Book Review: Grumpy Monkey

Author: Suzanne Lang
Illustrator: Max Lang

From the Book Jacket: Jim Panzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends just can't understand it - how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day?

They encourage him to stop hunching, to smile, and to do things that make them happy. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?

Why It's on My Bookshelf: This has been a really helpful book to introduce coping skills when kids are having difficulty regulating emotions. I like how the story ends with the monkey meeting a gorilla who is also having a hard day. Their conversation is a good reminder that everyone feels these feelings and eventually they will pass. I used this page of the book to talk about being still and silent and wait for the calm to come. Love Grumpy Monkey!

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Book Review: What Does It Mean to be Be Present?

Author: Rana DiOrio
Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler

From the Book Jacket: Being present means...Noticing when someone needs help.

Waiting patiently for your turn. Focusing on what's happening now. Follow a group of friends at school, at home, and at the beach as they experience just what it means to be present.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been a great book to teach attention, focus, and mindfulness. I've been using it in the younger grades to help kids learn how to calm their minds and practice stillness. I was also surprised how it great it worked on helping kids have better listening skills. Often we don't even listen when someone is speaking and are just ready to jump in with our own thoughts. This can cause a lot of problems when kids be communicate. Glad I finally purchased this book!

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Book Review: The Jelly Donut Difference - Sharing Kindness with the World

Author: Maria Dismondy
Illustrator: P.S. Brooks

From the Book Jacket: Leah and Dexter are brother and sister. They don't always get along. In fact, there are times they can be down right mean to each other. They ooey, gooey jelly donuts in this story are a testament to the power of kindness, caring and generosity. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Our school will be participating in The Great Kindness Challenge and this is such a wonderful book to help us teach our students about good deeds. Leah and Dexter both learn about the power of kindness by extending themselves and doing caring acts for their elderly neighbor. She teaches them about a baking tradition in her family and that's when they begin about the power of paying it forward. So happy to add this to my collection!

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