This book explores some topics from American folklore, including madstones and dowsing rods. Research America’s folk history, particularly folklore of the American South. Write an essay explaining three representative pieces of folklore, their origins, and their meaning.

Cricket comes to understand herself better through spending time in the woods and solving the mystery of the Bird Room. In your own words, explain what Cricket learned in this story. Support your answer with examples from the story.

Cricket, Mama, and Bob all understand the importance of finding beauty in the world through careful observation. Spend some time in nature and see what you find beautiful, and then represent it in an artistic medium such as drawing or poetry.