Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

Author/Illustrator: Michelle Nelson-Schmidt
Book Website: whatifmonsters.com

About This Book: Jonathan James' Whatif Monster asks all kinds of questions to stop him from trying new things: What if it's scary? What if they laugh? What if it's hard? Until finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his own: What if they don't? What if it isn't? What then?

The child-friendly rhyming tale provides the ideal antidote for every child's occasional bouts of self-doubt and fear of trying something new. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Kids can develop a lot of fears and anxiety about ALL sorts of things. It can be really tough sometimes to know how to reassure kids they are safe and everything is going to work out. Well, my load just got lessened thanks to this INCREDIBLE resource Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster AND you can get a plush Whatif monster!! Kids are capable of managing their fears but they need tools exactly like this one to help them through their feelings of insecurity.

I like the simple message in the book.....just try, take the risk, and you will find a positive on the other side of the fear. Kids have a huge fear of failure. I want to hit home with kids that you can still come out on top even if it felt like you were defeated. Keep trying and don't buy in to the negative WHATIF monster. I can see this being used in a variety of helpful ways to counselors, teachers, and parents.  LOVE LOVE this resource.
 
Find the book and Whatif Plush Monster HERE

Mindsets in the Classroom

Author: Mary Cay Ricci

From the Book Jacket: When students believe that dedication and hard work can change their performance in school, they grow to become resilient, successful students. Inspired by the popular mindset idea that hard work and effort can lead to success, Mindsets in the Classroom provides educators with ideas for ways to build a growth mindset school culture, wherein students are challenged to change their thinking about their abilities and potential. The book includes a planning template, step-by-step description of a growth mindset culture, and "look-fors" for adopting a differentiated, responsive instruction model teachers can use immediately in their classrooms. It also highlights the importance of critical thinking and teaching students to learn from failure. The book includes a sample professional development plan and ideas for communicating the mindset concept to parents. With this book's easy-to-follow advice, tasks, and strategies, teachers can grow a love of learning in their students.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm not in the position to review this book yet because I just got it. But it looks so fabulous and we have talked about the adult version of Mindset in my school before. I had no idea there was a KID version so thank you to the person who commented in one of my blog posts that they use it as a resource. So excited to start reading it. I am always looking for creative inspiration in my profession and I really see this bringing forth A LOT of change in students' thinking.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: Visiting Feelings

by Lauren Rubenstein
illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
Publisher: Magination Press

From the Book Jacket: Visiting Feelings harnesses a young child's innate capacity to fully experience the present moment. Rather than label or define specific emotions and feelings, Visiting Feelings, invites children to sense, explore, and befriend all of their feelings with acceptance and equanimity. Children can explore their emotions with their senses and gain an understanding of how feelings can lodge in the body, as conveyed by common expressions like "a pit in the stomach" or "a lump in the throat."

Children can cultivate mindfulness and nurture their emotional intelligence. In essence, mindfulness is tuning into yourself and paying attention to the present moment without judging or analyzing what you are thinking or feeling. Practicing mindfulness can enhance many aspects of a person's well-being, help develop insight and empathy, and build resilience.

**A Note to Parents provides more information about emotional awareness and  mindfulness; plus practical advice and activities for introducing mindfulness into your home and daily family routine.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Visiting Feelings is really helping me work with children who go into shutdown mode. Helping kids tune into their emotions can be really challenging and it's important I have lots of different types of feelings books on my shelf. This definitely sparks deeper thinking and gently encourages openness. It's been perfect for a small group setting with an art therapy. activity My goal for all the students in my school is that I am able to help their emotional intelligence grow. There are so many things we can do to help teach children how to tap into their feelings. This is a GREAT resource to do so.

A Link to This Book: 

Book Review: Your Fantastic Elastic Brain

Author: JoAnn Deak
Illustrator: Sarah Ackerley
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

About This Book: This innovative and timely picture book teaches children that they have the ability to stretch and grow their own brains. It also delivers the crucial message that mistakes are an essential part of learning. 



Why It's On My Bookshelf: I have been wanting this book FOREVER. It was picked as one of our Book of the Month selections at school so copies were ordered for everyone! So why is this book so uber cool in my opinion? It teaches kids ALL about their brains but most importantly:

• learning new things strengthens the brain
• making mistakes is one of the best ways your brain learns and grows
• you can STRETCH the part of your brain that controls your feelings

And much more........

Don't these seem like things kids should know and understand? And shouldn't we be reinforcing these messages as they navigate their ever complicated world? Love this resource and I think it should be on EVERY teacher's shelf in America. Seriously.

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

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:

Book Review: The Very Inappropriate Word

Author: Jim Tobin
Illustrator: Dave Coverly
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Michael loved collecting words. Big words like smithereens, little words like vast, and fast words like dragster. Then one day, he picked up a new word. A BAD word. An INAPPROPRIATE word. At least that's what his sister said. But Michael kind of liked the word and thought he might try it out. At school. Bad idea.




Why It's On My Bookshelf: We are not going to stop kids from learning inappropriate words. Last week a 2nd grade student was upset with a peer over a small problem. She handled it by getting a piece of paper and wrote one word on it - the F word. Then handed it to the girl. I was a little stunned by her behavior but not shocked. Words have power - especially bad ones. Kids figure this out quickly. The Very Inappropriate Word is the resource I've been waiting for because it's actually helpful. The story ends encouraging children to expand their vocabulary in a positive way. So instead of writing nasty notes we can remind kids there is a world of words they can use to express themselves with dignity and respect. This is a great read aloud for my social skills lessons - but I also cannot wait to use this with my daughter someday. 

A Link to This Book:



Book Review: Rosie Revere, Engineer

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Interest Level: Ages and Up

From the Book Jacket: This is the story of Rosie Revere, who dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie Revere sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie's gizmos would astound - if she ever let anyone see them away under her bed. Until a fateful visit from her great-great-aunt Rose, who shows her that a first flop isn't something to fear - it's something to celebrate.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: I really loved Iggy Peck, Architect. So when a teacher alerted me a second book was coming out about a GIRL I was ecstatic. Rosie Revere has a creative mind and has lots of big ideas. But when she tries to build something and it turns out to be a disaster - she doubts herself and decides she's a failure. Luckily her aunt teaches her a very important lesson - The only true failure can come if you quit. You will also see Iggy Peck in Rosie's classroom.

This year my school is really focusing on career education. Nice to have this on my shelf to help encourage children to follow a path towards whatever they aspire to be.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: The Peace Rose

 

Written and Illustrated by Alicia Jewell
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

About This Book: A peace book for children ages 3 and up, introducing the skill of solving problems with the use of a peace rose. This book consists of three every-day problem-solving vignettes, modeled with clear, simple language, and contains sixteen beautiful full-color illustrations of the children involved. The Peace Rose encourages the independent and peaceful resolution of difficulties between children in a classroom, at home, or anyplace where children gather. At the end, a three page Teachers Guide helps the adult to model and encourage use of the peace rose.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I wish I would have purchased this book a LONG LONG time ago. It's so simple and easy for children to understand. It's going to work great for teaching kids how to communicate their feelings using I-Statement language. Having kids use a rose to pass back and forth as they talk to each other is such a wonderful act of peace and friendship. And now that I have a Peace Table in my counseling room - I can help kids use this process to solve conflicts. I'm so happy about this book!

A Link to This Book:

Take a look at the Peace Table/Break Area I have been putting together this year......

Sources:

Believe You Can Sign: HERE

How Are You Feeling/Reflection/Take A Break Signs/Calming Cards: HERE

Lamp, Pillows, Blue Rug, Basket: IKEA

Sand Tray: Amazon

Only One You Puppet: Amazon

Feelings Books: I will blog about these soon!



Book Review: I Can See Just Fine

Author/Illustrator: Eric Barclay

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

About This Book: With more than half a million children in the US wearing glasses today, parents, doctors, and children will delight in this much-needed, refreshingly upbeat take on getting glasses for the first time.

Paige is just like every other kid. She goes to school. She practices her violin. She plays outside. The only problem is, she cannot quite see the chalkboard, her sheet music, or anything else! Despite Paige’s repeated refrain of “I can see just fine,” the comical illustrations portray a different story. Paige’s parents decide it’s time for her to visit the eye doctor, despite her protests. But Paige’s stubbornness quickly dissolves as she braves an enthralling eye checkup, enjoys a playful frame selection, and, most importantly, ends up with perfect eyesight!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: If you have a child who is having problems with their vision but has a fear of seeing an eye doctor then you are going to be so happy to read this wonderful book to them. It's PERFECT. Kids will easily identify with Paige and the story will help them get over feeling nervous or being afraid of the unknown. Readers follow Paige all the way through the process. Again - PERFECT! It's concrete and easy for kids to understand. Can't wait to refer this to a parent.

A Link to This Book:

Book Review: My Dream Playground

Author: Kate M. Becker

Illustrator: Jed Henry

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

My Dream Playground Website: www.kaboom.org

From the Book Jacket: Now there is just an empty lot down the street, but this little girl dreams that one day there will be a playground - a real playground, a fun playground - right in her own neighborhood. When she sees a man measuring the empty lot, she is sure that he is there to help make her playground dream come true. And he is!

Inspired by the real story of the first ever playground built by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit that has helped build more than two thousand playspaces across the country, here is the story of how a determined young girl, with the help of her family, friends, and community, makes her dream of a playground in her own neighborhood a reality. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "I know that someday my dream is going to come true." I loved reading those words. This story is a great example of having a goal, being passionate about it, and most important - believing it's going to happen. My Dream Playground has really hit the mark in these areas. At first I thought this was going to be a simple story about building a playground - it's got much more to it though. If you want to make awesome things happen in your life - then get out there and do it. A message like this often inspires students to think about their own goals and dreams. Can't wait to hear them!

A Link to This Book: