Book Review: Little Smudge

Author: Lionel Le Neouanic
Interest Level: Ages 3-8


About This Book: Hello—can I play with you? For a child, the entire world hangs on the answer to that question. But what happens if the response is NO?

Lonely Little Smudge is searching everywhere for a friend—and when it sees a group of shapes playing together it thinks the wish has come true. But the colorful squares, triangles, diamonds, and circles all think Smudge is just too different…until it shows them all the amazing shapes it can form, and how magical its difference can be.

With bold, bright, and always surprising images—which range from abstract to cubist—this very special picture book not only celebrates the power of the individual but provides an appealing introduction to modern art.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: If you loved One (which I SO heart) by Kathryn Otishi, then you'll go ga ga for Little Smudge. It instantly became a popular hit with students. Why? Because just like Little Smudge got rejected, kids are running up to me on the playground heart broken because another child or group said to them, "You can't play with me/us!" What draws the kids into the story is how Little Smudge deals with his rejection. At first, he does sort of a small mean action towards the group. (Great way to teach kids that being mean back does not work!). And then the power of assertiveness, kindness, and using ones gifts saves the day (doesn't it always?). This is a cute story. I look forward to reading it again next year to help kids survive friendship difficulties. After giving a 1st grader advice on a similar situation he said: 'Oh yaa, Just like Smudge!' 

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Book Review: Standing On My Own Two Feet - A Child's Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce

Author: Tamara Schmitz

Interest Level: Ages 4-7

About This Book: Addison is a regular kid whose parents are going through a divorce, but he knows that no matter what happens, his parents will always love him. At home, at soccer practice, and even at tae kwon do lessons, Mom and Dad will always be there to cheer him on! The text in this beautifully illustrated picture book is inspiring for both children and parents alike, and assures kids that they will always have two parents to lean on, just as they have two strong feet to stand on.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm all for the power of positive thinking. It's nourishing - especially during complicated times. Children don't have to be the victims of divorce. Standing On My Own Two Feet teaches simple lessons: that the divorce is not their fault, parents love you unconditionally, and emotional strength can be developed through positive thoughts. Kids perceive divorce completely differently than the adults in their lives. Sometimes on the outside they may look like they are going strong, but often on the inside they are muddling through. Make sure you provide access to bibliotherapy as part of their healing process. I use this one quite a bit.  

Check out author Tamara Schmitz's 6 Golden Rules to Help Children Through Divorce

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Book Reviews: Penny Lee and Her TV; When Charlie McButton Lost Power

Author: Glenn McCoy
Interest Level: Ages 4-7

About This Book: Penny Lee loves her TV. It is her best friend. It keeps her warm on winter nights and comforted during thunderstorms.

Penny Lee also has a dog, Mr. Barkley. He loves Penny Lee, but he does not love her TV. So what happens when the TV stops working?

Author: Suzanne Collins
Illustrator: Mike Lester
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

About This Book: Charlie McButton likes computer games so much, he never plays with anything else. When a thunderstorm knocks out the electricity, his tech empire comes tumbling down, and his whole world loses power. Charlie needs batteries—FAST! But the only triple- A's he can find are in his little sister's talking doll. Will he resort to desperate measures and cause his sister to have a meltdown of her own? Or will he snap out of his computer craze long enough to realize his sister might be fun, even if she doesn't come with batteries? Collins and Lester team up for a hilarious and timely tale that will crack up young computer addicts and those who love them!

Why They Are On My Bookshelf: I wasn't planning on blogging about these two books but I changed my mind. So here's the deal...these are important reads for the littles. Okay, so we've all heard the awful statistics about kids watching too much TV, addicted to their XBoxes and PS3's, and setting world records text messaging. So as the school year wraps up, I've been sharing Penny Lee and Charlie McButton with students as a reminder to get out there this summer and MOVE and UNPLUG.  When I asked kids why they thought video games and TV could be harmful to kids - you wouldn't believe the responses. They know EXACTLY why too much technology can be a negative thing in their lives. These stories are funny and such a great conversation starter about the importance of unplugging.

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Book Review: Mine! Mine! Mine!

Author: Shelly Becker
Illustrator: Hideko Takahashi
Interest Level: Ages 3-6

About This Book: “My name is Gail, and here’s a tale that I would like to share…” Gail may happily share her tale…but never her toys, books, or other possessions. And that’s the problem in this entertaining story, narrated in rhyme by the resistant little girl herself.

Gail’s favorite words are “Mine! Mine! Mine!” and she uses them all the time. Even when she tries to follow her Mom’s good examples of generosity, Gail doesn’t get it quite right. “An ugly hat, a broken bat, a smelly, chewed-up shoe…” are all she’ll hand over during her Cousin Claire’s visit. Will Gail EVER become a “sharing superstar”?

With its adorable art and humorous perspective, this picture book makes its point in the most delightful way.

Why It's On My Book Shelf: I'm guessing 99.9% of kids go through the stage of 'Mine Mine Mine!' Oh yes, just the other day I saw kids burying coveted sand toys in the playground sandbox. Apparently, some were still learning that hoarding the toys is not cool. So it seemed like the appropriate time for a dose of Mine Mine Mine. As I read the story to kindergarteners, a wave of guilt seemed to sweep across the room. Students related to Gail's possessive behavior. At one point, a little girl blurted out, "Oh, she is really rude!" I let the outraged blurting continue throughout the first few pages, "She doesn't have any manners!" "That's really selfish!" As the story progressed the students quieted down and an overwhelming sense of empathy seemed to be developing towards Cousin Claire (Gail's victim). Author Shelly Becker does a marvelous job of making sure the reader sees how refusing to share can cause hurt feelings and you might even lose a play date. Gail's mom steps in to not just save the day but also models the importance of sharing and kindness. Liking that a lot! 

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Book Review: Where I Live

Author: Eileen Spinelli

About This Book:  Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she’ll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again. Six Reasons Why We Have to Move

1. Because Dad lost his job. 

2. Because we're short on money.

3. Because Grandpa Joe lives alone in a big, empty house.

4. Because Grandpa Joe wants to share his house with us. 

5. Because I don't get a vote about moving.

This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love this book. Let me say it again - I Love This Book!   A LOT of our students have attended different schools and have had to make many transitions in their lives.  These are the kids who really need us to reach out to them and be compassionate and helpful while they adjust to a new home and school. 

 I especially cared for Mrs. Clifford, Diana's teacher, who validated her feelings when she had to move.  Sometimes when I read a book, I might have a few kids not paying attention. Not with this read, even the squirliest of the squirelly had their eyes and ears 100% on me. I know Where I Live has done a lot of healing in my school. There are not enough books out there helping kids with a big life transition like moving. So I was grateful for this new find and will continue to use it as a tool to help students experiencing or facing a move.

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Book Review: The Golden Rule

Author: Ilene Cooper
Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
Interest Level: Grades K-5

About This Book: This book is a gentle reminder of a timeless rule for parent and child: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Everyone knows a version of the Golden Rule. But what does it really mean? And how do you follow it? In this gorgeously illustrated book, a grandfather explains to his grandson that the Golden Rule means you “treat people the way you would like to be treated. It’s golden because it’s so valuable, and a way of living your life that’s so simple, it shines.” And though it may be a simple rule, it isn’t easy to follow. Fortunately, following the Golden Rule is something everyone can do, which means that every person—old or young, rich or poor—can be a part of making the world a better place.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: The golden rule was a big thing when I was growing up. I remember hearing it frequently at an early age in school and from my parents. Guess what? It left a huge moral impression on me then and now. It has helped me be a better friend, student, daughter, and sister. So when I found this contemporary beautiful book a few years ago, I was delighted.

I've been reading The Golden Rule for a few years now to the students. Many kids had never even heard of the golden rule. Gasp! It's a way of thinking I'd like to see more kids using to solve friendship and bullying problems. There is a simplicity about it that I love and appeals to children. Kids are searching for meaningful ways to become better human beings. They are like sponges when I read this book and want to learn how to apply it to their daily lives. The golden rule has been around forever and I hope to help pass it on to our younger generations.  

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Book Review: Shades of People

I decided to add a little more to this book review. I'm a little fascinated with bookstores...read on....

Recently, my husband and I were on a trip to beautiful Victoria, B.C., when I discovered begged my husband to please let me go in to check out the children's section a fabulous bookstore. Let me introduce you to Munro's Books, described as "the most magnificent bookstore in Canada, possibly in North America."  Okay, obviously they haven't heard of a little place called Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon (blog post coming on that gem soon).

Walking through the doors of Munro's my heart started to pitter patter. Indeed, magnificence. My eyes widened as I looked around....grand ceilings, spectacular pillars, eye catching artwork on the walls, and then there are the rows of delicious books. As I made my way around this heavenly bookstore, I began to panic....um, just where are the children's books!?! And then....in the corner....an entrance.....

 

The magnificence of the rest of the store began to fade as I walked into an adorable nook full of children's books. The nook is a small darling room filled with all sorts of good reads for the littles to the teens. Looking around one expects to see a woman in a chair doing a read-a-loud. Annnnd....and they had a small self-help section. So apparently, Canadian children face the same issues! Shades of People (great book for the littles on diversity) was my find. The best part was when I pulled it off the shelf I said to myself, 'I've been looking for a book like this!' Love when a book finds me!

Next time I'm in Victoria, I plan on making another stop to Munro's so I can get some more nook time. Check out this cute little cupboard below that was in the room. I love the little sign. Of course, I had to sit in the chair and open it up.

I'm so grateful for little finds like these. Made me feel like a child again. Enjoy my review.

Shades of People

by Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly

Interest Level: Ages 3-7

About This Book: This book is filled with wonderful photographs of happy, smiling, inquisitive, trusting, and adorable children—all with varying skin tones, hair colors and textures, and facial features. "Have you noticed that people come in many different shades?" is the opening sentence, accompanied by framed head shots of youngsters. It is followed on the next page by, "Not colors, exactly, but shades." The text is minimal, with approximately 3 to 10 words per page. The last page features a large photograph of eight little hands of varying shades. The message is clear and to the point: "Our skin is just our covering, like wrapping paper. And, you can't tell what someone is like from the color of their skin." A good introduction to racial and ethnic diversity.—

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Honoring and teaching diversity to students is so important. Books that celebrate differences are a useful way to reach out to kids. If you are not reading books like these...start! Teaching students about diversity helps reduce conflict and bullying. I'm a huge believer in this. Shades of People is going to help me break down those walls, hopefully before they even go up. The author chose to use the word 'shades' instead of 'colors.' That was new language for younger students regarding their thoughts about skin color. They were able to apply those words in a really caring way towards themselves and others. Um, love it! The actual photographs of kids was also a hit, because it feels relateable. You are going to want this one for your shelf.

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Book Review: Good-Bye Bully Machine

Author: Debbie Fox and Allan L Beane
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

About This Book: Kids learn what bullying is, why it hurts, and what they can do to end it with this fresh, compelling book. With its contemporary collage art, lively layout, and straightforward text, Good-Bye Bully Machine engages kids and keeps them turning pages. The unique format of Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids understand the definition and impact of bullying by comparing it to a mean machine—the Bully Machine. Kids can see how bullying makes the machine grow more imposing, while kind behaviors dismantle it.

Through the machine, kids gain awareness of their role in bullying, whether they are targets, bullies, bystanders—or all three. The role of the bystander is especially important. Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids see the power of the bystander to become an ally, which means learning to show empathy, engage in kind acts, and take a stand against bullying. It's a perfect way to engage reluctant readers and hard-to-reach kids.

Good-Bye Bully Machine features:

• Rich, full-color collage art
• Engaging, straightforward text
• Fun, easy-to-manage activities
• Compelling content for kids ages 8 and up

A note to grown-ups about bullying and bully prevention:

You can use this book on its own or in support of other Bully Free products. Good-Bye Bully Machine naturally lends itself to productive group discussion. Bully-busting activities at the back of the book show ways for victims, witnesses, and kids who've bullied others to become Bully Free—including suggestions for building a school-wide campaign against bullying.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Good-Bye Bully Machine is a recent discovery. I just cannot say enough good things about what it has done on the playground, hallways, cafeteria, and classrooms in my school. Over the years, I've used dry and boring bullying curriculums which are now sitting idle on my shelf. I've lost students in a flash when I'm just standing at the white board writing the definition of bullying. As a counselor, it means everything to me for students to have better insight to bully behavior. The minute I introduce the metaphor of the "bully machine", I have a captive group of students. Good-Bye Bully Machine is one of the few books out there that really goes there with students and requires critical thinking. The first time I read this to a 4th grade class, one of the students went out to recess and reported a problem to an adult stating, 'I do not want to be part of the bully machine!' Love that. So why do kids like this machine plugged in? How can schools unplug it? What makes it grow and become strong? Like I said, the metaphor of the "bully machine" creates higher level thinking and questioning. Those that are participating in bullying behavior have an opportunity to try and understand themselves better. A lot of those students are in personal pain, take the time to explore this with them. It's such a worthwhile read. The "bully machine" causes a lot of hurt in schools across America.  If you are a teacher or a counselor looking for a creative approach to STOP bullying, add this book to your resource shelf. (be sure to use the leaders guide - it's an awesome supplementary resource)


A link to this book at Free Spirit Publshing.
A link to the Leader's Guide.

Book Review: The Way I Feel

Author: Janan Cain
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book:

Silly is the way I feel

when I make a funny face

and wear a goofy, poofy hat

that takes up lots of space

So begins a child's romp through a feelings word book. Feelings are neither good nor bad, they simply are. Kids needs words to name their feelings, just as they need words to name foods, clothes, toys, people, and all the other interesting things in their world.

Strong, colorful, and expressive images go along with the verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Your child will learn useful words, and you will have many chances to open conversations about what's going on in her/his life.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When it comes to the social and emotional growth of children, this just might be in my top five book picks. The Way I Feel was first released ten years ago and is as relevant today as the day it was published. I get a lot of, 'Yaaaas, I love that book!!' when I show the cover. Not only do they love the illustrations, but they relish the opportunity to discuss feelings and what to do with them. Yes, it may sound cliche for a counselor to highly recommend a book about feelings but I have students who are desperate to have their emotions validated and heard. Author Janan Cain writes a thoughtful note to parents on the last page. She offers four suggestions to parents as they read The Way I Feel to their child (super helpful). I'm so happy this is on my shelf to share with children.

Emotions covered: silly, scared, disappointed, happy, sad, angry, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous, and proud. 

PS. For the littles, The Way I Feel board book.

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Book Review: Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story About Remarriage and New Family

Author: Sandra Levins
illustrated by Bryan Langdo
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Mom has a new family! She has a new husband who is not my dad, and worst of all, new kids. Girls! Just as it feels for the young child in "Do You Sing Twinkle?" living apart from a parent can be a hard adjustment for kids. And, when that parent remarries and has stepchildren, things can get really confusing for kids! Told from a young boy's point of view, the book sensitively addresses many questions that children may have while adjusting to remarriage and joint-custody situations. Kids and parents will learn good and easy ways to stay connected all around helping kids to feel special and loved. A 'Note to Parents' is included that will help parents talk to their children and deal with common but difficult emotions as they adjust to all the changes in their lives. This title addresses directly the kinds of issues kids face when parents divorce and remarry. It tackles difficulties of separated parents, stepparents, and step-siblings. It is a 'read aloud' book that is suitable for very young children but readable by second graders.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Some sources estimate the divorce rate in the United States exceeds 50%. So as a school counselor, I've got my hands full trying to help kids who are struggling with family strife. There is a very special place in my heart for children who are experiencing the sadness of divorce. Do You Sing Twinkle? is a bibliotherapy MUST. It's not like children have an on and off switch for their emotions. It inevitably 'bleeds' into their school day. There is an example of this when the young boy has a bad day at school. This bad day occurs after a weekend transition between homes.

I do not have a good day.

I do not feel like reading so I say

"Pass" when it is my turn.

I shove my partner

at the drinking fountain.

I throw woodchips at a

first-grader on the playground.

I punch Zoey Enos in the arm.

My teacher calls my dad.

I'm in big trouble, mister!

I can't tell you how many times I've seen this behavior. Sometimes it's attributed to unresolved anger, unresolved sadness, unresolved grief....notice I keep using the word unresolved. Author Sandra Levins takes a whole family approach to healing all of these unresolved feelings. I felt like she was trying to help the parents "be there" for their kids. This is a healing book for your shelf. If your family is in a similar situation, don't hesitate to get Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story About Remarriage and New Family.

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