Book Review: The Cloud

Author/Illustrator: Hannah Cumming
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

A Note From the Publisher: Everyone has bad days, and children are no exception. When a black cloud descends on a little girl at school, support from a classmate with a great deal of imagination helps to brighten up everyone’s lives.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a creative book. A little black cloud hangs over a little girl's head on each page. What is it? What does it mean? Why is it there? What's going on with her? Why is it black? What can others do about this cloud? These were some of the questions I posed as we went through the the story. It's fabulous. I preach being a bucket filler at our school so this was such a great example of how to fill an empty bucket. And yes....kids are definitely walking around feeling down in the dumps at times. This is a neat community builder.

You will love the last page. Her cloud is gone and she's standing playing with the children and a new little boy enters with a little black cloud over his head. Hmmm.....wonder what's going to happen! I want to note this is a quick read. I slowed it down with lots of discussion and a prepared activity around community building. You might also add words to the story as you are reading...that's another little cheat thing I do to expand the message.

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Book Review: Being Wendy

Author: Fran Drescher
Illustrated by Amy Blay
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Wendy was afraid to say that she felt different from everyone else. But all residents of Boxville must choose a box to wear - for life. These boxes are labeled with what each person does. The teacher wears a TEACHER box. The police officer wears a POLICE OFFICER box. Even the poodle wears a POODLE box!

Now it's time for Wendy to choose her box. Just pick one, everyone tells her. It's simple. But it's not simple, because Wendy loves LOTS of different things - from playing basketball to performing onstage. Wendy's big ideas make her feel lonely...will she ever fit in?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Now I know you are rolling your eyes and saying - Oh Splendid! Another celebrity thinks they can write a children's book!! But let me just be the first to say, WELL DONE, FRAN DRESCHER aka "The Nanny"!  Well done. Being Wendy is so creative with an AWESOME message of following your dreams and not letting yourself be influenced or limited by what others think you should be....you are special, unique, and different. Love! 

The kids were HOOKED and intrigued as to where this story was going. But the best part was getting to help the students figure out how the message applies to their own lives. Books are such magic. Get creative and use some paper bags as a fun visual. I drew a question mark on a paper bag, cut out arm holes, and had a student wear it. Each student then got a brown piece of paper with directions to list their interests and strengths.

Favorite part of book - when Wendy tries to hug her dad - but he wears a box too so it gets in the way. This sparked such great conversation about acceptance.....GET THIS ONE!
  
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Book Review: Better Than You

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better - and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities. Jake's story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a "better than you" attitude can break friendships rather than build them.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Author Trudy Ludwig continues to help the kids in my school with yet another awesome book. Does she read my mind or something? I'm always complaining there are not enough good ones out there on sportsmanship and bragging. These behaviors can be big problems for children and cause many an unhappy face in the classroom or on the playground. Lets not forget the headache they cause the adults too!

You are gonna love the metaphor of a pufferfish Trudy uses to give insight as to what's behind these bragging attitudes. "But when a kid acts like a pufferfish, he takes up so much space that he can also push away friends." Light bulbs were flashing all through my audience as I read that page. This was so helpful to me as a teaching tool. I made an outline of a pufferfish on the board so we could get some brainstorming/discussion rolling.

I love the ending of her story. Trudy doesn't sugarcoat it with a "and then we made up and were bff's." Tyler decides in the end to go his own way with a new friend - one that doesn't have issues. One of the students yelled out, "Yes! He chose a friendly fish. Like a dolphin!" Ha ha. Kids need to be reminded they don't have to stick around and be beat up emotionally by bad behavior. When I look around our playground I see kids in that sidekick position. But I got to make an impact on them with this great new story. Maybe they will start making some new friendship choices. It seems likely........

Keep em' coming Trudy.     

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February Book Reviews Coming Soon! I promise.

Been home on maternity leave and will start posting book reviews in February. Thanks to all for your patience - now back to soaking up a little more time with my little love.....

Book Reviews: Know Your Emotions Series

Angry Is...
Author: Connie Colwell Miller
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be angry? What does anger look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the range of angry feelings. 

Sad Is...
Author: Cheyenne Nichols 
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be sad? What does sadness look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the range of feeling sad. 

Happy Is...
Author: Connie Colwell Miller
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be happy? What does happiness look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the ways that people feel happy. 

Scared Is...
Author: Cheyenne Nichols
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be scared? What does fear look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the range of feeling scared. 






Why They Are On My Bookshelf: Because they are a great resource on feelings! Each book does a superb job describing what the emotion feels like through concrete examples that are easily relatable. The students also appreciate the photos of real kids experiencing the feeling. The series also doesn't give a bunch of lame (yes I used that word) ways to cope with the emotion. It leaves it open ended for the kids and I to start a new dialogue and brainstorm on how to deal and react to emotions. This series is a Winner!
 

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A Must Have - I'm Here by Peter H Reynolds

I've had quite a few people mention this book to me - just haven't had time to pick it up due to my upcoming maternity leave. But it's at the top of my list.....I'm thinking your gonna want this one.....watch the trailer:

I'm Here
Author: Peter H Reynolds
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description:
I’m here. And you’re there.
And that’s okay.
But… maybe there will be a gentle wind that pulls us together.
And then I’ll be here and you’ll be here, too.

Pure, powerful, and deceptively simple, bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds reminds us that children—and the friendships they make—can bloom in unexpected ways. This extraordinary picture book gives voice to the often silent world of a kid struggling to connect with his peers and speaks to the universal need to be loved and heard.

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Book Review: I Believe in You

Author/Illustrator: Marianne Richmond
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Publisher: Sourcebooks

From the Book Jacket: I Believe in You explores the powerful feeling in every parent's heart as you watch a child take on the big job of growing up. This inspiring and meaningful book puts into words the little moments that reveal just how much you believe in them, no matter what life throws their way.

Growing up is a roller coaster ride of emotion and adventure, asking a child to show self-confidence and courage that they may not know they have. Showing you will be by their side can mean the world to them and give them the strength they often so desperately need.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: As I move closer to the arrival of my due date. I am very drawn to books with the message of unconditional love. Using positive affirming language is very important to me as a parent. I Believe in You is perfect for our family bookshelf. It's the kind of story that helps your child feel supported and loved.

I love the first illustration. 

The baby is wearing a post it note that says "To Do: Be the Best You Can Be!"

You'll love every line. Nothing in it is cheesy and I can imagine children feeling really built up and strong after reading this with a parent. I'm hoping it becomes a favorite on my daughter's bookshelf. More than anything, I can't wait to watch her grow into a wonderful person - and as a parent I love the support from all of these lovely book finds.

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Book Reviews: New Ones on Death of a Pet

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Her kitten days long gone, Tiger Rose has lived a cat's life. She's growing too tired to stay, so it's time to say goodbye to the creatures and the joys in her little corner of the world - goodbye to the scolding blue jay, to the children and dog she shares her home with, and to her favorite shady patch under the bushes. Tiger Rose is ready to become one with it all. 

Never before has there been such a peaceful, inspiring, and reassuring book for children about death - uniquely written from the point of view of the one who is dying, and as much a celebration of life as of its gentle end. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is so beautifully written. I cried (and cried), as I finished the last couple pages. This is a book you will want to read with your child - and you will cry too. When I was younger and saw my mom cry about sad experiences, it modeled to me the importance of letting the grief out. So don't be afraid to grieve in front of your children. This story will most certainly trigger the sadness you both will be feeling after the loss of a pet. But it will also help trigger the healing.

Sammy in the Sky
Author: Barbara Walsh
Paintings by Jamie Wyeth
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Sammy, the best hound dog in the whole wide world, loves his girl and she loves him. When illness cuts Sammy's life short, the girl's family keeps his spirit alive by celebrating his love of chasing wind-blown bubbles, keeping loyal guard a night, and offering his velvety fur for endless pats and tummy scratches.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I am not a fan of books about pet death that end with the whole family replacing their beloved pet with a new one. I think it does a disservice to the grief process. I am a fan of books showing the love and memories we will always have when a pet passes. This is why I loved Sammy in the Sky so much. It doesn't take the easy way out. It helps kids to focus on all the wonderful special moments pets bring to our lives. It teaches kids to remember them in their hearts. "All I knew was that I loved Sammy and Sammy loved me." It's about love.

Good-Bye, Jeepers: What to Expect When Your Pet Dies
Author: Nancy Loewen
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
Publisher: Capstone Publishing
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: When a pet dies, it can feel like you lost your best friend. What do you do? Whether you had a guinea pig, dog, cat, or fish, this story can help you through the tough times.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Absolutely loved this one. It is so developmentally appropriate. As the story unfolds, each page has a little blurb teaching children about the grieving process. I've read 'technical' books like this before but this one is SOLID. This is also about the loss of a guinea pig. But I think whether you lose a dog or a cat this is a good one to do some teaching about grieving. I once asked a group of 3rd graders after a loss, "Have you ever heard of the word grief?" No one raised their hand. It's amazing how empowered and connected they felt as I guided them through the process. It would have been a missed opportunity for them to grow if I would have just swept the teaching piece under the rug. They have the desire to learn and be educated about grief. It's helpful for them to know what they are feeling is perfectly fine - even though it may be difficult. 


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Inspired

Source: Teaching Tolerance

“I've come to the frightening conclusioin that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.” -Dr Haim Ginott 

I've seen this quote before and remember how much it inspired me. I was paging through the latest edition of Teaching Tolerance and came across it today. It was definitely perfect timing to read it. Love when that happens. You can download/print your own color copy here. 

Book Review: Perfect Square

Author/Illustrator: Michael Hall

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: A perfect square is transformed in this adventure story that will transport you far beyond the four equal sides of this square book.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love to look at a new book and find the secret little bibliotherapy message in it. Perfect Square is AWESOME. Each day something happens to the square. It's cut in pieces, torn in scraps, shredded to strips, and shattered. But when these things happen, it transforms itself into something beautiful like a fountain, a garden, or a park. Here's some example pages below:

On Saturday, the square was crumpled and ripped and wrinkled.

So it made itself into a mountain.

So what's my message to the kids going to be? Self-esteem! If something gets you down....you can turn it around. You can make lemonade out of lemons! This really feels like an empowerment story. It's also a great way to teach optimism. I even think there might be a lesson on bullying in this one. A lesson on how not to let bully words and behavior bring you down - find a way to keep yourself built up. Gonna have fun with this one!


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