~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY SPECIAL FEATURE ~
-- SMOKEY BEAR'S 75th BIRTHDAY --
I am fortunate to have my own well-worn copy of this Little Golden Book of Smokey the Bear, originally published in 1955. It was gifted to me by another primary grade teacher who no longer wanted it. My students loved this little book which I read aloud several times each fall during our Fire Safety unit in October. Below is the book blurb I found on Amazon:
Ever since his rescue from a raging forest fire, Smokey the Bear has been a symbol of our national effort to fight the terrible destruction of our national woodlands by fire. The publishers are proud to present Smokey's story as a Little Golden Book. They hope that this book will help Smokey in his work. It has the official approval of the State Foresters and the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
I think it is ironic that even though the mascot's name is Smokey Bear, the title of this 'officially-approved' book is Smokey the Bear.
The real Smokey was rescued by firefighters on August 7th, 1944, so that's date his birthday is celebrated.
🎂 🎂 🎈🎈 🎊 Happy 75th Birthday, Smokey! 🎂 🎂🎈🎈🎊
🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻 🐻
SMOKEY BEAR FACTS & STATS:
Since 1944, Smokey Bear has protected America's forests from unwanted, human caused fire. Smokey one of the most loved issue ambassadors of our time and his signature phrase, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” are truly iconic.
His message of wildfire prevention is the center of the longest running PSA campaign in our nation's history.
Though Smokey has been essential to the reduction of unwanted, human-caused wildfires over the last 75 years, he still needs help. Even today, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by people.
SMOKEY FACTS:
- Smokey Bear is at the heart of the longest running public service campaign in American history.
- In 1952, Congress passed the Smokey Bear Act to preserve his legacy.
- The U.S. Postal Service gave him his own postage stamp in 1984.
- His messages have received more than $1.6 billion of donated media support.
- His historic campaign has been inducted into the Advertising Walk of Fame for being “America’s Favorite Advertising Icon.”
- He’s been to outer space.
- Smokey Bear is the only “person” to have their own zip code, besides the president.
- Smokey is a pop culture icon he has merchandise and toys, he’s been featured on multiple TV gameshows, his signature phrase “Only you can prevent wildfires” is part of the American lexicon, his style has inspired the likes of Pharrell, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
- For a 75-year-old bear, Smokey is super tech savvy. He has hundreds of thousands of followers on his social media channels and he’s even had special photo filters and frames on Snapchat.
- The principle causes of human related wildfiresare campfires left unattended, debris burning on windy days, hot ashes and BBQ coals, and operating equipment that throws sparks.
- Nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by humans.
- It’s always wildfire season somewhere in the U.S. and every region of the U.S. has wildfires.
- There are prescribed fires that play a necessary role in some ecosystems these are planned and executed by professionals. Smokey’s unique and important role, however, is singularly focused on preventing unwanted, human caused wildfire by educating the public and encouraging them to be responsible.
- 85% of outdoor recreationists agree that they can make a difference in preventing wildfires.
- 75% of young adult outdoor recreationists who are familiar with Smokey Bear think of him as a role model for children.
HOW MANY OF THESE POSTERS DO YOU REMEMBER?
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ABOUT SMOKEY BEAR:
https://smokeybear.com/en/smokey-for-kids/about-smokey
SMOKEY BEAR'S CAMPFIRE SAFETY GUIDE:
SMOKEY BEAR BIRTHDAY CARD:
SMOKEY BEAR QUICK FACTS GUIDESHEET:
SMOKEY BEAR.COM:
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Learn about more great middle-grade reads by visiting Greg Pattridge's 'Always in the Middle' blog to find the links to other blog posts celebrating Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday!
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