Book Review: Two Bobbies - A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

Authors: Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery

Illustrator: Jean Cassels

Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

Website: www.twobobbies.com

Book Trailer: Two Bobbies

About This Book: During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets-dragging her chain behind her-followed by her feline companion, Bob Cat. After months of hunger and struggle, the Two Bobbies were finally rescued by a construction worker helping to rebuild the city. When he brought them to a shelter, volunteers made an amazing discovery about the devoted friends-Bob Cat was actually blind! He had survived the aftermath of the storm by following the sound Bobbi's chain made as she dragged it along the ground.

At the shelter, the two bob-tailed friends refused to be parted, even for a moment. Could rescue workers find the Bobbies' owners? Or could they find a new home that would take them together? This remarkable true story of devotion and survival is a testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions, and is a perfect way to commemorate the this day in history. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book was recommended on the Choice Literacy Facebook Page by 4th grade teacher Andrea Smith. She selects it as her first read aloud of the year. 

She says: "I love to use this book about a real cat and dog at the beginning of the year because it opens the doorway to conversations about friendship and loyalty. The characters also show kids how we each bring talents and strengths to our classroom, despite our challenges. These two unlikely friends also have a secret - one is blind and the other is deaf. Yet somehow they managed to find help during the difficult times after Hurricane Katrina, refusing to be separated. I love how this animal story invites children into conversations and makes them comfortable enough to discuss important topics."

After reading the book, I could not agree more! This is a great read aloud. You could use this to encourage kids to take care of each other during the school year. We all have emotional needs and we need to be mindful of how our behavior can hurt or help our school community. We all have differences but lets use those to strengthen our bonds - just like the Two Bobbies did. LOVE!

                                                                                                                                           

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: What If Everybody Did That?

Author: Ellen Javernick
Illustrator: Colleen M. Madden
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: If you drop just one soda can out the window. It's no big deal ... right? But what if everybody did that? What if everybody broke the rules ... and spoke during story time, didn't wash up, or splashed too much at the pool? Then the world would be a mess. 

But what if everybody obeyed the rules so that the world would become a better place? This book shows how each person's small, everyday choices - good or bad - have consequences one way or the other. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been on my wish list for a looooong time. Decided it was time to buy it because I've had some PBIS ideas floating around in my head for back to school. This story is going to be part of our kick off for learning the school standards. What if Everybody Did That? is all about community and remembering we all play a part in keeping our school, neighborhoods, and homes safe and happy places. If we don't think of others our surroundings and daily routines can quickly become chaotic. 

There are fourteen examples showing cause and effect example of behavior. 

"During story time I had something important to say. I just couldn't wait till the end of the story. The librarian put her finger to her lips and said, "What if everybody did that?"

Just once I didn't hang my coat on the rack at school. Ms. Sanders made me pick it up and said, "What if everybody did that?"

The last example is a positive one. I was happy they ended on a good note and what a great way to start off your lesson and discussion. 

When I came home I gave my mom a hug. What if everybody did that?

If you need a new resource to introduce routines, procedures, and school standards this is such a great reinforcer! 

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

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Book Review: The Promise

Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Laura Carlin
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: On a mean street in a mean city, a girl tries to snatch an old woman's bag. But the woman will only relinquish it in exchange for: The Promise. And so begins a life-changing journey of paying forward happiness, sure to touch the hearts and imaginations of readers young and old. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been looking for community builders for next year that I can read to K-5 grades. This one absolutely knocked my socks off. It's bucket filling at a deeper level. When a girl steals a purse from a woman she finds it is filled with acorns. The woman allowed her to take the purse on one condition, "If you promise to plant them, I'll let go." This is not a story about planting trees. It's about planting love, care, kindness, happiness.....all of the good. And the girl does just that. She goes from communities to cities to neighborhoods...planting. And all the while, touching people's lives and bringing with her a light to erase the darkness people feel. This book really touched me. Highly recommend. 

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

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Two Great Books on Paying it Forward

One Smile
Author: Cindy McKinley
Illustrator: Mary Gregg Byrne
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

About This Book: When young Katie smiles sweetly at a dejected-looking man in the park, little does she know the amazing chain of events her simple act of kindness has put into motion. Her innocent smile not only brightens this young man’s day, it moves on to touch the lives of countless others. As each person affected by this chain “pays it forward” with their own small act of kindness, it eventually comes full circle back to Katie.

One Voice
Author: Cindy McKinley
Illustrator: Mary Gregg Byrne
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

About This Book: In this compelling sequel to the award-winning One Smile, a young boy’s wish for a more peaceful world ignites a chain reaction of goodwill and cooperation that spreads throughout his community. After Jacob gives a teacher his seat on the bus, his simple act of kindness is passed on to a neighbor, a mailman, a lonely young girl, a basketball player, and a dentist’s daughter before finally coming full circle to bless him and his special project. 

Why They Are On My Bookshelf: If you are thinking of doing a lesson on creating more kindness in your community, these two books should be in your top five for this category. I love LOVE them.  I was thrilled to make the discovery of a second book One Voice - the amazing sequel to One Smile. Many of the teachers at my school have asked to borrow them for further discussion. 

My lovely friend designed this AWESOME print and I used it as our kindness theme when we read the books. It's so perfect for building community. Maybe a Teachers Pay Teachers product?

A Link to These Books:

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Book Review: The Invisible Boy

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party...until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine. This gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "The number one thing kids want is to feel they belong and are accepted." I will always remember those words which were spoken by a close mentor of mine when I was in graduate school. So when I read The Invisible Boy that quote spoke to me again. It's also speaking to my students....especially the kids who are hurting on the inside. Hurting for a friend.

Brian is completely shunned in the story - treated as if he does not even exist. The kids who are doing this think they are the cool ones. They have labeled Brian as uncool in their minds. But a new student Justin comes along who does not box kids into any sort of category or stereotype. I LOVE seeing this issue addressed because sometimes I worry we are not talking about it enough - and that's how bullying can take birth. Minds and belief sets were changed through this lesson.

Trudy's new book is exceptional. Probably one of the most important books I will read all year long. It's REAL, beautiful, inspiring, and has helped kick our school year off in a spirit of kindness and inclusiveness. 

Check out this Bullying Book Discussion Guide from Random House. It's SUPER helpful.

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Daisy's Big Dig

Author/Illustrator: Angie Morgan
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: The people in Daisy's street never EVER talk to each other. But when old Mr. Hofmeister needs help in his garden, Daisy comes up with a brilliant plan to bring everyone together - a Digging Party. Will all the neighbors come, and could there be hidden treasure too?

Why It's on My Bookshelf: I'm already thinking about books for the fall. This is a great book to teach kids about community and when we build it how positive the results are for everyone. If you have a community garden at your school - then you are REALLY going to love this sweet story. I notice a lot of teachers creating beautiful community anchor charts with their classes in the beginning of the year - definitely consider adding Daisy's Big Dig to the lesson.

A Link to This Book and Others That Might be Helpful: 

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Book Review: Peace, Baby

Author: Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Interest Level: Grades K-2

From the Book Jacket: When you want to push and shout, hoot and holler, punch or pout, breathe in slowly. Let it out....Say: Peace, baby!

Friends grab toys. Siblings don't share. Life's not fair - but we can be! A frustrating day may feel overwhelming, but everyone wins with peace, baby. Acclaimed author Linda Ashman's gentle clever rhymes will inspire readers of all ages to find peace within themselves, peace with one another, and peace with the world. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Lately it's been feeling like there are some kids in my school struggling with conflict. When they are frustrated, upset, or mad I'm noticing instead of choosing a peaceful solution they are really hurting the other child's feelings. Towards the end of the school year students can forget kind ways to solve problems. Now seemed like a perfect time to do some re-teaching about keeping your cool.

This book has really inspired me to spread the word about PEACE! Peace, Baby! It is so PERFECT for my refresher lessons on conflict resolution. Each page shows a child in the midst of a conflict, then the next page shows them making a caring choice with the words "Peace, Baby!"  Kids are now shouting to me from across the playground, "Mrs D! Peace, Baby!!" Excellent!

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

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Book Review: Too Tall Houses

Author/Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Owl and Rabbit are good friends and neighbors and live happily in two small houses next to each other...UNTIL Rabbit's garden grows a little too tall and blocks Owl's view. Now Owl isn't so happy. Maybe building a bigger house will solve the problem. But now Rabbit isn't happy. Maybe building his house taller will be the solution. And before long, there are two very tall houses and two very unhappy neighbors. What will it take to make them friends again?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book could not have come at a better time. I am doing some reteaching with grades K-2 on solving problems. Owl and Rabbit are a great example of what happens when you argue and fight. They are also very stubborn and won't give in because each wants their way and wants to be right. They try and one up each other by building their houses taller and taller....which was a great metaphor for how big they are making the problem.

It has a very cute ending showing a fixed friendship and a solution at work. The moral of the story is it's a huge waste of time to involve yourself in negative behavior when faced with a problem - it only makes things worse and results in the loss of a friend. This generation needs LOTS of conflict resolution encouragement. Great book.

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Each Kindness

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Interest Level: Grades 1-5

From the Book Jacket: Chloe doesn't really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she's gone. 

When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the opportunity that's been lost. How much better could it have been if she'd just shown Maya a little kindness and opened her heart to friendship?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is going to be one of the most important books I read to students this year. It will definitely be one of my favorites. It came in the mail this morning and I just had to blog about it today because it is a MUST for your bookshelf.

This is a powerful story PACKED FULL of life lessons. A new student Maya is treated horribly by her classmates. She tries making friends with the other students but is rejected and becomes a target because of her economic status. Students will feel sadness as you read this story - because they will be filled with an overwhelming empathy for Maya. In the end, we never know the full damage that may have been caused to Maya because she moves. We can surely guess though. However, it's Chloe who teaches us the lesson. She had shunned Maya but is filled with guilt, remorse, and emotional pain as she becomes aware of her own hurtful behavior. She is never able to make amends. I cannot wait for the discussion this will create. If we can teach our children to live their lives in complete kindness - hopefully they will not have to learn this lesson the hard way.

What an AMAZING teaching tool!

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Little Sweet Potato

Author: Amy Beth Bloom
Illustrated by Noah Z Jones
Interest Level: K and Up

From the Book Jacket: When Little Sweet Potato gets knocked out of his garden patch, he is forced to search for a new home. He stumbles upon some very mean and silly plants on his journey, and wonders if maybe he is too lumpy and bumpy to fit in anywhere. Will Little Sweet Potato ever find the perfect home?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I absolutely adore Little Sweet Potato! Author Amy Beth Bloom has written a GEM. The story encourages children to not judge or reject one another based on what's on the outside but to accept everyone because of their special uniqueness. Everyone has a place in their school. I still see some kids who feel like outsiders. Lets remind kids to treat each other with respect and appreciation. If you are looking for a story about acceptance, tolerance, diversity, differences, bullying, kindness....it's all here!

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

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Book Review: Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class

Author: Eileen Spinelli

Illustrator: Anne Kennedy

Interest Level: K-2

From the Book Jacket: Miss Fox is tired of hearing her young students quarrel. So she announces Peace Week - no more squabbling for one whole week! Soon, to their surprise, the little animals are finding that it's easy to help others, take turns, and say nice tings, even when someone is grumpy to them. Wouldn't it be nice, Squirrel says, if every week could be Peace Week?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I cannot believe it has taken me THIS long to blog about this wonderful book. Are things falling apart in your classroom? Or are you looking for a resource to teach prosocial behaviors for the start of the next school year? Then Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class is just the story you need to reinforce a positive classroom community. 

My favorite thing about this story is when Miss Fox's class decides to change their ways they still see bad behavior going on but don't allow themselves to get sucked into it. That's a great little life lesson. You will always see conflict happening, but you have a CHOICE to not get involved. 

By the way, I found a great lesson called Peace Makers vs Peace Breakers on a really cool first grade teacher blog called The First Grade Parade. She used the books No David!, David Goes to School, and David Gets in Trouble. But I think you could most certainly use Peace Week too. Check out her cool drawings!

Image via The First Grade Parade

Image via The First Grade Parade

Another cool thing she started was a Peacemaker Conflict Corner. This lady is a genius. You can find a link on her blog to the little book (How to Be a Peacemaker) she created to go in her cool little corner. Her kids are very lucky to have such an awesome teacher!

Image via The First Grade Parade

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: Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life

Author: Carol McCloud
Illustrated by Penny Weber
Book Website: www.bucketfillers101.com 
Interest Level: Grades 3 and Up
Chapter Book

From the Book Jacket: Do you know you have an invisible bucket which is filled with all of your good thoughts and feelings? If you're new to the concepts of bucket filling and bucket dipping, then this book is for you. With  easy-to-read chapters, colorful illustrations, and daily questions to help readers become better bucket fillers, Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life gives readers the tools to live a life filled with happiness.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When I got this awesome new addition to my bucket books I had a little fun with it. So I hid it behind my back when I showed it to my 3-5th graders. They've heard Have You Filled a Bucket and How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids countless times over the years so I knew they'd be a little shocked and excited about this new one - because it is totally geared to their age. And of course when I showed what I was hiding, they were eagerly wanting me to read it and wanted to know when it would also be available in our school library.

It's a chapter book and well.....it's PERFECT. The kids are learning all kinds of new things about bucket filling:

• BFF = Bucket Fillers Forever (and here you thought it meant best friends forever)
• Group Bucket Filling
• How To Avoid Dipping
• Accidental Dipping
• Thoughtless Dipping
• Selective Dipping
• Group Dipping
• Dipping on Television
• Long-Handled Dipping
• Use Your Lid (I've been waiting for someone to use that idea when it comes to bucket filling.  Protect your bucket from getting dipped in the first place. Love it.)
• Use Your Lid for Others
• Advanced Bucket Fillers
• When A Lid Doesn't Work

If you are a bucket believer then I know you just got a little giddy about the above list. I haven't created any lessons to go with the book yet so I've been playing it by ear and basically doing discussion as we read it. I am sensing from the kids that they would really like to have their own copy to read from. It also has cool pictures throughout. We have ordered a few copies for our school library and they will definitely be in HOT demand. I encourage teachers (grades 3 and up) to have a copy in their kid reading library. Your students will thank you. It could also be a great read aloud to increase your classroom climate. Now who is not for that!?  

Group Dipping

Use Your Lid

Hoping more bucket books are going to be published. They are an INVALUABLE resource for children.

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

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Book Review: How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids

Authors: Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
Illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
Interest Level: Ages 4-10

From the Book Jacket: Each of us has an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it's empty, we feel awful. Yet most children (and many adults) don't realize the importance of having a full bucket throughout the day.

In How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids, Felix begins to see how every interaction in a day either fills or empties his bucket. Felix then realizes that everything he says or does to other people fills or empties their buckets as well.

Follow along with Felix as he learns how easy it can be to fill the buckets of his classmates, teachers, and family members. Before the day is over, you'll see how Felix learns to be a great bucket filler, and in the process, discovers that filling someone else's bucket also fills his own.

Why It's On My Book Shelf: I cannot even begin to describe the healing power of bucket filling in my own school. It's the #1 way I usually deal with kids when it comes to oh....EVERYTHING. I've taught this metaphor for years and it is built into our thinking and language. The kids use it for problem solving, bullying, friendship issues, home problems, helping others, expressing a need, describing their feelings, talking about a hurt and much more. Relationships are strengthened when students choose to live their lives by this philosophy.

I originally found out about bucket filling through author Carol McCloud's book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?. It's a neat picture book explaining just what is the business of "Bucket Filling." If you've been using this story (or even if you haven't) to explain this wonderful metaphor, then you ABSOLUTELY need How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids by authors Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer.

What makes this book so special is the focus is on a boy, Felix, and what happens to his bucket throughout his day. He wakes up in the morning with a pretty full bucket. But he spills the cereal and his mom scolds him. Ouch, hurt feelings. DRIP. I loved watching the students' reaction to that word. They hadn't heard bucket filling described that way. Felix gets to school and has a series of negative encounters with kids. DRIP. DRIP. All those positive feelings he started with start going away until his bucket is almost empty. 

Unkind behavior = Drips.



But then something happens to stop the DRIPS. Felix's teacher gives him a compliment. DROP. The class is supportive of him and praises his effort. DROP! He starts receiving compliments and acts of kindness from others as the school day continues. DROP! His bucket starts to fill back up with positive feelings. 


Acts of Kindness = Drops.

Here comes my favorite part.  Once his bucket is filled back up he looks around the playground and notices everyone else has one too....and a lot of them need filling. He now has a real understanding of how it works. And so will your kids! So Felix gets right to it by being kind and helpful. DROP! DROP! This time there are two drops. When he fills another person's bucket, he fills his own too.


Each person receives a DROP during kindness.

The students were SO excited when they saw the cover. I've been reading it the first couple weeks of school so kids can remember to start filling others' buckets immediately. I plan on reading it again throughout the school year. This is one of those stories they like to hear over and over again. It is very well written, the illustrations are perfect, and it speaks to kids. They completely relate to Felix and the ups and downs of his day. Using the "drips" and "drops" as a way to describe positive and negative interactions was easily understood by the students. We've started putting our new discovered language to use! Bucket filling is a way of life in my school. I hope you do the same in your school and home.

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

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Book Review: One of Us (Pt 2)

Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrated by Penny Weber
Interest Level: Ages 5-10

About This Book: Roberta James is new to Baker School. "I think you are going to love it here," the principal says. Roberta agrees as she notices the brightly painted walls, a library full of books, and a fabulous looking playground. But the school starts to feel anything but welcoming as she encounters the many different cliques of Baker School, each with it's own set of rules. There are the pony tail girls, the Monkey Bar Gang, the flowered-lunchbox kids, and the cowboy boot wearing "we only eat pita roll-ups" group. Roberta is shuffled from group to group realizing fitting in isn't as easy as the principal promised. Sitting alone in the cafeteria she meets a group that is a mixture of many things. The kids like different sports, foods, and hobbies. They let Roberta know "You're one of Us" just by being yourself. The illustrations are bold and colorful.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I blogged about One of Us in July before the school year started so I didn't have an opportunity to read it to students. I've chosen it as one of my first reads this year to our 2nd-4th graders. I've been looking for a book that brings kids together, especially at the start of the year. I have chosen wisely because this one is a force. The silence in the room was my first clue that it was very impactful. All eyes were on the pages as Roberta's first day of school unfolded. And I'm not talking about kids sitting and being quiet because it's the respectful thing to do. The story directly relates to their own lives and what they witness on the bus, cafeteria, playground, and in their neighborhoods. Nobody said boo while I read. Not until I opened the floor with guided questions and related it back to our school. Inclusion and exclusion - those are big words for kids. Without giving the definition of exclusion, after the story I asked a second grade class what they thought it meant. They said, "Getting kicked out." Hands went up when I asked if anyone has ever been treated this way or maybe they've done the kicking out. As we continued our discussion, I could feel the empathy and care for one another increase in our conversations in each classroom. I would call this some serious community building!

I love this story. It is simple, concrete, and powerful. It's going to be great to reference back to when kids use exclusion behavior in friendships. As the school counselor of 400 some wonderful kiddos, I am encouraged as to the possibilities for more inclusion across our school. One of Us helped guide students' hearts in the right direction as they headed out to the cafeteria, recess, bus, and back to their neighborhoods. It will be a year long effort to help kids feel and remain connected. But so worth it.

The publisher has a wonderful lesson plan to accompany the book. I found it very helpful.

A Link to This Book:

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