Corky was born in the Australian outback and was very happy there living with his parents and the rest of his family. One day his father said, ”It’s time we took a vacation. How would you like to get on a boat and go for a three hour cruise?” His mother thought it was a great idea so she packed a nice picnic lunch and some sunscreen along with all of their swimsuits and a few extra clothes in case it rained. “You know, I wish we could take a longer trip and visit some of our relatives in the United States,” said his mother.
They set sail from Syndey harbor on a beautifully clear day, under a bright blue sky. Soon the wind came up and they were sailing briskly out on the Pacific Ocean. The sky got cloudy and before they knew what was happening a tremendous storm arose. They were sailing into a hurricane. As a matter of fact, they sailed right into a typhoon (water spout) that picked up their boat and carried them all the way to the beaches of southern California! Corky’s parents were sure surprised when they found out where they were but Corky thought it was a great adventure. His mother’s wish had come true. They decided to travel cross-country, visit some of their relatives and explore the United States.
Corky and his family crossed the Mojave Desert, traveled through Arizona and New Mexico. They went over the Rocky Mountains and climbed Pike’s Peak in Colorado where prospectors used to pan for silver. They followed the Arkansas River for a while into Kansas and when they got to Missouri, they took a trip on the wide Missouri River. Soon they found themselves in Illinois so they stopped to see the sights of Chicago. They continued east through Indiana and Ohio. Corky thought the Ohio Turnpike would never end. When they got to Pennsylvania they visited Amish country and coal mines. They followed the Appalachian Trail into New Jersey. They ate their fill of cranberries in the Pine Barrens but were extra careful not to get caught by the “Jersey Devil”. Finally they came to the Jersey Shore where they saw the Atlantic Ocean for the very first time.
As they were watching the waves break on the beach, they looked up and saw a small plane with a banner streaming behind it. The banner said, “Mascot Wanted, apply at The Newark Public Library” Corky told his parents that he always wanted to be a mascot and that he was going to apply for the job. His mom and dad thought this was a good idea, as Newark seemed like the ideal place to settle down. They would miss their home in Australia but they were excited to make be making new friends and seeing new sights. And so Corky and his Family came to Newark and the rest, as they say, is history.
Corky and his cousins can be found at every branch of the Newark Public Library. Come visit them often this summer. Join the Summer Reading Challenge and help Corky “Discover New Trails.”
Books
What Corky Found Along The Trail: Read More About It!
Across America, I Love You by Christine Loomis, Illustrated by Kate Kiesler. From craggy coves to quiet inlets, a sunning portrait of American landscape.
America The Beautiful, poem by Katherine Lee Bates, Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Acclaimed artist, Minor brings the well-known poem to life. Included is a history of how the poem was written and the complete words and music of the song.
The Long Way Westward by Joan Sandin. An I Can Read Book. Tells the story of traveling from New York to Minnesota during the westward expansion.
Bewildered for Three Days as to Why Daniel Boone never wore his Coonskin Cap by Andrew Glass. A charming story of one of America’s favorite frontier heroes.
Gold Fever by Verla Kay, Illustrated by S.D. Schindler. The promise of gold brings Jasper west but the hardships of finding it bring him back to his farm.
Dancing With The Indians by Angela Shelf Medearis, Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. A young girl in the 1930’s joins her family on an outing to and Indian pow-wow.
Westward Ho, Ho, Ho by Peter & Connie Roop, illustrated by Anne Canevari Green. Take a journey through the Wild West. Meet the people and visit the places that made the West such a wild place.
American Folk Tales:
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox by Jan Gleiter and Kathleen Thompson.
Our Folk Heroes by Karen Spies
John Henry: Steel-Drivin’ Man by Adele deLeeuw
American Tall Tales by Mary Pope Osborne, wood engravings by Michael McCurdy
American Tall Tales by Adrien Stoutenberg, illustrated by Richard M. Powers
Corky’s Adventures:
America The Beautiful Series: by Children’s Press A series of books about the 50 states for grades five and up.
One Nation Series: by Capstone Press. Stories of the 50 states for grades three to five.
Australia: A lucky land by Al Stark. Read about Corky’s homeland.
The Oregon Trail by Elizabeth D. Jaffe. Find out what the early settlers experienced as they crossed the plains.
Zebulon Pike: Explorer of the Southhwest by William R. Sanford and Carl R. Green. Read about the man Colorado’s famous peak is named for.
The Story of The Lewis And Clark Expedition by R. Conrad Stein, illustrated by Lou Aronson. Sacajawea leads the way as the famous pair explores our land.
Gold Miners of the Wild West by Jeff Savage. This book tells of the fortunes made and lost in the American Gold Rush.
Cowboy by Heather Miller. An easy to read book that shows what a cowboy does in this day and age.
Mount Rushmore by Thomas S. Owens. A first look at one of America’s most famous monuments. Written at a third to fourth grade level this slender volume includes a glossary and index.
Oceans by Neil Morris. The ocean played a large part in Corky’s journey. This book describes all aspects of oceans, including natural features, ocean life, conservation and shipping.
Hurricanes by D.M.Souza. A hurricane brought Corky to our western shores. Read about how hurricanes are formed and how they act.
The Amish by Jean Kinney Williams. Corky was amazed by the lifestyle of the Amish people. This book tells what makes them so interesting.
Recipes
Corky’s Trail Mix
(makes 8 servings)
½ cup raisins
½ cup chocolate chips or m&m’s
½ cup shredded coconut
½ cup dried pineapple
½ cup dried papaya or mango bits
½ cup shelled sunflower seeds
1 cup any type of granola cereal
Mix all ingredients together and divide ½ cup servings into re-sealable plastic sandwich bags.
Corky’s Banana On A Stick
(makes 2 servings)
Here’s a great snack and easy to make!
1 banana
2 craft sticks
vanilla yogurt
cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs -- crushed
Break the banana in half.
Push a craft stick into the flat end of each banana half.
Spread the banana halves with yogurt. Then roll them in crumbs.
Corky’s FROZEN FRUIT TREAT
(Makes 6 servings)
1 ¾ cups strawberries
1 large can crushed pineapple
5 bananas (cut in cubes)
12oz. frozen orange juice -concentrate
1 ½ cups water
Mix ingredients together.
Freeze in small paper cups.
Serve partially defrosted for a special treat.
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4 The Newark Public Library