Book Review: I Walk With Vanessa - A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness

Author/Illustrator: Kerascoet

From the Book Jacket: Vanessa is the new girl in school. A boy is not very nice to her. But a girl helps Vanessa - and stands up for what's right. This is a simple but powerful picture book about how the actions of a single person can inspire an entire community. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: It only takes one person to change things. In this wordless picture book a child named Vanessa is on the receiving end of mean behavior. What she doesn't know is someone witnesses the unkindness and comes to her rescue later. By being an upstander she brings all the children together in a positive movement. I loved this uplifting book and it is at the top of my list to share with students as a reminder that we all have personal power to better each others lives.  

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Book Review: The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team

By: Maureen Fergus and Mike Lowery

From the Book Jacket: When Coach asks for a parent volunteer to help with the team, Dad is excited. He runs to the bench, pulls on a jersey and...completely forgets his manners. Dad complains about having to play defense (BORING) and thinks playing soccer is all about WINNING. He kicks practice balls everywhere and throws a HAIRY FIT when things don't go his way. Dad is NOT a team player! 

In this hilarious role reversal, a young boy's patience is tested as he desperately tries to teach his dad how to behave on the field. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Once in awhile I have teachers ask me to come in and help teach and reinforce good sportsmanship when things seem to be escalating on the playground. I was so happy to see this new title. I don't have a lot of picture books on sportsmanship and this one is a winner! It's engaging and really helps show the difference between a poor sport and a team player. If you have a kiddo who is stomping off during a game or throwing a big fit over not winning - this one is sure to help you!

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Book Review: Buckets, Dippers, and Lids - Secrets to Your Happiness

Author: Carol McCloud
Illustrator: Glenn Zimmer

From the Book Jacket: This new book takes bucket filling and bucket dipping one step further by adding the idea that we also have an invisible lid. We "use our lid" to protect and keep the happiness in our bucket. Readers learn what gives happiness, what takes some away, and what protects it. This concrete concept helps readers of all ages grow in kindness, self-control, resilience, empathy, and forgiveness, all leading to a healthier self-concept, more positive relationships, and greater happiness. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a wonderful new bucket filling book! It exceeded my expectations. It is divided into three sections: Buckets, Dippers, and Lids. The "Buckets" section covers what bucket filling is and teaches the concept - a lot like her first book - Have You Filled a Bucket Today? But then the book goes into more detail in "The Dippers" section by really defining what bucket dipping is and how it's the opposite of bucket filling. My favorite part of the book is the "Lids" section. This teaches children that everyone has a lid to help protect the happiness in their bucket. So when something happens that makes you have an "ouch" feeling this is an important sign warning you to "Use your lid!" It goes on to explain the "ouch"feeling is a sign your bucket is getting dipped and it's time to use your lid. To keep your bucket full you need to stop, take a deep breath, and think. Don't dip back. I appreciated these steps and the reminder to not dip back.

If you loved her first book - Have You Filled a Bucket Today? then you will love this new version - it's more detailed and really reinforces the concept. I'm so happy to have another bucket filling resource to use with kids.

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