Books That Heal Kids: empathy

Showing posts with label empathy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label empathy. Show all posts

Book Review: You Hold Me Up

Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Danielle Daniel

From the Book Jacket: This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I think this is another important book on kindness and compassion. This would be a great one to read to your classroom community on how can we remember to support and take care of one another. It's a really simple book with a lot of heart. Beautiful!

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Book Review: Everyone...

Author/Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal

From the Book Jacket: Happy one moment and sad the next - everyone has feelings. Everyone, cries, everyone laughs, everyone sings, Everyone. Author Christopher Silas Neal invites young readers to explore how we feel what we feel, and how everything -- and everyone -- feels it, too. From the animals in the woods to the neighbors in their homes nearby, everyone has feelings. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I thought this was a wonderful book to not just talk about feelings but to recognize everyone around us shares them too. It's a great community and empathy builder also.  If you need a new one to teach feelings, the zones of regulation, or help develop empathy - this is an awesome resource. 

We also are working on helping kids to be responsible for their emotions and take good care of them. So when students are having really big feelings about something, we can remind them to use the tools we have taught them to manage their behavior. I appreciate how this book helped us with that important social skill training. 

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Book Review: Lubna and Pebble

Author: Wendy Meddour
Illustrator: Daniel Egneus

From the Book Jacket: Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This unforgettable and stunningly illustrated story explores the wrenching dislocation of refugee families, and one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of uncertainty. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm always looking for great stories to read with kids on kindness. But I also want to choose more books that share what's happening in the world around us. Although no country is named in this book it is clear a child is in a very hard situation and without a home. She looks beyond her own emotional needs to do an act of kindness for a boy who arrives in their camp. He is going through the same feelings she felt when she first arrived. She recognizes this immediately and sets out to comfort him with her only source of friendship - a pebble. Kindness is about looking beyond yourself. Great message in this one. 


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Book Review: Let's Have a Dog Party!

Author/Illustrator: Mikela Prevost

From the Book Jacket: To celebrate Frank's birthday, Kate throws him a party with all her favorite things: lots of friends, dancing in circles, loud singing, and sparkly confetti everywhere. But best friends don't always have the same taste in parties. Frank prefers quiet, sun-drenched naps on his favorite rug. So he hides. Kate must find a way to bring Frank back to the party - on his own terms. A story that encourages empathy and the art of listening. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been such a help with the students at my school who are learning about self-regulation and how their behavior impacts others. If you like to teach the zones of regulation this is an awesome book to add to your lessons. Let's Have a Dog Party is a teaches kids the importance of recognizing and understanding others emotions. Frank is completely overwhelmed by the energy and excitement of the children. One of the things the kids in the story are not immediately picking up on are the social cues that Frank is giving through his body language. Finally, a girl named Kate realizes she needs to take a gentle quieter approach to Frank to help him feel comfortable and safe. This was a really good teaching moment for a small group I am working with. 

There are many different ways you can use this book with your students....self-regulation, personal space, zones of regulation, voice levels, empathy, and being a social thinker. I highly recommend this one. It's a great read with awesome illustrations to help teach these important social skills. 

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Book Review: Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Author: Marcy Campbell
Illustrator: Corinna Luyken

From the Book Jacket:  Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse - the best and most beautiful horse anywhere. But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?



The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn't get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important. 

This book shows readers that kindness is always rewarding, understanding is sweeter than judgment, and friendship is the best gift one can give. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: In order to have a heart that is caring and loving we have to understand that everyone comes from different circumstances. In this book, Adrian is a child living with less in his life. We live in a world where we sometimes value economic status more than being someone's friend. Lets help our children early in life develop empathy towards all walks of life. This is a must read. I am also going to include it with all my holiday reads as we head into the season of giving. 


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Book Review: The Day War Came



From the Book Jacket: Imagine if, on an ordinary school day, after a morning studying tadpoles and drawing birds, war came to your town and turned it to rubble. Imagine you lost everything and everyone, and you had to make a dangerous journey all alone. Imagine that there was no welcome at the end, and no room for you even to take a seat at school. And then imagine that a child, just like you, gave you a gift, something ordinary but so very, very important. 

Inspired by true events, this deeply affecting book evokes the experience of a young refugee and shows the hope a simple act of kindness can bring in the wake of the devastation of war. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a moving book and really evokes strong emotions. Although it's hard to read about the suffering that children endure as refugees, I felt hope at the end of the story because of the goodness of children and people. We can heal suffering through kindness. We can push hate away by connecting to one another through our humanity. Such an amazing representation of what is going on in our world though the eyes of a child. 

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Book Review: Be Kind

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrator: Jen Hill

From the Book Jacket: When a young girl named Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better and remember that Mom always says, "Be kind." But what does it mean to be kind?

As the child ponders everything from asking a new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what kinds is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference - or at least help a friend. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a lovely story on the incredible power of kindness. The story centers around another child witnessing unkindness. From that moment, she starts to think of how important daily kindness is when it comes to all of our interactions with one another. Through empathy she does something to bring joy to the child who was originally hurt. 

I love this book so much. One of our school rules/standards is "BE KIND" so this fits right in with what we are trying to teach children. It was refreshing to see this book and I will be using it TONS in the beginning of the school year. 

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: A Bike Like Sergio's

Author: Maribeth Boelts
Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Ruben feels like he's the only kid without a bike. He wishes he could get a bike like his friend Sergio's, but wishes won't make money appear. One day, when Ruben sees a bill fall out of someone's purse, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket - it's only a dollar. But when he gets home, Ruben discovers that it's actually a hundred-dollar bill, more than enough for the bike he's been hoping for. This is a relatable story that will resonate with anyone who's tried to figure out the right thing to do. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love the end of this story because it shows how difficult it can be to do the right thing. But when we use our integrity the inner reward is so much better than anything material. Ruben returns the hundred dollar bill and the words and kindness he receives are so filling. Although when he walks away, he also realizes he will not be getting a bike. He has gained something even better though - a stronger character.  He returns home to tell his parents his story and they share how proud they are of him. This is a great one to add to your shelf around integrity, honesty, and stealing. 

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


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Book Review: The Boy and the Whale

Author/Illustrator: Mordicai Gerstein
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: A boy and his father discover a whale tangled in their only fishing net. Is the whale dead? The father worries about losing their net, but the boy worries about the whale. He remembers the fear he once felt when, tangled in a net himself, he nearly drowned before being rescued. When the whale blinks an enormous eye, the boy knows that he has to try to save the creature, no matter how dangerous doing so may be. 

This story was inspired by a real-life video of a whale's rescue and the creature's joyful dance through the waves after being freed. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a powerful story about taking action based on feeling empathy and compassion when someone else is suffering and in need. Even though we might not have the opportunity to save a whale.....there are many things we can do to help others that can make a difference. I often get requests for books that teach the concept of empathy. My list has been pretty short. I'm excited to add this one to my line up because it has a powerful message and it will have a positive impact on my students. 

YouTube Video (the inspiration behind the book):


A Link to This Book: 
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Book Review: Sumi's First Day of School Ever

Author: Soyung Pak
Illustrator: Joung Un Kim

From the Book Jacket: When Sumi arrives at school on her first day, she sees a big building. She sees strange children. (Some are big.) She sees wide stairs and a big metal fence. School is a lonely place, she thinks. When Sumi enters the noisy classroom and hears loud children saying things she doesn't understand, Sumi feels even worse. School is a scary place. And when a little boy squishes his eyes and makes a face at Sumi, thats when she decides school is a mean place. 

This is a thoughtful picture book about a young Korean girl trying to find her place in a new classroom on the first day of school. For Sumi, the first day is extra hard because she doesn't know the same language as everybody else. But with some help from a kind teacher and the fortunate acquaintance of a friendly girl at recess, Sumi realizes that maybe school is not as lonely, scary, or mean as she thought.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a wonderful read aloud for the first month of school! This is a time when we are building community around new students and making sure everyone is feeling welcome and included. We also have students from different countries and this is their first school experience. Students get to experience the feelings of fear and loneliness through Sumi's eyes. There is a boy who displays mean behavior but turns his actions into kindness thanks to his teacher. But a friendship begins to bloom when another little girl approaches Sumi and introduces herself. Loved this story and the impact it is having on our students. 

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

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Book Review: Stand in My Shoes - Kids Learning About Empathy

Author: Bob Sornson
Illustrator: Shelley Johannes
Interest Level: Grades K and Up

Book Description: When Emily asks her big sister what the word empathy means, Emily has no idea that knowing the answer will change how she looks at people. But does it really matter to others if Emily notices how they're feeling? Stand in My Shoes shows kids how easy it is to develop empathy toward those around them.

Empathy is the ability to notice what other people feel. Empathy leads to the social skills and personal relationships which make our lives rich and beautiful, and it is something we can help our children learn. This book teaches young children the value of noticing how other people feel.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: One way we can help kids get along, be considerate and seek kindness is by teaching them empathy. When teachers and parents ask me for book resources teaching this character trait - Stand in My Shoes is now at the top of my list. This book went above and beyond my expectations. It is concrete, kids related to the story, and it started impacting kids behavior immediately. L O V E. I would love to see a whole series of kids books from author Bob Sornson. He got this one SO right!

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

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Book Review: Flood

Author/Illustrator: Alvaro F Villa
Interest Level: All Ages

For a Google Preview of this book please go HERE

About the Book: When a flood threatens to destroy a family’s home, they must leave. What will they return to once the waters recede? This intense, beautiful wordless picture book looks at a flood’s effect on a family  and carries a simple message of hope and recovery.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've never seen a book like this. It's exceptional. The children who have recently experienced Hurricane Sandy came immediately to my mind. The pictures unfold so beautifully telling a story of a family who is trying to save their house from a flood. Their home is destroyed but it's the rebuilding that will help children understand  when an awful tragedy happens - life can go on and you can be happy again.

What makes Flood so powerful is it is wordless. This is a really smart and non-threatening approach to help children open up about their feelings and fears after a traumatic event. Most importantly it delivers the message that starting over is possible and can be positive. If you are working with children who have been impacted by hurricanes, floods, or any type of house tragedy (fire) please get this book. It's a very therapeutic and healing resource. 

Note: I also plan on using this book to teach empathy.

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!

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Book Review: Pink Tiara Cookies for Three


Author: Maria Dismondy
Illustrations by Cary Pillo
Interest Level: K and up

From the Book Jacket: Sami's perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn't need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami.

Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: A student came up to me earlier in the school year and asked, "Mrs. D, have you ever felt like the third wheel?" I was a bit shocked she had heard of that phrase. She asked for some counseling time to try and figure out how to deal with two friends who seemed to be sending her signals that she wasn't a part of their friendship any longer. I glanced over at the bookshelf scanning my books trying to think if I had any good ones to share on this issue. NOTHING CAME TO MIND. Ugh. Hate when I don't have a book on a specific friendship problem. But what do you know.......

Author Maria Dismondy has solved this problem for me! She has written an EXCELLENT book on this very topic called Pink Tiara Cookies for Three! This is such a wonderful resource for teaching how IMPORTANT it is to not just be a friend....but to be an inclusive and flexible friend. Jealousy and possessiveness do not belong in the equation. Friendships need to be able to bend and change to allow growth to happen. That's exactly what happens to Sami in the book. She goes through jealousy and wants to exclude another girl. Isn't it funny how kids think that's the only wan they can solve that feeling!? By hurting another person. But empathy saves the day! Sami has a beautiful moment when she thinks about how she has felt hurt by being left out. Lets help kids replace jealousy with empathy. What an inspiring read for children. 

Check out Maria Dismondy's website to see her other books and download the reader's guide for this book.

A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: 
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Book Review: How to Heal a Broken Wing

Author: Bob Graham
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: No one saw the bird fall. Only young Will noticed it lying injured on the ground. Only he stopped to help. In this spare urban fable, Bob Graham brings us one small boy, one loving family, and one miraculous story of hope and healing.  The author says, "In troubled times, when many of us are losing contact with the natural world, I wanted to show that there is still hope in a coming generation of children who have curiosity and empathy with the world around them, and that care and attention can sometimes fix broken wings."

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  This was published about two years ago but it is a new find for me. And it's beautiful. I'm always reading stories showing kindness towards others. Well, that kindness doesn't just entail people.....it includes being caring to the world around us. Kids LOVE to be encouraged to be helpers. Sometimes I will see students going out of their way to meet the needs that arise around them. How to Heal a Broken Wing reminds me of those moments.

I love how the story starts.....with everyone walking the city streets too busy to notice an injured bird on the sidewalk. Well, everyone except a child named Will. He's a total hero in my opinion, so full of care, heart, and concern. Oh, and by the way, this is one of those reads where there is total silence in the room. The students are touched by Will as he helps the bird heal. He is setting a wonderful example for children that they have the power to do good deeds. A lot of students brought up the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. They commented how all living things have buckets, not just people. Sigh. Love it. I think there is a lot to explore in this book. It's new to my shelf, but I'm already letting the students thoughts and comments do the leading. You'll also love how the illustrations do the storytelling.

A Link to This Book:
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Book Review: Thank You, Mr Falker

Author: Patricia Polacco
Interest Level: K-4

About This Book: Once more Polacco shares a personal story with engaging results. This moving saga of her struggle with a learning disability makes an inspiring picture book. Young Tricia wants desperately to read but when she starts school she finds that the words "wiggle" on the page. Teased by her classmates, she retreats into dreams and drawings. It's not until the family moves to California and Tricia has managed to reach the fifth grade that a new teacher finally recognizes her pain and distress. What's more, he does something about it. Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures. Yet, like the tears young Tricia cries at the end of the book, these are ultimately tears of joy. Thank you, indeed, Mr. Felker (the real name of the teacher involved) for making it all possible. Readers will be grateful for the chance to recognize, appreciate, and share in Polacco's talent and creativity. -School Library Journal

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Usually, in this part of the review I reflect upon how the book has positively impacted students. I'd like to share something more personal about this story....

When I became an elementary school counselor, I was sort of lost in the world of bibliotherapy. I picked a lot of over the top generic books about feelings and bullying that were total flops with students. Maybe bibliotherapy was a myth because the books (I was choosing) were total snores. It got to the point where I was actually dreading reading to classes. And they weren't exactly cheering when I came into the room holding a book.

Thank You, Mr. Falker changed all of that for me and the kids. I truly consider it the first REAL bibliotherapy story I read to students. I watched how the story touched the students as we journeyed through the pages. First of all, they were quietly engaged from start to finish. Second, hands kept shooting up in the air to comment on certain elements of the story. Oh, and they clapped at the end! (it's a beautiful personal story by author Patricia Polacco) I'd been so used to the lack of interest when reading that I was blown away by the sheer excitement and rapid discussion that followed. Tricia's struggle with a learning disability, moving to a new school, being bullied and picked on was ACTUALLY impacting the class. There was a new energy in the room I'd never felt before. It was the story!! I could see it in students' faces. Hearts were opening...kids were relating to the main character Tricia. It was my first bibliotherapy experience and I began to recognize the healing power of books. I vowed right then and there - no more boring uninspiring stories!

So here is some advice I learned the hard way: When choosing new literature have an intent. What do kids' need? Counselors are usually the "eyes and the ears" of the school. Make it a point to know what challenges children are facing and mold your picks around those issues. Always check in with teachers and ask what they are seeing and hearing in the classroom, cafeteria, and playground. I've changed many of my lessons at the last minute after taking the temperature of a class. I might think we need to work on honesty but maybe friendship is the real issue. Teachers are always in the know. If it's not impactful and helpful to children then put it back on the shelf. And sometimes that's hard because there are a lot of good books out there I think kids want to hear - but they don't!  And trust me, you'll know when it's a sleeper. Finally, are you passionate about what you're reading? I really get into the voice of the characters and the emotion of the story as I read. At the end of Thank You, Mr. Falker, I had to catch myself a little because I was a little teary on the last page (read it - you'll see why). I'm not saying become a dramatic actor but when I believe in a story - it shines through. 

Now when I walk into classrooms, students are desperately trying to see what book I'm holding and are eager to open their hearts and minds. So thank you, Mr. Falker for not just helping Tricia, but helping me discover the beauty of bibliotherapy and the difference it can make in a boy or girl's life.

A Link to This Book:
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Book Review: The Lunch Thief

Author: Anne C Bromley
Illustrator: Robert Casilla
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Book: Rafael is hungry because someone stole his lunch. His mom had packed his lunch bag with two burritos, a bag of corn chips, some carrots, and an apple. Once a week she tucks in a slice of her special lemon pound cake. Rafael saw Kevin, a new kid in his class, sneak his lunch bag from underneath his desk and tuck it in his backpack. But how can he do something about the theft without picking a fight? Inspired by his mother's advice to use his mouth before his fists, Rafael bides his time, but other kids' lunches are disappearing, too. On an errand with his mom, Rafael sees Kevin carrying a bundle of laundry into a motel room, and his mom tells him Kevin's family might be one of the families who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. Rafael rethinks his anger. The next day, instead of accusing Kevin, Rafael invites him to share his lunch, letting him know he's been caught, but offering friendship as well as a good meal.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When I first get a new book, I usually skim the synopsis to see what I'm getting into. Based on the title I thought The Lunch Thief was going to be about stealing and maybe bullying - so I started to read and went on an unexpected journey. It's the type of picture book I relish reading to students. Never judge a book by it's title. The Lunch Thief is not about a thief, it's about a hungry boy named Kevin living in a motel. And yes, the kids know it's not okay to steal. But why would someone steal? We are a community and need to understand one another. Rafael does this for Kevin. The kids started to make a connection right away that this wasn't a story about bullying or Thou Shall Not Steal. Hands started flying up as I asked questions about what might be going on in Kevin's life that he is taking others' food. Kevin is not mean, not a bully, and not trying to hurt kids on purpose. He's trying to survive. The last page proves this as he offers a quarter to Rafael as payment for his lunch. One student commented, "Kevin never wanted to steal in the first place." Bingo! (great book for inference) I felt really connected to the students as we figured these things out together. The Lunch Thief teaches empathy, understanding, and helping one another. And gosh do we need more of that within our communities. Bravo for this book.

A Link to the Teacher Activities that accompany The Lunch Thief.

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Book Review: Those Shoes

Author: Maribeth Boelts
Illustrator: Noah Z Jones
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is one of my top 10 favorite books of the school year. It's really rare to find such a profound read about the spirit of giving. We have a generation of kids that sometimes seems more concerned about the latest IPhone, the latest fashion trend, or how many facebook friends they have rather than things that have true value like family or friends. Reading Those Shoes got kids thinking about this. We had a thought provoking conversation about listening to our heart - even when we don't want to....translation - Do The Right Thing! I wanted the kids to understand when we do something kind for another person - sometimes the reward is just feeling joy. Wow, did they hear this loud and clear through the story. The most satisfying thing Jeremey did was for someone else, not for himself. Another big teaching moment - wants vs. needs. We made a whole T chart list of how these two things are different and how it can impact who we truly want to grow up to be. Society is pushing so many material things on kids it's easy and tempting to lose your way and get sucked into the external satisfactions of life. Gratitude. Thank goodness for grandmas! She had a perfect little role in the story. Students acknowledged how adults have 'experience' that kids do not yet have. Most times, adults really do know best! Listening to our hearts and doing the right thing is SO important, lets remind children early on before the walls go up and the earphones go on. I don't want kids plugging into IPods - I want them to plug into us.

I read Those Shoes to all of the K-3 grades. One of our teachers decided to do a language arts lesson after listening to my lesson. It's good stuff. Students need more literature like this that pushes such an overwhelming message of kindness and generosity.

A Link to This Book:
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Book Review: Eggbert The Slightly Cracked Egg

Author: Tom Ross
Illustrated by Rex Barron
Interest Level: Preschool- age 8

About This Book: The other eggs in the refrigerator admire Eggbert's remarkable paintings-until they discover that he has a slight crack. Because of his defect, he is banished from his home. At first he uses his artistic talent to attempt to camouflage himself, but his disguises are quickly discovered. Then he realizes that the world contains many lovely cracks. Brush in hand, he travels the globe and produces wonderful paintings of fissures found in things such as volcanoes and the Liberty Bell. Back at the refrigerator, his former friends ponder his hand-painted postcards with amazement and a touch of sadness. The story might be read as a commentary on the lives of artists and/or the dangers and blessings of nonconformity; however, young readers will be more engaged by the illustrations than by philosophical reflections. Eggs and vegetables rarely assume such lifelike expressions and stances, and the simple text and clear design add up to read-aloud potential. Eggbert is an egg worth watching. -School Library Journal
 
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book has ten 5 Star reviews on Amazon. I agree with absolutely every single one. Sometimes I feel like we don't talk enough about differences and diversity to children. If someone is being picked on, I love bringing up Eggbert. It is a very memorable book. The author does a good job of not making the issue of differences not too complicated for young children to understand. Eggbert also makes me think of the word Rejected. Lots of kids feel rejected for so many reasons. I want kids to include and embrace everyone, that's why this book is on my shelf. So thankful I found it!

Activity To Do With Your Children: Recreate the scenes in the book by using play food toys. Make sure to draw a crack on one of the eggs! Use the play food throughout the story, stop and role play feelings.


A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
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Book Review: Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners



Author: Laurie Keller
Interest Level: Ages 6-9

About The Book: Mr. Rabbit is worried that he might not get along with his new neighbors. A wise owl gives him the advice, "Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you" and proceeds to explain what this means. Thus follows a listing of traits and qualities such as friendliness, politeness, honesty, consideration, cooperation, and sharing. Each one contains humorous examples of Mr. Rabbit and the Otters following those rules. Also included are samples of how to say certain phrases such as "Excuse me" and "Please" in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Pig Latin. Each page bursts with colorful illustrations and is scattered with words of different sizes and fonts.

 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I was so excited when I found this!!! I love bibliotherapy that uses humor. I've read the very beautiful children's book The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper many times to students. So it was neat to discover such a humorous complimentary companion to teach this beautiful universal rule of life. I get many giggles and smiles when I read Do Unto Otters. I love the author's cute website. Oh, and I even discovered you can buy a little video of the book. Here is the adorable trailer. This is an enjoyable read for your shelf.

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

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