Book Review: Panda Kindergarten

Author: Joanne Ryder
Photos by Dr Katherine Feng
Interest Level: Kindergarten or younger

From the Book Jacket: School is in session! But this is no ordinary kindergarten class. Meet sixteen young giant panda cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. The cubs are raised together form infancy in a protected setting, where they grow strong. Under the watchful eyes of the scientists and workers, the cubs learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild. Follow a day in the life of the cubs with Joanne Ryder's spare and simple text and full-color photographs.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: O.M.G. Adorable. I was waltzing through my local library last spring returning my books, like the good citizen that I am, when I spotted a potential gem titled.....Panda Kindergarten!!!! Don't you just love when a possible AMAZING read is just staring you down off the shelf! First, kids love pandas(or any animal for that matter). And second, I totally heart kindies! I only wish I had found it in the fall to share at the beginning of the year. Panda Kindergarten was definitely a hit. The kids thought it was so cute that a bunch of pandas were also having a kindergarten experience. Lots of ooohs, awes, and giggles were going on as we read about the panda cubs going about their daily school routine. If you are looking for a fun beginning of the year theme or a way to ease kindergarten anxiety....check this one out!

I had to include this picture of one of the panda cub's playing on the playground because it busted me up laughing and the kids loved it!

Recess at Panda Kindergarten!

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: The Land of Many Colors

Written by the Klamath County YMCA Family Preschool
Illustrated by Rita Pocock
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: A simple message of peace and respect for differences is the theme of this book written by children for children. When the purple people, the blue people, and the green people begin fighting and hurting each other, they are reminded that although they have different feelings and like different things, they can still be friends.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are some books I enjoy reading....and then there are ones I REALLY enjoy reading like The Land of Many Colors. "Can't we all just get along?" Remember that famous quote? Well, sometimes I feel that way in an elementary school setting! We've got a lot of peace and harmony flowing through our school, but once in awhile a group of students will sort of become exclusive. That's when I'm reminded of how important books are and as cheesy as this sounds....they can save the world gosh darn it! I am so grateful for this simple, yet powerful, story. I have been able to do A LOT with this book. It promotes diversity, differences, friendship, and team work. Favorite part of the story is when the different colors are confronted by a little child all covered in dust and shouts, "STOP!" I ask the students why he/she is covered in dust. Oh my goodness, I love the responses. This is a heart and mind opener. GET IT.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: The Hundred Dresses

Author: Eleanor Estes
Illustrator: Louis Slovodkin
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

From The Book Jacket: Wanda wears the same faded blue dress to school every day - yet she says she has one hundred beautiful dresses at home, "all lined up." The other girls don't believe it, and when Peggy starts a daily game of teasing Wanda about the hundred dresses, everyone joins in. Maddie, Peggy's best friend goes along with the game, but she secretly wonders whether she can find the courage to speak up in Wanda's defense.

It's not until Wanda fails to come to school one day that her classmates learn the truth about the hundred dresses - and Maddie and Peggy learn the meaning of kindness and generosity of spirit.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a solid resource I use with my bullying curriculum for grades 3-5. Some children are relentlessly picked on. I am usually part of the healing process when it comes time for apologies and making amends in these situations. But what if you don't get the chance to say you're sorry? The Hundred Dresses is a stand out read in my opinion because of the remorse factor in one of the characters. She feels awful about her behavior. I live for the discussion this draws out of students. There's a bit of a mean girls theme going on in the story. It is so sad to see a group mess with someone's feelings. Often times, those participating don't want to be part of the teasing and deep down wish they could put a stop to it. The Hundred Dresses speaks directly to those students. There is an energy in the room when we finish reading. It's a story that increases kindness, empathy, and making amends with those we have injured. I also see groups forming in 4-5 grades so this helps me break down those "clique" barriers. PS. This is a true story!

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: Remembering Crystal

Author: Sebastian Loth

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Crystal had lived in the garden for many years. She was growing old. Zelda was just starting out in life. They were best friends. They read books together. They took trips together. And they talked about everything. But one day Crystal was not in the garden. In this gentle story, children learn, with Zelda, that true friendship is a gift that doesn't die. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a very special little book. It's about having to let go of someone who has passed away....when we don't want to. Having to let go of the physical presence of a loved one is part of the grieving process. There is anger, sadness, and loneliness. Remembering Crystal gently explores this while also providing healing wisdom to children. We will always have the treasured memories to fill our hearts with joy and help ease those difficult feelings. We will always remember. It's how we honor and appreciate our loved one while also learning how to cope with the death. There is a lot to be said about focusing on the positive. The story is concrete and leaves enough room for parental/adult guidance.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: Don't Squeal Unless It's A Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales

Author: Jeanie Franz Ransom

Illustrator: Jackie Urbanovic

Interest Level: Ages 5-8

About This Book: It all started when Jessica trit-trotted up to Mrs. McNeal's desk... "Peter pulled my pigtail!" And soon..."Rachel took my marker!" "Frankie called sookie a fat sow!" "Justin ripped my paper!" !" "Can anyone tell me what squealing is?" Mrs. McNeal shouted, waving her cowbell.

Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal helps kids figure out the difference between Big Deals that need telling and kid-sized problems that kids can work out themselves, With a note to teachers and parents about why children squeal and how to help them deal on their own. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Tattling. Let me define it for you.....behavior by children that will send teachers and parents over the edge to the land of unhappiness and complete insanity. Tattling has been around forever. How am I an expert on this? Because I used to tattle on my sisters when I was a kid. Why did I tattle? Oh, I SO loved getting the attention (look Mom, I know the rules!), liked being bossy at times, and it was also a nice revenge move on my sisters.  I know. Shameful. And now the revenge has been turned on me. I work with about four hundred K-5 students and yep.....they sure can tattle! So being the proactive lady I am....I have scoured the EARTH for SOLID books on tattling. I say solid because I am not a fan of books that make kids feel bad for tattling. Not cool. Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal is definitely a favorite. I work really hard on helping students see the difference between small problems ("Laura looked at me!") and big problems ("Laura punched me!"). Hint: make sure to incorporate lessons on how to problem solve with tattling lessons. If they truly don't know how to solve a problem - then of course they'll tattle! I seriously notice a decrease in tattling when the kids feel educated and AWARE of their behavior. And of course I have a blast with this lesson when I use my trusty pig puppets. The kids love coming up and using the puppets to figure out how not to sweat the small stuff.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: The Sandbox: A Book About Fairness

Author: Don Rowe
Illustrator: Tim Archbold
Interest Level: Ages 4-7

About This Book: Johnny is friends with Tim at school and friends with Kylie at home. When Mrs. Smith asks Tim and Johnny to let Kylie join the game they are playing in the sandbox, they do not want to include her. "It's not fair!" they all say. Mrs. Smith agrees. A helpful teacher/parent guide is provided to ask insightful questions that will stimulate conversation and encourage problem solving skills.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Have you ever given kids/students directions on how you would like them to play together? And then you look over and they are completely arguing and it's an all out war?!? This is a great opportunity to use stories that build community. The Sandbox is the perfect read for increasing peace and decreasing conflict. All kinds of learning lessons in this one. I totally dig the ending because it does not end on a super happy note. It ends with the kids experiencing the consequences and the teacher feeling frustrated. And here's why I love that - because it allows the students to sort out what went wrong and why nothing went right for the kids in the story. (and don't get me wrong....I love a happy ending but I need books that allow us to do some community thinking) So how can we avoid and prevent problems during playtime? Oh yes, get your behavior T-Charts ready. What should play look, feel, and sound like? Music to my ears! Trying to create a positive learning community can be difficult when you don't have the right resources and tools. Behavior can be really frustrating, add this one to your classroom management library if you are tired of being reactive and ready to be more proactive.

Find this book at Picture Window Books.

Book Review ( Pt1): One of Us

Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrator: 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've been watching the new MTV reality series If You Really Knew Me. It's a series focusing on different cliques in different high schools and how they hurt and affect the students. As an elementary school counselor, this is a harsh reality I deal with even in the younger grades. Watching the series reminds me of the importance of reading books that encourage kids to accept one another and not hurt others based on what we wear, look like, or who we hang with. One of Us is a new story by author Peggy Moss and it's a beautiful example of how diversity should bring us together and not pull us apart. From my own professional experience I observe many students identifying themselves with a particular group. And sadly, sometimes these groups can become mean cliques and not very inclusive - they become hurtful and reject others. I see it across all of the grades (K-5) I work with. One of Us is a smart example of how to teach kids to be accepting of everyone and to cross boundaries. I already know this story is going to be a hit. Kids have huge hearts and want to be guided and encouraged to do the right thing. The possibilities of how to use this book with students are endless. It is going to be a solid resource in my school counseling curriculum for friendship, acceptance, diversity, bullying, and most importantly "Be Yourself." I cannot wait to start reading it this fall and I will be posting a part 2 review sharing the reaction and impact it had on students. As a school community, One of Us is going to be a helpful story to help students feel like one big group.

The publisher offers suggested activites to use with One of Us. Good Stuff!

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: Fox Makes Friends

Author: Adam Relf
Interest Level: Ages 3-6

About This Book: Fox is bored! But he has an idea, he wants to "catch" a friend using a trusty net. Sweet Mama Fox says he can't "catch" a friend but he can "make" friends. So Fox thinks he knows just what to do. He heads to the forest and gathers up some sticks, an apple, and some nuts to "make" a brand new friend. "Are you my friend?" Fox asks. "Can you come and play?" But it doesn't answer. A stumped Fox tries to make even a bigger friend with more supplies. But still, no answer. Soon Rabbit and Squirrel join Fox creating the biggest friend out of a pumpkin, turnip, and more...."Are you our friend?" They ask. "Please can you come and play?" Thinking they'll never be able to make a friend they give up.....defeated. Little do they know they've already made friends in each other. This story of friendship will be adored by all.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Oh. My Gosh. Adorable. Here's the deal on this one....GET IT. The past couple of years I've been on a mission to make my social skills lessons about friendship for K-1 students BETTER. And what helps me in this department are my trusted books. I would like to introduce you to my new BFF.....Fox! Guess what? He doesn't have a clue how to make a friend. He tries making friends out of sticks, stones, and fruit! Ha ha ha ha.....oh yes, lots of laughter from the students during this part. Oh but wait, and as they are laughing they start saying, "That's not how you make a friend!" Voila! So begins my lesson on - "How to make a friend." Fox Makes Friends doesn't fill in those blanks (that's my job) but it opens up the door (in a fun way) on just how to go about it. It's not a long book - it's just right for step one of friendship making. Oh, and it's a BIG book in size with well done illustrations. I'll stop the gushing now.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: Crow Boy

Author: Taro Yashima

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book: Chibi has been an outcast since that frightening first day of school when he hid under the schoolhouse. Afraid of the teacher and unable to make any friends, Chibi passes his free time alone - alone at study time, alone at playtime, always a "forlorn little tag-along." But when Mr. Isobe arrives, the teacher sees things in Chibi that no one else has ever noticed. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Holy cow I love this book! And it completely speaks to kids...about a whole lotta issues. I'll start off with bullying. Chibi is picked on and made fun of because the kids think he is different. He's tiny, fearful, shy, poor, a loner, and lives in the country. It's a teachable moment about negative reactions to what we perceive as different. These are my favorite conversations to have with students because they are such passionate advocates for social justice. There are certain books in my library that get them "worked up" about this issue and Crow Boy is one of them. Any student who raises their hand during this part of discussion - gets called on. It's important that they get to SPEAK about how Chibi is slighted for no good reason. I've also got a good crop of shy students in my school. I know they are tuning in while I'm reading. It's an opportunity to talk about being sensitive and accepting of others. There is a real myth about shy kids. Leadership comes in all forms....sometimes quiet. The issue of friendship is huge in Crow Boy. And it's huge because I talk about it A LOT. Chibi's peers are so caught up in bully behavior that they didn't see his beauty. His inner beauty....he's actually talented and gifted (some might call that individuality) in many different areas. How can the door of friendship be opened when we are so quick to form opinions of one another? And not nice opinions. There is a good ending and the kids in the story experience remorse.  

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: Teaching Kids With Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom - How to Recognize, Understand, and Help Challenged (and Challenging) Students Succeed

Author: Myles L. Cooley, Ph.D.

About This Book: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD).  Dysthymia. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Asperger's Syndrome. Do you know what they are? Would you recognize them if you saw them? Would you know how to respond?

Mainstreaming was implemented with good intentions, but it left many teachers with the daunting task of helping students with mental health and learning disorders and related behavioral problems. Formerly taught in special education classes, these students are now in your classroom. If you don't always feel prepared or you sometimes feel overwhelmed, you're not alone. 

This accessible, ready-to-use guide describes mental health and learning disorders often observed in school children, explains how each might be exhibited in the classroom, and offers suggestions for what to do (and what not to do). -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm starting to think maybe the greatest threat to education in the United States is teacher burnout. I don't think it's the children causing "teacher exodus."  Yes, it's true more and more classrooms each year are full of needy and challenging students. There are a lot of factors that go into burnout but blaming the children is not one of them. From my own personal experience as a school counselor, there seems to be a lack of strong preparation, training, and resources for educators in the area of mental health and learning disorders. Teaching Kids with Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom is definitely part of the remedy to this problem.  When I discovered this resource, I immediately started putting it to good use.

Have you ever been in a student meeting where it feels like the "team" is not really on the same page? The intention to help the student is there, but the meeting gets off course or doesn't take a course. It can sometimes feel like there is a hush hushness about the disorder, confusion about the diagnosis, the "experts" are using different jargon that you don't understand, or there is too much time being spent on formalities like paperwork. It can feel very compartmentalized. I would highly recommend educators use this resource to relieve these problems so you can get to work on helping the student! It's an empowering tool that I absolutely love.

Each mental health and learning disorder is described concretely (about 3 paragraphs), provides behavior and symptoms to look for, and suggests easy classroom strategies and interventions to try. Educators work in busy and demanding jobs so tools that don't waste time are a must.  When the words "Receptive and Expressive Language Disorder" get thrown around - people can get lost.  It's great for giving a refresher about a disorder or disability. You don't need an intimidating 700 page psychiatric manual. But a practical resource like this guide can be a life saver. How many times have you been required to implement a plan for a student? It can be a frustrating process if you are under prepared. Use Teaching Kids with Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom as part of your foundation for building the plan. A comment from a teacher after we read through the information on Tic Disorders, "That was great insight for the team." This is a solid resource and I've notice it helps my team feel more optimistic and supported.

If you have a professional learning library in your school, encourage your administrator to purchase a copy for your staff. It's definitely nice to have my own copy but it's not something to covet, make sure to share it with your colleagues when you see a need arise.

A final thought, this guide needs to be part of educator curriculums in graduate schools. I just can't stress this enough. If we want to set kids up for success, well lets set the teachers up first!

Find this title at Free Spirit Publishing. (this is one of my fave websites for educators)