge. There are difficulties along the way. But even when everything doesn’t go quite right and she loses a jar of milk, in the end the lost jar of milk is found. It has been churned to butter and is enjoyed by all. This book may help children develop independence and courage.
Read on for some discussion and activity ideas to pair with this lovely book, plus a list of more books to help foster childhood independence.
Note: Some links will take you to the Read, Discuss, Do bookshop.org storefront. Purchasing a book from the storefront will support independent bookstores and help maintain Read, Discuss, Do at no additional cost to you.
Read, Discuss, Do! with Ernestine’s Milky Way
READ: Ernestine’s Milky Way by Kerry Madden-Lunsford, illustrated by Emily Sutton
DISCUSS:
Where is Ernestine’s dad and what are Ernestine and her mom trying to do while he is away?
How old is Ernestine?
How does Ernestine feel about the special errand her Mama asks her to do?
What are the challenges along the way?
The jar of cream that Ernestine dropped turned into butter. Have you ever had a mishap that resulted in something surprising or good?
What is a job or task you accomplished that at first you were a little afraid to try? What happened?
DO:
Make cornbread with butter and serve it with milk. Follow the recipe in the back of the book or use your own recipe. The grocery store also has “mixes.” Add some fresh blackberries to make the experience even more special. If you are adventurous, here is a website that explains how you can make your own butter from heavy cream.
More activities to try:
Investigate the animals in the story. Log the facts that you discover on the fun facts chart.
Draw a map similar to the one in the book on the next to the last page spread. Use the provided worksheet. Cut out the pictures and paste them on your map.
Watch a Youtube video of how butter is made.
Go on a hike outdoors and observe the plants and animals in your area.
Make a list of tasks around the house that five-year-olds “can do,” and make it into a job chart. Example: Empty dishwasher, pick up toys, make bed, fold laundry, put away laundry etc. Then reward your child with a sticker as they accomplish a task.
Optional activity pages. See links to PDFs below!
More books to help foster childhood independence
Picture Books
Two Tough Trucks Get Lost! by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Hilary Leung
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi
Nothing Ever Happens on a Gray Day by Grant Snider
All Alone by Kevin Henkes
Middle grade
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