Thin Mints and Tagalongs

Over the past few weeks my eldest son earned his Cub Scout Arrow of Light and began Boy Scouts. He has been at it for a few years and really enjoys all the activities that scouting offers. My younger son is also in scouts. Like most kids his favorite events are camping and pinewood derby. All this scouting got me to thinking about a book I recently read on the formation of the Girl Scouts.

“Here Come the Girl Scouts!”

By Shana Corey

Illustrated by Hadley Hooper

For Ages 4 - 8

          You won't find any cookies in this book, but you will learn a great deal about the girl scouts and the indomitable Julie Gordon Low. Rated 4.25 (girl scouts, biography, humor)

         Daisy grew up in Savannah, GA during a time when proper young ladies were dainty and delicate. But Juliette Gordon Low, who was always called Daisy, wanted adventure and travel. She did not conform to any of the expectations of the day and she never let anything stand in her way -- even severe hearing loss. Daisy trained as a blacksmith, rode elephants, flew planes and travel the world. On one of her travels in England she learned about the Girl Guides. She was so taken by the idea of teaching girls about the outdoors that she immediately formed the Girl Scouts upon arriving back in Savannah. The year was 1912.

          Shana Corey, who was also born in Savannah, shows an obvious kinship to Daisy in the exuberance for which she tells this great tale. Hadley Cooper, who was also a Girl Scout, has fun with the fresh and energetic illustrations. Both author and illustrator show some of Daisy’s favorite traits – gumption, spunk and wit. The last spread in the book is a more in depth look at Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scouts that adults will find very intriguing. Girls, even those who are not scouts, will find a lot to enjoy about “Here Come the Girl Scouts!”