Book Review: Twindergarten

Author: Nikki Ehrlich
Illustrator: Zoey Abbott
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: 
Dax and Zoe are twins. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

It’s the night before the twins are starting kindergarten, and they have the just-about-to-start-school jitters. After all, they will be in different classrooms! What will kindergarten be like when they’re not together all day? But Dax and Zoe will learn that kindergarten is full of new surprises and adventures, and being apart for a short while isn’t so bad. 

From author Nikki Ehrlich and artist Zoey Abbott Wagner comes a heartwarming picture book that’s perfect for anyone dealing with new experiences, especially little ones getting ready for school.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a great idea to write a book about twins experiencing kindergarten together but also separately. We have had many sets of twins go through this together and I think this is a really empowering book to help both children feel secure and confident. I would even recommend reading this to your child if they are not a twin. The message is about staying positive, that it's okay to make new friends, and to persevere through your day even when you are feeling a little uncertain. Loved it! 

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

Book Review: Take the Time - Mindfulness for Kids

Author/Illustrator: Take the Time - Mindfulness for Kids
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: With gentle rhythms and soothing imagery, Take the Time, guides kids toward self-awareness and mindfulness. The book encourages children to slow down and become deliberate with their day-to-day actions and thoughts. And when any old day feels topsy-turvy, mindfulness tools may help your child calm down and feel better. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I discovered this book from a really neat school counseling blog called The School Counselor Kind. Check it out here. I have been looking for a book to use with my third though fifth graders and this seems to be a perfect fit. At first I was worried it might be too young of a book for my upper grades but after seeing the activity posted on Kayla's blog, I knew it was a perfect fit. I liked the message of teaching kids to take the time to get yourself back together when things fall apart and to also think before you "blurt out" or "tell a secret." Two thumbs up!

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

Book Review: Jabari Jumps

Author/Illustrator: Gaia Cornwell
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons. He's passed his swim test. It's just...maybe he should do some stretches first. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. Gaia Cornwell makes her picture-book debut in a story about what it takes to work up the courage to make a big important leap. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Such a great story about how we can turn our self-doubt into courage to overcome something that may seem scary or too hard of a task. Jabari goes through that thought process and with the help of his dad he is able to take the big jump.His dad teaches him to take a deep breath and change his self-talk into something positive. 
I will definitely be using this in my kindergarten and first grade growth mindset lessons next year. Another winner!

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