Book Reviews: Pink is For Boys and Want to Play Trucks?

From the Book Jacket: Pink is for boys. And girls. And for lots of other things, too! Boys can like colors other than blue, and girls can like colors other than purple. Every color is for everyone! This is a celebration of every girl, every boy, and all the colors of the rainbow. 

From the Book Jacket: Jack likes trucks - big ones, the kind that can wreck things. Alex likes dolls - pink ones, with sparkles. And tutus. What will they play in the sandbox? Their new favorite game, of course!

Why They Are On My Bookshelf: I'm always searching for books that display positive examples about gender stereotypes. These are two awesome resources that gently approach this situation. I've used both of these in the kindergarten setting. A lot of the responses from kids were- of course girls and boys can like whatever colors or toys they want! I'm happy to see kids are already getting this message but it's good to have reinforcing stories to encourage acceptance and to respect others. 

A Link to These Books: 

Book Review: Meditate With Me - A Step-by-Step Mindfulness Journey

Author: Mariam Gates
Illustrator: Margarita Surnaite

From the Book Jacket: The regular practice of mindfulness improves health and happiness, and can even help very young children - to settle their busy minds and understand their emotions. In this gentle and endearing step-by-step introduction, kids learn how to focus on their breath, on the sensations in their body, and on the sounds around them. It's an ideal first experience of mindfulness that can be shared at home or in the classroom. Calm is always just one breath away. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This year I am really focused on helping the younger grades (K-2) learn more self regulation techniques. One of those ways is to help students learn more about mindfulness and how it can be an effective tool to calm the body and mind. I really loved this book for a specific reason - they use glitter jars as a calming tool. Such a great idea to put this in a calming story! I like to make these for students and classrooms. I also have them in my counseling office. 

I also love this video:



A Link to This Book: 

Book Review: One Wave at a Time - A Story About Grief and Healing

Author: Holly Thompson
Illustrator: Ashley Crowley

From the Book Jacket: After his father dies, Kai experiences all kinds of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, guilt. Sometimes they crash and mix together. Other times, there are no emotions at all—just flatness. As Kai and his family adjust to life without Dad, the waves still roll in. But with the help of friends and one another, they learn to cope—and, eventually, heal. A lyrical story about grieving for anyone encountering loss.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a solid resource for families experiencing a family death. I love how the book shows Kai and his family going to a grief support group with other families. He also makes a grief first aid kit and memory boxes of special belonging that were his dads. Also, the metaphor of the waves as feelings and dealing with grief is a real asset for art therapy as a tool. I highly recommend this one!

A Link to This Book: