Becka and the Big Bubble
Children's Book and TV Series by Gretchen Schomer Wendel
Gretchen Schomer Wendel, and her brother Adam Anthony Schomer, have created a wildly popular series of books for young children, known as Becka and the Big Bubble. Due to its success, it has also become a TV series on PBS in San Diego. As of 2009, six titles in the book series exist.
Becka and the Big Bubble All Around Town [Waterside Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-933754-10-9]
This is the first book in the Becka and the Big Bubble series. Readers are introduced to the bubbly red-head and her best friend Ben. Becka uses her imagination to help her create the biggest bubble ever blown. It is one so big that she is able to fly on it.
When it is blown, Becka jumps aboard to travel all around town, visiting people in her community. She begins to imagine traveling all around the world. In her excitement, Becka accidentally pops her bubble, but quickly blows a new one to safely lead her back home.
Becka and the Big Bubble: Becka goes to San Francisco [Waterside Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-933754-12-3]
In this book, Becka takes her friend Ben with her on her big bubble adventure around San Francisco. They visit classic San Franciscan haunts, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Marina Boulevard. A cable car whisks them up the hills toward Coit tower, and they skate down Lombard Street. They get a little love from the hippies at Haight-Ashbury Street, then head over to Golden Gate Park. Finally, a giant redwood tree helps them back on their bubble, so they can return home.
Becka and the Big Bubble: Becka goes to San Diego [Waterside Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-933754-54-2]
This adventure takes Becka and Ben on the big bubble to San Diego. They first visit Oceanside Pier, then Carlsbad, where they witness a beach wedding. They surf their way to Moonlight Beach and La Jolla before playing with dolphins. When they return to the city, they check out the Coronado bridge, ride bikes past Hotel Del, and check out a Mariachi band from Old Town. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo teach them about animals old and new, while also teaching them to care for animals.
Becka and the Big Bubble: Becka goes to India [Waterside Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-933754-13-0]
Becka's first international adventure takes her all the way around the globe, from California to India. On a solo trip, Becka flies past the Himalayas, and lands in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Her new Indian friends take her by elephant to see the Taj Mahal, Jaipur (the pink city). She learns the custom of sitting on the floor and eating with hands. Then, she learns about Gandhi and grooves to the music of the Sitar and the Tabla, before flying away home again.
Becka and the Big Bubble: Becka goes to the North Pole [Waterside Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-933754-11-6]
Becka gets a chance to live every child's dream - going to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole! She is encouraged by polar bears and reindeer, then greeted by a snowman and Mrs. Claus. She learns how the elves make toys, then learns a valuable lesson about giving from the Big Giver himself.
Becka and the Big Bubble: Becka goes to Chicago [Waterside Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1-933754-52-9]
Becka and Ben fly their big bubble to the Windy City in this adventure. Flying over Lake Michigan they see Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, then drop into Millennium Park. After watching the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier, they take the El across Chicago to check out a game at Wrigley Field. They tour studios, then feed at the Taste of Chicago. After relaxing at Grant Park, they check out Sue the dinosaur at Field Museum, who helps them on their way home.
Becka and the Big Bubble
Becka's appeal lies in grand adventure told in catchy rhyme, accompanied by bubbly illustrations of the people and places. Children are free to imagine their own big bubble adventures. Whether using Becka as a foundation, or their own dreams, this series can provide a launching place for geographical and cultural studies.
A set of review copies of the series was provided by Gretchen Schomer Wendel and Adam Anthony Schomer.
Becka and the Big Bubble
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