Book Review: Lend a Hand - Poems About Giving

Author: John Frank
Illustrator: London Ladd
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: From sharing your sandwich to volunteering to help build a home, from planting a tree to offering your seat to an elderly person on a bus, simple acts of kindness are the first steps to changing the world. This collection of tender and empowering original poems celebrates the joys of bridging the invisible boundaries among people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Young readers will feel inspired to lend a hand to others and practice kindness and giving everyday. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: With Thanksgiving upon us I like to start looking for books with a message of gratitude to share with students. This year I found a really special book of poems about generosity - Lend a Hand: Poems About Giving. Each poem is so touching. It's all about acts of service done from the heart with kindness. Children will have a huge takeaway from all the beautiful inspiring poetry. I'd love to seem them write poems of kind deeds they have done or seen. Or be inspired to act. I was looking at all of the books I have reviewed on kindness - this is surely at the top. This can be shared any time of the year but with the holidays nearing I think this is so appropriate. Love the below poem called Sandwich. (fyi they are all this awesome)

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

0

Book Review: The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

Author: Justin Roberts
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe. She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But Sally notices everything - from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor's ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been waiting for a book like this. It only takes one person, doesn't matter who they are, to make a really big difference. An awesome difference. When we talk to kids about being bystanders it's so important to share it's really about leadership. Sally is a great example of bravery, courage, and leadership. A bystander who refuses to keep quiet. I notice bystanders are often silent about bullying not because of fear of retaliation but they've become desensitized to what they are seeing. So when unkind acts happen - it becomes normalized. Lets help stop that cycle. 

This book is going to be in HEAVY rotation in my bully prevention lessons. GET A COPY!

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

0

Book Review: If Kids Ran the World

Authors: Leo and Diane Dillon 

Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up 

From the Book Jacket: All roads lead to kindness in this warm, uplifting celebration of generosity and love. In simple words and fanciful illustrations, Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon present a rainbow of children who lend a helping hand to make our global village a happier place. And who better to show the joy of giving than kids? With their boundless imagination and enthusiasm, children know that anything is possible - including building a peaceful world where food, shelter, medicine, and education can be had by all. If you ran the world, what would you do?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a great community builder. I read it once and had all kinds of ideas of how I would do a lesson with it. You could bring the message of this book to the school and classroom and really narrow the focus to character traits you want to build. If Kids Ran the World is such an inspiring read aloud and will be impactful to your community of learners. I have such a desire to see kids grow during the school year - this is your kick start to that growth!

A Link to This Book: 

0

Book Review: The Girl and the Bicycle

Author/Illustrator: Mark Pett
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: A touching wordless picture book about a little girl, a shiny bicycle, and the meaning of persistence - with an unexpected payoff. 

A little girl sees a shiny new bicycle in the shop window. She hurries home to see if she has enough money in her piggy bank, but when she comes up short, she knocks on the doors of her neighbors, hoping to do their yardwork. They all turn her away except for a kindly old woman. 

The woman and the girl work through the seasons, side by side. They form a tender friendship. When the weather warms, the girl finally has enough money for the bicycle. She runs back to the store, but the bicycle is gone! What happens next shows the reward of hard work and the true meaning of generosity. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I just added this really POWERFUL wordless picture book to my shelf. I think it's extraordinary. When I got to the last page I teared up. Not the sad kind of tears, but the ones from the good place in my heart.

When the girl goes back to the store to get the bicycle and it is gone, she does something most might not fathom. She goes into the store with her hard earned money and buys her little brother a tricycle. She leaves empty handed.

But it's not about acquiring things, she acquired so much more - the invisible stuff. Character. When she gets home.....that's when the magic of kindness really hits......see below. Get the kleenex. 

Kids will really love this message. These acts of kindness are the things they yearn to do. Such an encouraging heartwarming story. I feel lucky to have discovered it. 

A Link to This Book:

a touching wordless picture book about a little girl, a shiny bicycle, and the meaning of persistence—with an unexpected payoff.

A little girl sees a shiny new bicycle in the shop window. She hurries home to see if she has enough money in her piggy bank, but when she comes up short, she knocks on the doors of her neighbors, hoping to do their yardwork. They all turn her away except for a kindly old woman.

The woman and the girl work through the seasons, side by side. They form a tender friendship. When the weather warms, the girl finally has enough money for the bicycle. She runs back to the store, but the bicycle is gone! What happens next shows the reward of hard work and the true meaning of generosity. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Girl-and-the-Bicycle/Mark-Pett/9781442483194#sthash.q3zbLmJV.dpuf

a touching wordless picture book about a little girl, a shiny bicycle, and the meaning of persistence—with an unexpected payoff.

A little girl sees a shiny new bicycle in the shop window. She hurries home to see if she has enough money in her piggy bank, but when she comes up short, she knocks on the doors of her neighbors, hoping to do their yardwork. They all turn her away except for a kindly old woman.

The woman and the girl work through the seasons, side by side. They form a tender friendship. When the weather warms, the girl finally has enough money for the bicycle. She runs back to the store, but the bicycle is gone! What happens next shows the reward of hard work and the true meaning of generosity. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Girl-and-the-Bicycle/Mark-Pett/9781442483194#sthash.q3zbLmJV.dpuf

a touching wordless picture book about a little girl, a shiny bicycle, and the meaning of persistence—with an unexpected payoff.

A little girl sees a shiny new bicycle in the shop window. She hurries home to see if she has enough money in her piggy bank, but when she comes up short, she knocks on the doors of her neighbors, hoping to do their yardwork. They all turn her away except for a kindly old woman.

The woman and the girl work through the seasons, side by side. They form a tender friendship. When the weather warms, the girl finally has enough money for the bicycle. She runs back to the store, but the bicycle is gone! What happens next shows the reward of hard work and the true meaning of generosity. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Girl-and-the-Bicycle/Mark-Pett/9781442483194#sthash.q3zbLmJV.dpuf

a touching wordless picture book about a little girl, a shiny bicycle, and the meaning of persistence—with an unexpected payoff.

A little girl sees a shiny new bicycle in the shop window. She hurries home to see if she has enough money in her piggy bank, but when she comes up short, she knocks on the doors of her neighbors, hoping to do their yardwork. They all turn her away except for a kindly old woman.

The woman and the girl work through the seasons, side by side. They form a tender friendship. When the weather warms, the girl finally has enough money for the bicycle. She runs back to the store, but the bicycle is gone! What happens next shows the reward of hard work and the true meaning of generosity. - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Girl-and-the-Bicycle/Mark-Pett/9781442483194#sthash.q3zbLmJV.dpuf

0

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:

1

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:

0

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:

4

Book Reviews: Kindness Books

Lately I've been on a campaign for kindness with our students. I'd been feeling like I was reading too many books telling kids what NOT to do. Nothing wrong with that but it was time to shift gears. It's nice to use books plum full of kindness. It creates a different type of conversation and focus during the lesson. Here are two amazing discoveries (which both happen to have a knitting theme) I've been using to encourage kids to let their caring side shine....

Extra Yarn
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From Publishers Weekly: Annabelle finds a box filled with yarn of every color, she immediately sets out to knit sweaters for everyone she knows. Barnett’s story is both fairy tale lean and slyly witty. No matter how many sweaters Annabelle knits, the box always has “extra yarn” for another project, until the entire town is covered with angled stitches in muted, variegated colors—people, animals, and buildings alike. A villainous archduke offers to buy the box, but Annabelle refuses. He steals it, but finds it contains no yarn at all, and with the help of just a bit more magic, it finds its way back to Annabelle. Barnett wisely leaves the box’s magic a mystery, keeping the focus on Annabelle’s creativity, generosity, and determination.

The Mitten Tree
Author: Candace Christiansen
Illustrator: Elaine Greenstein
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: On a snowy day old Sarah notices that a little boy at the bus stop has no mittens. Worried that he couldn't join in the winter fun, Sarah gathers together her yarn and knits mittens for the little boy, placing them on the blue spruce tree at the bus stop early the next morning. 

Each day thereafter the children look for new mittens, and every day Sarah knits new ones. One morning she covers every branch with bright new mittens for the children. Though she has used up all her yarn, Sarah returns home with a full heart and discovers a wonderful surprise waiting on her porch.

A Link to These Books:

1

Book Review: Being Frank

Author: Donna Earnhardt
Illustrator: Andrea Castellani
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: "Honesty is the best policy." That's Frank's motto. He tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But Frank's overly frank comments tend to annoy his friends, his teachers, and even his mother - and now Frank is honestly unhappy. 

He decides to visit his confidant and pal, Grandpa Ernest, who has a history of frankness himself. A few outrageous hats, a spicy jar of relish, and some grandfatherly wisdom help Frank realize that the truth is best served with more sugar and less pepper.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "I really love the book you just read." This was a comment I received from a teacher after reading Being Frank to her second grade class. When I get good teacher feedback, I know I've got a great one on my shelf. This is a social skills WINNER. Being Frank teaches kids the importance of THINKING before they speak. Your words can either build people up or break them down. Frank had a big impact on our students. I used the metaphor from the book about how our words are either like sugar or pepper. They can leave a person with either a sweet or bitter feeling. This book has breathed new life into some of my social skills lessons. It is a MUST.

A Link to This Book:

0

Book Review: Crafty Chloe

Author: Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Book Website: Crafty Chloe

From the Book Jacket: Chloe has a crafty solution to every problem. But when she needs the perfect birthday present for her best friend, Emma, she starts to feel a little insecure. How can a handmade gift ever make the cut? Even if it is very purple?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Chloe is everything we want our kids to be. I'm so incredibly happy I discovered this book so I can share her example of kindness, the reminder to be yourself, and be proud of your strengths.

Chloe is put down by a girl, London, for making something homemade for Emma's birthday gift. London has bought a Flower Girl doll from the store which is something Emma really wanted. On the way to the birthday party London accidentally drops the doll and her dog tears up it's clothes. That's when Chloe's kindness shines. Her gift was a dress she had sewn for the doll. You might think she would let London learn her lesson for being so mean but she doesn't.

More than all the googly eyes in the world, Chloe wanted to say, Well, good luck with that! But instead she lifted the lid on her box and she pulled out a perfectly purple dress. "She can wear this."

It's very hard in life to sometimes show respect and kindness to someone who has been disrespectful and hurtful towards your feelings. Chloe is an awesome example of GOODNESS. I absolutely loved this story and it's been a MEGA HIT with kids. We are ordering it for our school library and of course I'm going to have to get a copy for my daughter. THIS BOOK IS A MUST MUST READ.

Kelly DiPucchio is also the author of one of my favorite books The Sandwich Swap.

A Link to This Book: 

 

4

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:

5

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: 

4

Book Review: Because Amelia Smiled

Author/Illustrator: David Ezra Stein
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Because Amelia Smiles as she skips down the street, her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send some cookies to her grandson, Lionel...in Mexico. The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe...in England! And so the good feelings travel across the world, inspiring ever more smiles, kindness, and love along the way.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I start my year out reading all of my bucket filling books. It's always a positive way to get us headed in the right direction. But I'm always looking for more stories to inspire children to go even farther with kindness. Want to remind kids their kind deeds can start a chain reaction? Well I've found a wonderful book with that inspiring idea. Amelia's smile changes not just those around her but people across the WORLD to do caring things. I'm definitely going to have a map out as I read this so we can trace the chain reaction. I'm going to use this book as an example of how we can make this happen within our own school. Can't wait to have this discussion with kiddos!!

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

2

Book Review: The Lonely Book

Author: Kate Bernheimer
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Publisher: When a wonderful new book arrives at the library, at first it is loved by all, checked out constantly, and rarely spends a night on the library shelf. But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live. How it eventually finds an honored place on a little girl's bookshelf—and in her heart—makes for an unforgettable story sure to enchant anyone who has ever cherished a book.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I saw this on a book list in the spring and showed it to our librarian. Our thinking was it would be a great encourager to get kids to not just focus on the shiny new ones but to take a look at ALL the books no matter how tattered they may seem. But of course since I always have my counselor hat on I saw a bigger message in the story. This is such a cool and empathetic way to introduce the feeling of loneliness. A little girl Alice is the perfect model of inclusiveness and friendship. Can't wait to read this in the fall to the kids. I want them to remember to take an interest in everyone. Lets not overlook one another. What a sweet kind story!

A Link to This Book:

2

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:

3

Book Review: Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully

Author: Audrey Penn

Illustrator: Barbara L Bigson

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Lesson Plan: Get Rid of the Bully!

Download the free poster here

From the Book Jacket: Chester Raccoon is faced with a common problem to school children - a bully! When a badger causes problems for all the young animals at school, Mrs. Raccoon brings her usual insight and understanding to the problem. She tells Chester and his friends a story of how, in another forest, a pointy blue stone that could hurt tender paws was turned into a smooth pebble with the help of the animals who lived there. Chester and his friends understand the message and join together to help the bully change. When they ask the badger to play, they are surprised how well Mrs. Raccoon's strategy works!

This sweet story illustrates many lessons: that many child bullies are themselves unhappy and that sometimes the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him or her a friend. Chester and his friends provide readers with a good example of settling differences by peaceful means.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book was published a few years ago and I had read it and just really couldn't figure out how I wanted to use it with the kids at the time. Just because a book title has the word Bully in it - doesn't always make it a perfect resource. Fast forward to the end of this last school year and a first grade teacher (who has a major love of bibliotherapy also) approached me with it. She had read it to her class and it was a major hit because of the wonderful spin she put on it. So I was sold. Here's what I've gotten out of it.....

There's another teacher in my building who often says to her students, "What is the kind thing to do?" She'll use this question when dealing with problem solving or bullying situations. LOVE THAT. It absolutely reminded me of Mrs. Raccoon's strategy. So I've started using it too. We do have steps our students are asked to use when dealing with bullying but I just have to say ....there's nothing wrong with also using a kindness strategy. Some kids really respond to this. I really love the responses when I ask this question.

Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully is also a good empathy builder. Mrs. Raccoon tells a story about finding a sharp prickly stone. We used the metaphor of the stone to talk about how it reminds us of bullying behavior. Wow - the kids really responded to this. We drew a picture of it on the board and discussed ways to help the kids who are using bullying behavior and how to help smooth their tough ways out.

My main message to the students was there is nothing wrong with trying to reach out to someone. It's tempting to be mean back to someone but maybe instead of hurting someone in the moment, we could help them. It may not work everytime but it's sure worth a try.

Before I forget....the Kissing Hand puppet is available at amazon but much cheaper on the publisher's website. It's darling.

A Link To This Book:

2

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:   

4