Sam, Sandy, and Drag travel from Sedona, AZ to the Grand Canyon and as Drag the Dragonfly becomes thirsty they stop for a rest. While Drag searches for water, Sandy notices a large canyon, or what Sandy perceives as a canyon. Sandy is excited and stand to close to the edge and falls in. In a daring rescue, Sam and Drag save Sandy, but as they do, they see two looming eyes out of the depth of the canyon, which is fact a rabbit hole. They meet Will the Rappin Rabbit who spins a jam for the trio and introduces them to his friend, Barnabus, a bird. More specifcially, a Bohemian Waxwing! "Barney" takes the trio, who want to see water and the world, onto their next adventure! Told in English and Spanish, the three central characters represent key intrinsic values demonstrated by children as role models for adults.
Sam the Ant persists even as fears are confronted, and is always looking to build community with others.
Sandy the Ant affirms and trusts Sam, and learns how to risk.
Drag the Dragonfly loves to fly high in the sky to gain a broader perspective.
Sam the Ant was created by Samantha "Sam" Feldman and her father, Enrique C. Feldman, when Sam was between the ages of 3 and 6. Sam the Ant was from the beginning a representation of the hero inside all of us. The Fall is the third of 30 books.
The 30 books, each with a learning guide, tell one large global story centered on
- Understanding that adversity can be your ally
- Embracing diversity as opportunity
- Fostering multiple perspectives.
Multiple cultures are experienced visually and through the use of questions, which permeate each story. The series is focused on empowering young children in ways which encourage them to:
- embrace discovery
- recognize multiple perspectives
- identify integrity
- foster compassion
- understand perseverance
- comprehend subtext through facial gesture and setting
- build language through provocations in the form of questions
Each book ends with a unique parent and learning guide that gives hints on how parents can use authentic learning strategies. Results have shown, with the use of these books, an increased desire to read, and an elevated level of curiosity and critical thinking.
