HOPEFULLY THE SCARECROW

HOPEFULLY THE SCARECROW by Michelle Houts. Illustrated by Sara Palacios

Hopefully the Scarecrow by Ohio author Michelle Houts (can I hear a woot-woot) is a precious story of worth and care. Listen to these opening lines.

"A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, smiling. Like most of us, he didn't remember the very beginning of his days. He only knew he was created with loving hands. Carefully crafted. Wonderfully made."

Aren't those beautiful words to pour into a child's soul? After all, they are the beginning story of each one of us! So begins the story of a sweet little girl and her love and care for the garden scarecrow.

The scarecrow's name comes about in the innocent way so many meaningful childhood happenings occur. The little girl's constant desirings for the scarecrow begin with the word "Hopefully." Hopefully he'll enjoy the stories she reads to him. Hopefully he'll keep the birds away. Hopefully.

After every harvest, the girl tucks him into the shed to wait for spring. One day she doesn't return, and it's another's hands that put him up in the garden where he is forgotten about and has to battle discomfort and storms. But the scarecrow holds on to what he knows and one day all is made right!

Sara Palacios' illustrations are a perfect match for the story. Full of oranges, reds, golds, browns, and muted greens you feel as though you have stepped right into a well loved garden!

ALONGSIDE ACTIVITIES- I love this Haystack recipe by Mel's Kitchen Cafe! They are super easy to make and delicious! https://www.melskitchencafe.com/mexican-haystacks/