Miss Rumphius

Title: Miss Rumphius

Author: Barbara Cooney

Genre: Fiction 

Ages: 7-12

Summary: This story is about an old lady, Miss Rumphius, who accomplished three tasks that she told her grandfather she was going to do in her lifetime. These three things were: go to faraway places, live by the sea when she grows old, and do something to make the world beautiful. She does all of these things and at the end, her niece says how she will also do them in her lifetime. 

About the Author: Barbara Cooney and her twin brother were born on 6 August 1917 in Brooklyn, New York. She later attended Smith College and continued on to write children's books. 

Theme: Dream big, and stay true to your beliefs. 

Pre-reading activity: Just by taking a picture walk, what do you think this story is going to be about? What are three things you would like to do or accomplish in your lifetime? Write them down and tell why. 

Post-reading activity: What was your favorite part of the story? Why? Why did Miss Rumphius plant lupines everywhere? Write one thing you could do to make the world a better place. 

I think this story is a feel good story to read anytime to a class just because. It makes you want to set long term goals and be a better person.