Book Review: Samantha Jane's Missing Smile

Author: Julie Kaplow and Donna Pincus

Illustrated by Beth Spiegel

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: The loss of a parent is a profound crisis for a child. In the aftermath of the death, children face great emotional vulnerability and distress and need help from their surviving parent and other supportive adults around them. Reassurance and support, as well as practical coping tools, are key to the child's ability to recover.

Samantha Jane's Missing Smile is the story of one child's loss. When her father dies, Sammy Jane doesn't know how to express her grief. She fears that her sadness will overwhelm her if she cries. She worries that her sadness will overburden her mother, too, and that her mother won't be available for her. She is angry at the unfairness of her loss. And she feels guilty about smiling ever again.

In this gentle story, Sammy Jane comes to accept her feelings and realizes that they won't go away if she ignores them. She also discovers that sharing those feelings is both comforting and reassuring. WIth her mother's help, she finds ways to keep the memory of her father alive. And finally, she understands what a full, happy life is what her father would want for her.

But sometimes I worry that if I talk to you about Dad,

you'll start to feel sad.

I don't want you to be sad.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Oh boy, where to begin. There are so many good nuggets in this book. First of all, tough subject to write about. Second, anyone who works with or has a grieving child needs this book on their shelf.  Kids often stuff their feelings because they don't want to upset their parents. Samantha Jane tries to push away her own grief so she won't worry her mother. Man, it makes me sad to think about how much that happens in real life. She also struggles with guilt. The guilt of not wanting to experience joy, for fear that she is not honoring her father's memory. My favorite bibliotherapy stories are those incorporating REALISTIC strategies that help kids cope through those rough times. There are some good ones throughout the story. I  highly recommend Samantha Jane's Missing Smile for your shelf.

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Book Review: Sorry!

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
Interest Level: Ages 7-11


From the Book Jacket: Jack's friend, Charlie, knows how to get away with just about everything: “If you get caught, just say you're sorry.” But does an apology count if you don't really mean it? And what happens when the person you've hurt knows you don't mean it? Jack's about to find out there's a whole lot more to a real apology than a simple “sorry!”

Trudy Ludwig's book captures the importance of making a sincere apology and models for children how to take ownership of hurtful behavior and make amends.

The Book Includes:

• An afterword by renowned apology expert Dr. Aaron Lazare
• A note from the author
• Discussion questions
• Dos and Don'ts of apologizing

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  This book is about learning to take ownership of one's actions and apologizing the right way, but also about trying to fit in. Kids are looking for acceptance and belonging. Sometimes they are willing to give up their values just to have a friend.  

Before I met Charlie, I was a nobody. 

Then I was a somebody. I was Charlie's friend.

Of course, Sorry! is a total hit with my students, all of Trudy's books are. I like the emotional response the student's have towards Charlie (the instigator). They get seriously irritated with his lack of remorse and empathy towards others. We discuss how Charlie's apologies feel like another put down. So I use their feelings as an opportunity to talk about how an apology is a 'gift' that you give someone. Modeling the 'gift' of an apology is SO very important. Just like math, reading, and writing - kids need to practice social skills as well. 

Introducing the concept of a follower gets a lot of light bulbs going off during discussion.  Sometimes I worry that too many kids are followers. And they are following the wrong peers. Jack wants a friend so badly. But at what personal cost?  As the story progresses, it is obvious that Jack does not agree with Charlie's behavior. Spend time talking about apologies when using this book, but also spend time talking about choosing friends. I hope you add Sorry! to your bookshelf soon.

Find more of Trudy's books at her website.


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Book Review: Iggy Peck, Architect

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book: Meet Iggy Peck—creative, independent, and not afraid to express himself! Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials—who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up! With Andrea Beaty’s irresistible rhyming text and David Roberts’s puckish illustrations, this book will charm creative kids everywhere, and amuse their sometimes bewildered parents.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Such an awesome find! Iggy Peck is one of those characters I've been waiting for to share with my students. There seems to be a hole on my shelf in the career category. But what makes this book so special is he is faced with some criticism and a potential shutdown from an adult. There will always be people who might question your dream for yourself. Don't let that stand in your way. Such a great message. Love this story! 

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Book Review: Sam Is Not a Loser

Author: Thierry Robberecht

Illustrator: Philippe Goossens

Interest Level: Ages 5-8

About This Book: Sam loves to play games—but he doesn’t like to lose. So when his soccer team is playing against a team of bigger kids, Sam decides not to play. But if he doesn’t even play, how can he ever win?

But I won't play if I'm not going to win.

I was so angry I knocked over the game and ran to my room.

Given the popularity of children’s sports, especially soccer, this is a timely topic. It’s handled here with the gentle humor, fresh feel, and relatable characters that this author/illustrator team has become known for, and the adorable art and bright colors are right on target for the very young audience.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: The title, Sam Is Not a Loser, made me think this book might be about name calling or bullying. But it is all about sportsmanship. Three cheers! Hip Hip Hooray! I cheer because my shelf only holds a few picture books on sportsmanship. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of good ones out there. So here's why I dig this one - Sam does not like to lose, ever! Know any kids like that? Adults? Oh, I do! Plenty of them. Just come out to any recess and you will see a handful of kids participating in all kinds of unsportsmanlike behavior. Kids feel like they are failures when they lose, forgetting that it's the effort that counts - and that they tried. When kids play games or sports there are so many teachable moments from fairness, cooperation, to hardwork. Sam is Not a Loser is another tool to teach kids how to lose with grace and win with humility. This is a sportsmanship book that belongs on your shelf.

PS. Remember, good sports starts with us (the adults)!

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Book Review: Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet - How to Deal With Bullies

Author: Catherine DePino
Illustrated by Bonnie Matthews and
Charles Beyl
Interest Level: Ages 6-11ish

From the Book Jacket: Gus nudged his friend. "Want to meet someone with blue cheese breath and stinky feet? Hey, Blue Cheese Breath, give me your homework so I can copy it." I looked into Gus's mean green eyes...

Steve has to do something about Gus. But what? He doesn't know how to make Gus leave him alone. He's afraid to ask for help. And he's afraid things will get worse if he tells. When his parents find out anyway, Steve is surprised to feel relieved. And when they help him come up with a plan to send Gus on his way, he knows he can do it. The next time Gus tries to bully "Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet," he is in for a big surprise!

Why I Wrote This Book: From the Author: I wanted kids to know that they could do something about bullying and that they are not powerless and alone. The title shows how kids can make up silly, senseless names to hurt other kids. The plan to help kids deal with bullies is something every child can try. It’s important to remember that every bullying episode needs an individual plan geared to that event. This plan is a starting point that every child can use. Check out all of Catherine's books at her website

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, DO NOT be thrown off by the title of this book. And yes, when I read the name to the students they also give me an incredulous look. I actually like that they are confused by the title. Because what starts as an incredulous look quickly turns into looks of rapt attention. As we dive into the story, the students are right with me. The main character, Steve, is a representation of what I see a lot of children doing - hiding that they are being harassed or bullied. Steve hides this pain from his parents. "What's wrong? Mom asked. Nothing, I said." Eventually a teacher becomes aware of the bullying and steps in by alerting Steve's parents. They empower him with 'The Plan.' They brainstorm, role play, and come up with a list of strategies that Steve can do to deal with the bully. My favorite part is when Steve's dad talks about 'Power Words'. Good stuff. Just like Steve, I see a lot of kids getting targeted and harassed. If you are a parent, teacher or counselor use Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet as a tool to give kids the life skills needed to deal with bullying. You'll appreciate having this book on your shelf.


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Book Review: I Like Myself!

 

Author: Karen Beaumont

Illustrated by David Catrow

Interest Level: Ages 3-8

About This Book: This curly haired African-American moppet really likes herself. No matter what she does, wherever she goes, or what others think of her, she likes herself because, as she says, "I'm ME!" Catrow's watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations bring even more humor to the funny verse. The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle. Even with "…stinky toes/or horns protruding from my nose," her dog loves her unconditionally. She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too–even when she has purple polka-dotted lips. Titles such as Jamie Lee Curtis's I'm Gonna Like Me and Kathi Appelt's Incredible Me! have a similar theme, but the main characters are Caucasian. A great addition. -School Library Journal

Inside, outside, upside down,

from head to toe and all around,

I like it all! It all is me!

And me is all I want to be.

And I don't care in any way

what someone else may think or say.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book is a WINNER with kids. They ooooh, awww, and GIGGLE over the illustrations. I'm oooohing, awwing, and giggling right along with them. Other book reviews have commented that the illustrations are Dr. Seuss-ish. I adore the spunky, joyful, smiley little girl in this book. The kids bounce with anticipation with the approach of every turned page. The inside jacket of the book says, "At once silly and serious, this exuberant ode to self-esteem is sassy, soulful-and straight from the heart." SO TRUE! Oh, and you will also love her darling little dog - her self-esteem side kick. Need another book that is chock-full of lessons on self-esteem? Then I Like Myself is destined for your shelf.

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Book Review: We Wanted You

Author: Liz Rosenberg
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

About This Book: Beginning "From the moment you were born-and even before that moment-we knew we wanted you," a poetic text and Catalanotto's glowing illustrations distinguish this book on adoption. As the parents explain how they waited and searched and hoped for Enrique, the illustrations show the boy during several milestones of his life, beginning with his high school graduation on the title page and moving back through his life with his adoptive parents: catching the school bus, getting measles, fishing with his father. Text and art work perfectly together; the pictures show the child getting younger and younger as the text culminates with the parents receiving their baby and ending, "We wanted you so much, back then. And we still do." The endpaper shows Enrique entering a new stage of his life: college. Although there are quite a few good books on this subject for parents to use with their children, this one is a lovely choice.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Bibliotherapy books on adoption hold a special place in my heart because I am an adoptee. As I continue to blog my favorite books that help heal kids, I will be adding many books on adoption. This book is precious. If you are an adoptive parent, introduce this book to your child. Every adopted child wants to hear the words in this book - and they will want to hear it over and over again. The words are so healing. I smiled the first time I read this book because it made me feel so good inside. If you are looking for healing books on adoption for your shelf, We Wanted You is a wonderful choice.

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Book Review: Anh's Anger

Author: Gail Silver

Illustrated by Christiane Kromer

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: "Who are you?" asked Anh. "And how did you get into my room?" "I'm your anger," said the creature. "You brought me here."

This enchanting story gives children and caregivers a concrete practice for dealing with anger and other strong emotions. Anh, a five-year-old boy, comes to know his anger when they dance, play, sit, and breathe together, creating a space for Anh to resolve an earlier conflict with his grandfather. The vibrant multi-textured collages illustrate the connection between the characters and their environment and express the wide range of emotions present in the story.

Ahn's Anger can help children learn to acknowledge and understand the causes of their own strong emotions, and ultimately feel safe expressing themselves and accepting accountability for their actions when appropriate. The story also provides caregivers a model of being calm and compassionate with children's anger.

"Anh's Anger reminds us that anger is part of all of us and that mindful sitting and breathing can help transform it. Both adults and children will benefit from learning how to change an unhappy situation into a joyful one." —Thich Nhat Hanh   

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Do you remember when you were a child and were angry about something? Do you remember what you did to get rid of your anger? Did an adult help you? My mom would ask me to "retire" to my room for a cool down. I remember lying on my bed, listening to music, being still with my breath....this book reminded me of those times. It's going to come in handy if you need to help teach this skill.

"You're upset," said Grandfather. "Please go to your room and sit with your anger. I'll come in when you're calm and able to talk." I love that it models the adult giving an appropriate calm response. When I'm dealing with an ANGRY kid I first have to find my inner calm before I even open my mouth.

In Anh's Anger the child asks, "How do I sit with my anger?" As a parent, teacher, or counselor - that question is your IN. I asked this question to students when we finished reading. They answered it in many different ways. Anh uses breathing as his calming technique. Empower your child to come up with techniques to let their anger go. Put this one on your shelf, it's not just a message for kids - it's for everyone.  

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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.

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Book Review: My Book Full of Feelings - How to Control and React to the Size of Your Emotions

 

Authors: Amy V. Jaffe and Luci Gardner

Interest Level: All Ages

About This Book: This highly engaging workbook is an ideal way to help teach children to identify, access the intensity of, and respond appropriately to their emotions. The book is fully interactive. By using a dry-erase marker, unique situations and solutions can be added and changed with a wipe of a paper towel, as the child masters a skill and grows. Also included is a Communication Pad for tracking and sharing information between home and school an important component of effective programming. The book is great for all children, including those with Asperger Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This workbook is for ALL children, not just those with Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders. I came across My Book Full of Feelings at my local bookstore and immediately saw it's potential in helping children at my school. It uses colors for feelings, visualization, and a triangle that has three sizes of feelings - small, medium, and big. Make sure to read the "How To Use This Book" section. We tend to skip past those pages to get immediately to the 'goods'. The author gives really good suggestions on techniques to use with children while using the workbook. A lot of children struggle with identifying their feelings which can lead to an out of control response to a situation. My Book Full of Feelings has helped me be a better counselor. Your shelf needs a resource like this if you work with children who need help controling their reactions and the size of their emotions. 

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