Book Review: Better Than You

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better - and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities. Jake's story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a "better than you" attitude can break friendships rather than build them.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Author Trudy Ludwig continues to help the kids in my school with yet another awesome book. Does she read my mind or something? I'm always complaining there are not enough good ones out there on sportsmanship and bragging. These behaviors can be big problems for children and cause many an unhappy face in the classroom or on the playground. Lets not forget the headache they cause the adults too!

You are gonna love the metaphor of a pufferfish Trudy uses to give insight as to what's behind these bragging attitudes. "But when a kid acts like a pufferfish, he takes up so much space that he can also push away friends." Light bulbs were flashing all through my audience as I read that page. This was so helpful to me as a teaching tool. I made an outline of a pufferfish on the board so we could get some brainstorming/discussion rolling.

I love the ending of her story. Trudy doesn't sugarcoat it with a "and then we made up and were bff's." Tyler decides in the end to go his own way with a new friend - one that doesn't have issues. One of the students yelled out, "Yes! He chose a friendly fish. Like a dolphin!" Ha ha. Kids need to be reminded they don't have to stick around and be beat up emotionally by bad behavior. When I look around our playground I see kids in that sidekick position. But I got to make an impact on them with this great new story. Maybe they will start making some new friendship choices. It seems likely........

Keep em' coming Trudy.     

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A Must Have - I'm Here by Peter H Reynolds

I've had quite a few people mention this book to me - just haven't had time to pick it up due to my upcoming maternity leave. But it's at the top of my list.....I'm thinking your gonna want this one.....watch the trailer:

I'm Here
Author: Peter H Reynolds
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description:
I’m here. And you’re there.
And that’s okay.
But… maybe there will be a gentle wind that pulls us together.
And then I’ll be here and you’ll be here, too.

Pure, powerful, and deceptively simple, bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds reminds us that children—and the friendships they make—can bloom in unexpected ways. This extraordinary picture book gives voice to the often silent world of a kid struggling to connect with his peers and speaks to the universal need to be loved and heard.

A Link to This Book:

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Stealing and Honesty

Yoon and the Jade Bracelet
Author: Helen Recorvits
Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkoska
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: It is Yoon's birthday and all she wants is a jump rope so she can jump and sing with the other girls in the school yard. Instead, Yoon's mother gives her a Korean storybook about a silly girl who is tricked by a tiger. Yoon also receives a jade bracelet that once belonged to her grandmother. The next day at school, an older girl invites Yoon to join in jump rope, but she wants to borrow Yoon's bracelte for the afternoon. When Yoon tries to get her bracelet back, the girl swears it belongs to her. Yoon must use the lessons learned in her storybook and Her "Shining Wisdom" to retrieve the precious keepsake.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This was thoroughly enjoyed by all of the classes I read to at the end of last year. It's got a lot of good stuff in it regarding friendship, telling the truth, being proud of who you are, and stealing. Even though it was easy to focus on the older girl and how she had wronged Yoon. It become apparent to the kids that Yoon actually played a part in getting herself in this circumstance. Some great discussion questions we pondered: Why are some kids willing to sacrifice who they are and their values for a friendship? When faced with a tough decision, how can we motivate ourselves to do the right thing? How can we stay true ourselves?  I also loved the cultural angle - there is definitely a struggle for some kids to fit in for fear of being rejected. Can't wait to read it again this year.

Little Croc's Purse
Author/Illustrator: Lizzie Finlay
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: One hot day, Little Croc finds a lost purse. "Finders keepers!" shout his friends, imagining a treat of lemonade and a lovely cool swim. But Little Croc is determined to find the purse's owner...Will his honesty be rewarded? Or will he be tempted to spend the money inside?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This story reminded me of the word temptation. Kids (and adults) can be put in positions where they are tempted to make the wrong decision - because they might benefit. Long story short here.....Little Croc does the right thing but not without his friends pressuring him to keep the purse. In the end, he gets to keep the purse as his reward for being honest. The only thing I would change in this story is putting more focus on the internal rewards he received for doing the right thing. Sure, it's great he gets the purse - but that's not the TRUE reward. Make sure to go into this with your kids/students. Definitely glad this is on my bookshelf. 

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Trudy Ludwig Has a New Book Out

  

Better Than You
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Publisher: Tricycle Press
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better - and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities.

Jake's story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a "better than you" attitude can break friendships rather than build them. This sensitive story will prove a welcome resource for any parent, teacher, or counselor.

My official review is coming on this one soon....but it already gets an A+.........
I was excited to receive Better Than You in the mail today by one of my favorite authors - Trudy Ludwig. I believe some of my comments after reading it were....."awesome" "love it" "right on Trudy!" I'm excited about it. It's really gonna change kids - for the better of course! So I'm going to do another review on this book after I read it to the kiddos at school. But I'm letting you know about this new one now because you're going to want to order it and get it in your Trudy Ludwig collection of books. And if you don't have a collection - get ALL of her books. They're great!

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Wiener Wolf

Author/Illustrator: Jeff Crosby

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Wiener dog has a cushy life - an arm lap, plenty of chew toys and treats, and all the TV he can watch. But there's something missing. And Wiener Dog must strike out on his own to find it. Even if it means shedding his cozy sweater. Even if it means leaving Granny behind. But is being a lone Wiener Wolf all it's cracked up to be?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I saw this book last week at Barnes and Noble and when I went out to the parking lot I KNEW I needed it. You see I am always telling (preaching) to our students the importance of finding a friend you can be your self around. The type of friend where you don't have to change who you are or throw out your values. You know it's the right friend fit when you feel good about how you're acting and feeling. Enter WIENER WOLF!!!!!

Oh gosh, I loved this story. Wiener dog wants to run with the wolves and become their buddies. But he comes to realize it's just not working out trying to be friends with the wild wolves. Their behavior is not a good fit for him. He has to be true to himself and go back home. This is the part of the story where I always like to ask the kids, "Have you ever had that feeling? Like something doesn't feel right in your heart? That you are going against what you know is right?" Wiener Wolf is going to help me deliver this message. Friendship is a yearlong journey for kids so I am always sneaking in great books to help be a support.  

Wiener dog meets the wolves......



Wiener dog goes home and meets friends who are more his fit......

So obviously I went back and purchased Wiener Wolf. I love adding NEW ones to my shelf for the fall. The students will love the story and message in this one. It's simple and the illustrations are so well done the kids are not going to want me to turn the pages too fast. Also, how can you not love a book about a wiener dog!?

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Willoughby and The Lion

Author/Illustrator: Greg Foley
Interest Level: Ages 6-8

From the Book Jacket: This is the story of Willoughby, whose new house feels too small and very lonely. It's also the story of an enchanted lion and spectacular wishes come true: of roller coasters, and fast, fast shoes, and enormous crowds of people. But most of all, it's the story of one important question: What is the most wonderful thing of all?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A teacher at my school shared this really special story with me. Willoughby is a lonely boy who meets a lion who is able to grant him wishes....so he starts wishing for material things which are all granted. I know....you are already loving this book since we are surrounded by material mania. And how many times have you gone out shopping to fill a void? Guilty. Sharing this message with kids is a must...the internal vs external needs. In the end the boy is faced with a decision where he must choose between the two. If we choose the external stuff then we miss out on the really important things in life. I really enjoyed explaining this and giving real life examples to kids. What's really more important? A toy? Or how we make each other feel and what we can do to help one another? You'll love this book. I'd love to see more with this message.

PS. Make sure to ask the kids to guess what they think the gold coin says in the end of the story.

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Noni Says No

Author: Heather Hartt-Sussman
Illustrator: Genevieve Cote
Publisher: Tundra Books
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Noni can do all sorts of things: tie her own shoelaces, recite the alphabet backwards, even walk to her friend Susie's house all by herself. But what Noni can't do is say no. When she finally finds her voice, the consequences are not what she - or the reader - expects. Many children will root for Noni as she learns that you can stand up for yourself and still be a good friend.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Lots of kids put up with bad behavior in their friendships because they are afraid if they say "no" they will hurt the other person's feelings and lose them as a friend. As we read, a student pointed out, "Well, if they don't want to be your friend anymore because of that - they weren't your true friend in the first place." Ahhh....music to my ears!

Noni can't say no to Susie because she fears there will be a confrontation or maybe it will end the friendship. Susie on the other hand has no problem saying no. In fact, maybe she needs to learn to be a little more balanced and say yes. It even gets to the point where Noni allows Susie to cut off all of her hair! I kind of appreciated the extreme example. If you don't say no, you can be putting yourself in an awful situation. But Noni finally reaches her limit and has to say no. Before I turned the page to show Susie's reaction we talked about how a good friend should respond when they are told no. So do Noni's fears come true? No, they don't. Susie simply says, "Okay." Just like a good friend should.

This will be in my personal home library as well as at school. It's important to me to raise a kind child, but I worry that in the process some kids can become pushovers. A well balanced child should be empowered to say yes and no in social situations.

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Book Review: You're Mean, Lily Jean!

Author: Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Publisher: Albert Whitman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: When Lily Jean moves in next door, sisters Carly and Sandy are happy to have a new friend join their game. But Lily Jean changes everything. She decides they'll play house and orders Carly to be the baby. When they play king and queen, King Lily Jean tells Carly to be the royal dog! Tired of being bossed around, Carly comes up with a way to teach Lily Jean a lesson. With Sandy's help, can she turn a bully into a friend?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Well, my 2011 favorites list just grew again! I am very passionate about the name of my blog because of books just like this one. I spend hours hunting for the ones with teachable moments that help children learn important social skills. Every K-3 class I read this to benefited in their friendships, sibling relationships, and helped curb bullying behavior.

There is a whole lot of bossing around going on in the story. Lily Jean is on a power trip and her behavior got a ton of disapproval from students. Carly is picked on because she is the little sister and Lily Jean wants to have Sandy all to herself. But what blessed my heart was how sweet and caring big sister Sandy is to Carly. She sticks up for her. It was a great stopping point to talk about how we need to look out for our siblings and make sure they are being treated with kindness. Carly sticks up for herself too and lets Lily Jean know she can hang with her and Sandy if she is nice. That's their friendship rule for Lily Jean. Stop being bossy and start being nice or go play alone. Lots of kids need to hear this truth. It's okay to say NO to bad behavior. Looking forward to reading this one to my own kiddo.  

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: You Can Be a Friend

Authors: Tony and Lauren Dungy
Illustrator: Ron Mazellan
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: When the new neighbor Hannah moves in, Jade can't believe her luck that there's finally a girl her age to play with in the neighborhood. When Jade meets the new family, though, she is taken aback by the fact that Hannah is in a wheelchair. With the gentle encouragement of her parents, Jade slowly gets to know Hannah, and the two become great friends. But when Jade's planned birthday party at the water park is on the horizon, Jade realizes while Hannah can do a lot of things, there are some things she can't.

Will Jade go on with her party plans, or will she revise them to accommodate her new friend? Jade's struggle and ultimately her solution prove that being a good friend takes a bit of thought, but is well worth it in the end.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Forever. That's how long I've been trying to find a book like this. Of course, it's gotten an incredible response from the kids. It has a wonderful message about being a good friend and doing the right thing (even when you might not want to). The character Jade is a giving, caring, and selfless kid. She really sets the bar when it comes to thinking about a friend's feelings. I also like that she's not perfect. She has fears about being friends with Hannah who is in a wheelchair. Jade quickly comes to realize it's not the wheelchair that matters but who Hannah is as person that counts. The friendship quickly blossoms as she discovers what a neat friend she has found. But she faces a dilemma when she has to decide whether or not to invite Hannah to her birthday party...which is at a water park. Hannah will not be allowed to participate in the activities. This is when the students sort of gasped....like 'OH NO! What will she decide?' You will love the ending. This is definitely making my 2011 favorites list.  

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Book Reviews: More Awesome Ones on Sharing

Share With Brother
sequel to Love the Baby
Author: Steven L Layne
Illustrator: Ard Hoyt
Interest Level: Ages 3-7

A Note From the Publisher: Brother has been waiting to play with his new sibling since the day Mommy and Daddy brought him home. However, his excitement soon wears off when everyone reminds him that he must share. As Brother tosses jacks and plays safari with his friends, his family says, “Share with brother and someday brother will share with you.” But he doesn’t want to share, and his temper steams until he is sent to his room for his selfish behavior.

Nevertheless, when the baby becomes sick, Brother doesn’t hesitate to come to the rescue! He strings lights across his bed, reads him a book, and even shares his ice cream. Although Brother likes taking care of the little tyke, he later discovers that sometimes sharing comes with a catch!

This charming tale, complete with illustrations of cuddly bunnies, humorously approaches the subject of jealousy between siblings. Children will laugh at Brother’s silly antics as he grows to accept the baby while parents point out the lesson he learns about sharing.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Just the other day I was out shopping when I saw a little girl point at her younger sister and say angrily to her mother, "But I always have to share with her!!!" Growing up with four siblings I can relate. A little autonomy is what all we older siblings prayed for on a daily basis. Wishful thinking! But what if you framed it in a new way to your child...that by sharing with a sibling you are TEACHING them to treat you the same way. As a child, it's nice to be praised and appreciated for the kindness you give, especially to a sibling.

I think that's why I like Share With Brother so much.  Over and over older brother rabbit is told, "Share with brother and someday brother will share with you." This is a hard thing for him to hear and he is quite stubborn about it. Reminded me of how siblings get in turf wars over little and big things. I plan on using this as a read aloud on building sibling relationships. But it can also be a great reminder to treat each other the way you want to be treated. If you want others to share with you - share with them first. 

Ribbit Rabbit
Author: Candace Ryan
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Ages: 3-7

A Note From the Publisher: RIBBIT RABBIT, GRIP IT, GRAB IT! Frog and Bunny are best friends. RIBBIT, RABBIT! They do everything together, like fight monsters (ZIP IT, ZAP IT!). And even though they get in fights sometimes-YIP IT, YAP IT!-they always make up in the end. 

Ribbit, Rabbit features an effortlessly clever text that, in less than 150 words, captures the ups and downs of young friendships. Combined with adorably hip and fresh illustrations and an irresistible package, Ribbit, Rabbit is the perfect choice for the youngest of readers.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been a major hit in my kindergarten classes. It's got cool wording in it like wibbit wabbit, dip it, dab it, nip it, nab it, yip it, yap it........ahhh, social skills books can be fun!

I thought this was going to be a fast read but I took time to focus on the conflict in bunny and frog's friendship. They love playing together but they sure don't like sharing things. That's a recipe for friendship disaster. A showdown over a robot causes a riff between them. But the robot won't work if they don't get over their sharing issues which they quickly realize as they sit alone. They also take a moment to think about each other (this is the part I care about). Feelings are more important than toys. So important for kids to learn this. Amends are made quite sweetly between them. I'm all for amends in books. Another perfect kindergarten social skills story on my shelf. Be sure to pull in a frog and a bunny puppet if you can. Makes for a much more impactful lesson. I found a toy robot for kids to role play with also.

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Book Review: Four Feet, Two Sandals

Authors: Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed
Illustrated by Doug Chayka
Book Website: www.karenlynnwilliams.com
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: When relief workers bring used clothing to the refugee camp, everyone scrambles to grab whatever they can. Ten-year-old Lina is thrilled when she finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. But soon Lina and Feroza meet, each wearing one coveted sandal. Together they solve the problem of having four feet and two sandals. 

As the girls go about their routines - washing clothes in the river, waiting in long lines for water, and watching for their names to appear on the list for a new home - the sandals remind them that friendship is what is most important. 

Illustrated with warm colors and sensitive brush strokes, Four Feet, Two Sandals portrays the strength, courage, and hope of refugees around the world, whose daily lives are marked by uncertainty and fear. This story was inspired by a refugee girl who asked the authors why there were no books about children like her. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Every child needs to read this touching book. Four Feet, Two Sandals is more than just a story about sharing. It's about real life hardships and circumstances connecting people together. The friendship of two refugee girls will start a powerful discussion.

Refugee.....most students didn't know what the word meant. So we dove on in and I could immediately feel the empathy, understanding, and awareness begin to grow. Isn't it fabulous how when you introduce kids to world issues they just want to know more. Hearts and minds were growing from the knowledge they were gaining. We also have students who come from all sorts of different countries and backgrounds and a few have been refugee families. Our discussion turned to remembering to be mindful (my new favorite word to use w/kiddos) to one another. We talked about how the next time you see something about refugees on the news - to pay attention and not look away. It's sure easy to do.

Four Feet, Two Sandals also unfolds an incredible friendship. They redefined the definition for us in the story. A new standard was set which I loved.  Some of the topics around friendship we discussed: caring, loyalty, strength, and being a forever friend (a new thing I'm teaching). Get this book on your shelf. It's definitely a favorite of mine and the kids.

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: The Sandwich Swap

Authors: Queen Rainia Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Tricia Tusa
Book Website: The Sandwich Swap
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From The Book Jacket: Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things - jumping rope, drawing pictures, playing on the swings. And they always eat lunch together. Sure, they don't eat the same lunch. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus - but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. And before they know it, it's a food fight. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences and save their friendship? Or will a sandwich come between them?

Her Majesty Queen Rania and bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio tell a story inspired by her Majesty's own childhood. Salma and Lily reach the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance. The smallest things can pull us apart - until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: Awards should be plastered all over this book's cover. Which by the way, is the most darling cover I have just about ever seen. The students took one look at The Sandwich Swap and said, "Read us that one!!" Sometimes I bring in a few books to each of my lessons to give them a preview of next weeks story. Even in the hallway, a second grade student said to me, "When are you going to read us The Sandwich Swap?" Apparently, they can sniff out a good book just by it's cover. But this is more then good, it is GREAT.

The lessons learned by both girls in the story is EXACTLY the kind of message students need to hear. Working in a culturally diverse school I know students have many curiosities about one another. But sometimes, those curiosities can sadly turn into put-downs towards one another. It divides everyone which is what happens in the story. Just look around the world, it's pretty obvious we need to start these conversations and teachings early in life. A first grade student said, "I hope everyone goes to multi-cultural night tomorrow to make more friends!" The lovely 'pot-luck' ending will make you think about what your own school is doing to help promote cultural diversity.

The Sandwich Swap is a wonderful reminder and encourager to embrace and appreciate other's differences. It's amazing how a book can increase awareness, sensitivity, and open hearts and minds. This was an impactful read and there is no doubt it has helped increased my school climate. The students clapped as I finished reading the last page. Clapping for diversity! Love it.

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

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Book Review: Don't Need Friends

Author: Carolyn Crimi

Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger 

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From The Book Jacket: There's a new dog in the junkyard, and boy, is he ever grouchy! He seems the perfect new friend for surly, grumbling Rat. But the two animals are only interested in shouting at each other. "Don't you come near me!" barks Dog, and Rat mutters back, "Fine with me. Don't need friends, don't need 'em at all!" But as this crusty duo soon discovers, everybody needs a friend. Especially during a bitter winter in a junkyard where warmth is hard to find - and a foot-long salami sandwich is a near miracle. Endearing and sassy, this uplifting story of the importance of companionship will put a smile on even the grumpiest of faces.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There is a bigger message than the importance of having a friend in this book. I didn't figure this out until my third or fourth reading. It started with a new question I posed, "How could Rat and Dog have prevented being so angry in the first place?" We all agreed they had a loss in their lives causing their anger and sadness. But what should we do when we feel like that? Take it out on everyone around us like Rat and Dog or talk about our feelings? When my students get to hear how important it is for their feelings to be validated and figure out a better way to cope. 

So I sort of went a different direction with this book, but you can also focus on the importance of friendships and why we need them. The kids also LOVED hearing Rat and Dog's dialogue back and forth. Because behind the anger, we all knew they actually cared about each other. 

A Link To This Book:

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Book Review: Ninja Cowboy Bear

The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear

Author: David Bruins

Illustrator: Hilary Leung

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

A Note from the Publisher: The ninja, the cowboy and the bear do everything together — they paint pictures, compare cloud shapes in the sky, fly kites and much more. Though each friend is very different from one another, they enjoy each other's company. Until one day when they begin quarreling and compete to see which one is the best. The bear can pile up rocks the highest. The cowboy can collect the most raspberries. The ninja can catch the most rabbits. When each contest leads to more resentment, it seems the friends will never stop disagreeing. Only when they learn to be considerate of their differences do they finally realize how much they appreciate each other.

The cute, yet stylized artwork combined with a fun story about friendship and celebrating differences make this legend an unforgettable one. This playfully illustrated picture book also includes instructions for the Ninja-Cowboy-Bear game, which is similar to Rock Paper Scissors except that kids use their whole body.
 

The Way of the Ninja

Author: David Bruins

Illustrator: Hilary Leung

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

A Note From the Publisher: The creators of The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear return with a high-energy story about friendship. This time, the daring ninja learns that the greatest thrills and the best adventures are the ones we share.

The ninja's playtime games are too rough-and-tumble for his friends the cowboy and the bear. The ninja isn't interested in his friends' games — and playing all by himself isn't much fun. Can the rambunctious ninja ever meet his friends halfway? Children will easily relate to the lesson about mutual respect embedded in a story about three different but nonetheless close friends.



Why They Are On My Bookshelf: These both were a hit. Especially with the boys when they heard their favorite word in the world....NINJA! I also got lots of giggles when I read the title. Ahhh...perfect opportunity to talk about how all three characters are SO different yet are total buddies. The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear is all about navigating through the hard parts of friendship. Ninja, Cowboy, and Bear get themselves into an argument over bragging rights about who is the best. I think we all know how that will turn out. Lots of arguing and hurt feelings! All three go their separate ways to do some thinking and calming down. Really appreciated the teaching moment those pages provided to students. When we are upset, it's okay to walk away for awhile until you can come back with the intention to heal the problem. And that they do!

Author David Bruins other book, The Way of the Ninja, has another great teachable moment in it. What the kids and I got out of it is if you are going to have the "it's my way or the highway" attitude with your friends...don't be surprised to find yourself alone. Which can be boring and lonely! I did a lot of role playing centered around this. Discussion: What can we do when other kids don't want to play the game we have chosen? What can you do if kids are playing a game you don't want to play? Friendship takes compromise. Also, I actually have a ninja puppet I used for our role playing! Yes, cool points for the school counselor.

Check out the Ninja, Cowboy, Bear website to download the Ninja Cowboy Bear paper dolls to create your own role plays with kids. LOVE IT! Plus, they have all other kinds of cool stuff to check out. Love me a book website!


These are seriously rad.

By the way, these both have a lot of great vocabulary words for kids to learn like merrymaking, buffoonery, hilarity, agility, precision......very cool.

A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

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Book Review: Square Cat

Author/Illustrator: Elizabeth Schoonmaker
Author/Book Website: www.eulathesquarecat.com
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Eula is a square cat living in a round world. Try as she might, Eula just doesn't fit in. Circle skirts, hoop earrings, doughnuts galore, nothing can change who she really is - a square cat. But what if her uniqueness is what makes her truly special? Author and illustrator Elizabeth Schoonmaker's debut picture book shows that it really is hip to be square.   

 
Why It's On My Bookshelf: Square Cat I'm so happy I've discovered you!! How did you know my bookshelf needed you? Actually, it's my students who really needed you. Students need books that say - you're beautiful and okay just the way you are! I talked to  kids about something a lot of us go through as we are growing up...sometimes we question who we are...just like Eula. She is trying to figure out how to fit her square self in what appears to be a round world. It's easy to forget our own beauty when we get focused on everyone else. But it's her friends who get her to see she already has her own gifts - not flaws. Being square is a gift and she actually fits in just fine! As one student said, "She shouldn't try to be like everyone else. I want her to be herself. I like her."  Strong message in this very lovely book and perfectly illustrated. Another student said, "Ohhhh, Eula is so cute!" I'm hoping for a series.

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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Book Reviews: Lets Be Enemies and Enemy Pie

Lets Be Enemies

Author: Janice May Udry
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Interest Level: Ages 3-7

Description from the Book Jacket: James used to be my friend. But today he is my enemy. James and John are best friends - or at least they used to be. They shared pretzels, umbrellas, and even chicken pox. Now James always wants to be boss, and John doesn't want to be friends anymore. But when he goes to James' house to tell him so, something unexpected happens.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Recently my five year old nephew got into a pushing and shoving match with a fellow classmate. When my sister picked him up after school he told her about his "fight" with absolute honesty and remorse. He then pointed to a boy in the parking lot who was standing with his mother and said, "That's him." To her astonishment, he marched over to his "enemy" and gave him a big hug. He then declared, "But now we are friends, Mom." I smiled when I heard this story. I was thinking about what compelled my nephew to go in for the hug and be apologetic. And it's because my sister has taught him reconciliation skills. These are skills I work heavily on with students. I started reading Lets Be Enemies to the K-1 grades last year. Friendship and conflict resolution go hand in hand. Guess what - kids will clash. But it's how they reconcile and forgive that matters most. I love teaching kids the art of the apology. PS. This is a tiny book. But so cute. First time I read it I kind of giggled at the way their problem escalates and becomes bigger and bigger - isn't that always the way it happens?

Enemy Pie

Author: Derek Munson
Illustrated by Tara Calahan King
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description from the Book website: It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became Enemy Number One. Luckily, Dad has a surefire way to get rid of enemies-Enemy Pie. But one of the secret ingredients is spending an entire day with the enemy!

In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning a best enemy into a best friend. With charming illustrations that bring to life the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in friendship.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This one continues to be a crowd pleaser with the students. The first few years I read Enemy Pie I kept it light and fluffy and danced around the topic of being a good friend. I can finally say after years of reading it, I've now mastered the real message in the book - you can attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Sometimes I wonder what happened to just good ol' fashioned kindness. I ask the kids during the story to look around at one another and ask themselves -  Who would I want to serve a slice of enemy pie to? Who do I need to get to know better? Because maybe if I got to know them better they may actually turn out to be my friend. And of course I love stories using adults as positive role models. This book has a good principal to it.

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