Tap the Magic Tree is a children's book written by Christie Matheson. This interactive book invites young readers to join in and discover the magic that lies within the colorful illustrations. With a simple touch, tap, or shake, the tree on each page comes to life and changes with the seasons. The main character of the book is a tree, which starts as a bare winter tree and transforms into a vibrant and lush tree throughout the four seasons. The readers are encouraged to interact with the tree by tapping, touching, and shaking the book to see the changes unfold. By engaging with the book, children learn about the different seasons, the life cycle of a tree, and the concept of cause and effect.
The official Cyclones mascot is Cy the Cardinal. No, not Cy the cyclone, Cy the Cardinal. A bird that is the official face of multiple college football teams might not seem like an obvious choice to many people, so allow us to explain.
The wagons are equipped with two braking systems a hydraulic pedal device that slows the vehicle for turns and downhill descents, and a hand-brake that locks the rear wheels when the wagon is at a halt. While the dog s actual name was Durban von Der Gartenstadt, he became the first Cy and was seen on the sideline of Iowa State games wearing a blanket of cardinal and gold.
By engaging with the book, children learn about the different seasons, the life cycle of a tree, and the concept of cause and effect. This interactive experience fosters curiosity and imagination in young readers as they explore the magic hidden within the pages. Tap the Magic Tree is not only an entertaining read but also a great educational tool.
The Budweiser Clydesdales
From the Prohibition era to Super Bowl commercials, there is perhaps nothing more iconic in Budweiser’s storied history than its team of Clydesdale horses. More than just a mascot, the Clydesdales have been an integral part of Anheuser-Busch for more than 80 years.
History of the Budweiser Clydesdales
In April 1933, August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III surprised their father, August A. Busch, Sr., with the gift of a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition of beer.
Realizing the marketing potential of a horse-drawn beer wagon, the company also arranged to have a second six-horse Clydesdale hitch sent to New York to mark the event. The Clydesdales drew a crowd of thousands on their way to the Empire State Building. After a small ceremony, a case of Budweiser was presented to former Governor Alfred E. Smith in appreciation of his years of service in the fight against Prohibition.
This hitch continued on a tour of New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, thrilling thousands, before stopping in Washington, D.C., in April 1933 to reenact the delivery of one of the first cases of Budweiser to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Shortly after the hitch was first introduced, the six-horse Clydesdale team increased to eight. On March 30, 1950, in commemoration of the opening of the Anheuser-Busch Newark Brewery, a Dalmatian was introduced as the Budweiser Clydesdales’ mascot. Now, a Dalmatian travels with each of the Clydesdale hitches.
The Clydesdales Today
Today, the Budweiser Clydesdales continue to be an enduring symbol of the brewer’s heritage, tradition and commitment to quality, making hundreds of appearances across the country each year.
To properly prepare the Clydesdales for their appearances, a team of dedicated handlers oversees their care. Expert groomers travel on the road with the hitch at least 10 months out of the year. Another team oversees their diet; each hitch horse will consume as much as 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals and vitamins, 50 to 60 pounds of hay, and up to 30 gallons of water on a warm day.
When it comes time to travel to an appearance, 10 horses; the famous red, white, and gold beer wagon; and other essential equipment are transported in three 50-foot tractor-trailers. Cameras mounted in the trailers are connected to monitors in the cabs that enable the drivers to keep a watchful eye on their precious cargo during transport. Air-cushioned suspension and thick rubber flooring in the trailers ease the rigors of traveling. The team stops each night at local stables so the “gentle giants” can rest.
The team also travels with hitch drivers, who endure a lengthy training process before they assume the prestigious role of a Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver. Driving the combined 12 tons of wagon and horses requires expert skill and physical strength. The 40 pounds of lines held by the driver plus the tension of the horses pulling creates a weight of more than 75 pounds.
Presently, the Budweiser Clydesdales reside at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis for public viewing. Visitors can also see the Clydesdales up-close at Warm Springs Ranch, the premier Budweiser Clydesdales breeding establishment in Boonville, Missouri. Both attractions are open seasonally.
When they’re not making appearances around the country, the Budweiser Clydesdales also continue to be marketing stalwarts for Anheuser-Busch. They first appeared in the Super Bowl in 1975, and have since appeared in countless Super Bowl commercials for the company.
Did you know?
- Each of the Clydesdales’ handcrafted harnesses and collars weigh approximately 130 pounds.
- The Budweiser Clydesdales are given short names, such as Duke, Mark and Bud, to make it easier for the driver to give commands to the horses during a performance.
- Budweiser Clydesdales’ horseshoes measure more than 20 inches from end to end and weigh about 5 pounds.
- Dalmatians were known as coach dogs because they ran between the wheels of coaches or carriages and were companions to the horses. Since the 1950s, Dalmatians have traveled with the Budweiser Clydesdales hitch, perched atop the wagon proudly seated next to the driver.
- The turn-of-the-century beer wagons have been meticulously restored and are kept in excellent condition. The wagons are equipped with two braking systems: a hydraulic pedal device that slows the vehicle for turns and downhill descents, and a hand-brake that locks the rear wheels when the wagon is at a halt.
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It introduces basic concepts of science and nature in a fun and engaging way, making it suitable for preschoolers and early elementary school children. The book also encourages fine motor skills and sensory development through the interactive elements. Overall, Tap the Magic Tree is a delightful and interactive book that captivates young readers. With its beautiful illustrations and engaging storyline, it sparks curiosity and imagination, creating a magical reading experience for children..
Reviews for "The Influence of 'Tap the Magic Tree' on Visual Perception"
1. Sarah - 2/5 Stars - Tap the magic tree book was disappointing for me. I expected an interactive and engaging experience, but it fell short. The concept of tapping the pages to make things happen was interesting at first, but quickly became repetitive and dull. The storyline was also lacking substance and didn't hold my attention. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
2. Mark - 3/5 Stars - While Tap the magic tree book had a unique concept with the interactive elements, I found it to be confusing and difficult to follow. The instructions on which part to tap and what would happen next were unclear, leaving me frustrated and lost. Additionally, the illustrations were not particularly impressive and lacked detail. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Emily - 1/5 Stars - I was extremely disappointed with Tap the magic tree book. The interactive aspect was poorly executed, with the taps not always registering or producing the desired effects. This made the reading experience frustrating and detracted from the supposed magic of the book. Furthermore, the illustrations were lackluster and uninspiring. I wouldn't recommend this book.