Book Review: Little Bird's Bad Word





















Author/Illustrator: Jacob Grant
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Little Bird learned a new word! He loves it so much, he's bursting to share it with all of his friends. BLARK! The only problem is, this isn't a very nice word. Little Bird doesn't realize it, but it might even hurt someone's feelings. With the help of Papa Bird, maybe Little Bird will learn another new word - one that will make things better. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Lots of good lessons in this one about language and how we have the choice to be appropriate or inappropriate. Kids quickly learn there are attention getting words and they can make people feel uncomfortable, Little bird almost loses a friend over his behavior.  But the power of an apology and changing his behavior saves the friendship and he learns a big lesson. 

My daughter is learning what words are socially acceptable and she is especially starting to figure out words can trigger reactions and emotions in others. This is a nice reminder for adults - they are not only watching us but LISTENING to everything we say. (Little Bird learns the word from Papa!) This will fit into many lessons at school around kindness and community building and maybe even be part of our No-Name Calling week. I've worked with many students who are heart broken over hurtful things said to them - this is a helpful resource to stop that negative behavior. 



A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 


1 comment

  1. This looks great, I'll have to check it out! I like that the book appears to view the use of inappropriate language as an issue of understanding rather than a simple behavioral one. Before I studied education, the thought that children might hear inappropriate language from people they respect, such as parents, and so be hurt when told at school that the words they (and their loved ones) used were bad had never occurred to me. Often the children didn't mean to be bad, they just heard the word a lot! I'm so glad there are books to discuss such sensitive topics and help teach children (and adults!) how to use language that builds up rather than tears down! Thank you for the suggestion.

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