Books That Heal Kids: sadness

Showing posts with label sadness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sadness. Show all posts

Book Review: Rain Boy

Author/Illustrator: Dylan Glynn

From the Book Jacket: Rain Boy is not very popular. Wherever he goes he brings wet. But everyone loves Sun Kidd, who brings sunshine. Only Sun Kidd sees what's special about Rain Boy. But when she invites him to her birthday party, disaster strikes, and Rain Boy storms. Will the other kids ever appreciate Rain Boy for being himself? Can Rain boy learn to love his rain? This is a story with all the emotions of the rainbow and about isolation, individuality, and self-love. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This one is full of messages about including others, standing up for someone being bullied, and self-love. I think it would be a great community builder to help start relationships out with kindness. Everyone brings something a little different to the group. Lets teach kids to appreciate those qualities that are unique and special. Love this one!

A Link to This Book: 
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Book Review: When Sadness Is at Your Door

Author/Illustrator: Eva Eland

From the Book Jacket: Sadness can be confusing and overwhelming at any age. When Sadness Is at Your Door provides a sensitive look at a very familiar feeling. 

This simple yet important book portrays Sadness as an unwelcome guest but one that can be managed with a face and a shape, Sadness can be seen as a part of one's true self. Providing practical ways to address this emotion - such as sitting quietly, doing an activity you love, or taking a walk.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book has ACTUAL strategies and ideas at the end of the book that are realistic and might also invite the reader to create their own list. I love how it ends with a reminder that tomorrow is a new day. Sadness does not have to be a forever feeling. I've had quite a few parents seek advice from me lately on how to help their children with a fixed mindset - often times they comment on the sadness their child feels. I will be recommending this book as a helpful resource. It's a good one. 

A Link to This Book: 
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Book Review: The Rabbit Listened


From the Book Jacket: When something sad happens to Taylor, all the animals think they know how to help. One by one they come, but nothing they say makes Taylor feel better. Until the rabbit arrives...and the rabbit knows just what to do. The Rabbit Listened is about healing heartaches big and small, and taking the time to listen. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a comforting book for learning how to cope when you are feeling upset and sad. Sometimes it just takes someone listening and validating your feelings. This story is a light for children and might serve as an encouraging message that it's okay to express your feelings. 

A Link to This Book:
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Book Review: Life Without Nico

Author: Andrea Maturana
Illustrator: Francisco Javier Olea

From the Book Jacket: Best friends Maia and Nico are inseparable. So when Nico's family must move away for a while, life without him leaves a big hole in Maia's world. 

But little by little, Maia's sadness eases, thanks to a kitten, a new friend and the magic of music. When it's finally time for Nico to return home, Maia worries. Can she find room in her life for him again?This is an endearing story of friendship and the infinite capacity of the heart. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've had a few students have to deal with a friend moving away and really feeling devastated by the loss. This is a sweet story that validates these circumstances and feelings. It also shows you can fill the void in your heart by making a new friend and finding hobbies. I don't have too many books on this subject so glad I found it. This will also be a great resource to teach The Zones of Regulation. Great find!

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Useful:
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Book Review: Stuck With the Blooz

Stuck With the Blooz
by Caron Levis
illustrated by Jon Davis
Book Website: Click here

A Note From the Publisher: What do you do when you're feeling blue--especially when your mood takes the form of a drippy, oozy monster called the Blooz? Do you ignore it? Do you ask it lots of questions? Do you give it an ice-pop and hope it goes away? Through trial and error, the child in this story discovers that while it may not be easy, it's not impossible to shake the Blooz. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are students in my school who will really benefit from reading this book. They are dealing with life situations that are contributing to increased feelings of sadness. One way to help them cope is by giving them awareness of their emotions and finding ways through discussion on how to deal with it when it pops up in their life. Perfect book for this! You could also do some creative art therapy by drawing the Blooz monster from the book.

I don't know what the statistics are regarding depression and children but I personally feel this generation is at risk. With the recent shootings in Newtown we are all feeling really down. My niece who is a 5th grader said to me, "I just feel so sad." It is such a traumatic event and has filled so many kids with a deep sadness that they don't know what to do with it. I know the healing will take a long time but turning to books can sometimes bring comfort and provide help for those who are hurting.

A Link to This Book:

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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.

A Link to This Book:
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Book Review: One of Those Days

Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Rebecca Doughty

Interest Level: Ages 5-11


About This Book: Rosenthal enumerates ways in which a child's happiness can be squelched by a rotten day. The array of mishaps includes sibling and friendship problems, disappointing birthdays, itchy clothing, misplaced belongings, and self-doubt. Each unwelcome incident warrants a special designation. There's a Keep Spilling Stuff Day, a Nobody's Listening To You Day, a Gutter Ball Day, and a Not Big Enough Day. This succinct book is not a story but an imaginative list of calamities that culminates predictably with the promise that all bad days lead to a new dawn.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: Sometimes I notice kids walking around school in sort of a slump. This book has helped me as a counselor to reach out to those students. Just like adults, kids sometimes have really hard days. One of Those Days comforts and validates children. I love to say to kids, "Hey, looks like you are having one of those days." They know exactly what I am talking about because we are using a phrase we know and have learned about. It's a great way to help kids figure out some coping skills to handle hard times.

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

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