Author: Wendy Meddour
Illustrator: Daniel Egneus
From the Book Jacket: Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This unforgettable and stunningly illustrated story explores the wrenching dislocation of refugee families, and one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of uncertainty.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm always looking for great stories to read with kids on kindness. But I also want to choose more books that share what's happening in the world around us. Although no country is named in this book it is clear a child is in a very hard situation and without a home. She looks beyond her own emotional needs to do an act of kindness for a boy who arrives in their camp. He is going through the same feelings she felt when she first arrived. She recognizes this immediately and sets out to comfort him with her only source of friendship - a pebble. Kindness is about looking beyond yourself. Great message in this one.
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Author: Tonya Lippert
Illustrator: Tracy Bishop
From the Book Jacket: Franny loves her school! She's had lots of fun, learned to read, played with her friends, made art, and even napped here. It's hard for Franny to say goodbye. But she must - today is her last day of school, and it's time to leave.
Franny figures out a way to say goodbye and honor this special place.
Includes a Reader's Note to help you guide children through periods of transition or change and acknowledge their feelings throughout the experience.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: It's really difficult to find GOOD books on this topic. We usually have a few families leave at the end of a school year due to a move or change of circumstances. This was such a helpful resource to read to the whole class not just individually. It's also important for kids who are not moving to use empathy and provide support and hope to children who are moving on. Goodbye, School helped give closure to our students in a really positive way. Will be using and recommending to teachers and parents for sure!
A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Jim Field
From the Book Jacket: Sometimes a little change can open your world to BIG possibilities. Kevin the koala love every day to be the same, where it's snug and safe. But when change happens, will Kevin learn all the joys that come with trying something new.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a great resource for overcoming fear and worry when faced with a new challenge. Kevin is terrified that he is going to fall from the tree so he remains stuck and won't come down. But the tree actually ends up falling down thanks to a woodpecker. So Kevin actually does fall. And even though that was his fear - he realized he was JUST FINE and nothing bad happened to him. Sometimes kids get stuck in their thoughts and this is a good example of how even if a worry comes true - you can cope with it! Loved this one.
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