Author: Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
From the Book Jacket: Sonia and her friends are planting a garden, and each one contributes in his or her own way. Rafael has asthma and sometimes has to stay calm so he can breathe better, which gives him time to paint beautiful rocks for the garden. Anthony uses a wheelchair to get around and can move super fast, directing the group. Anh has a stutter and prefers to listen, so she knows just how to plant each flower. All of the friends are different, but they all have one thing in common: They like to ask questions and learn about one another.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book should be in every classroom. We need to create a community where kids can be more transparent and not made to feel that differences are bad. This is the perfect resource to teach children the message of acceptance and it's okay to be who you are and be proud of it!
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Author: Kathryn Heling
Illustrator: Deborah Hembrook
From the Book Jacket: New clothes, new shoes, ready for school! Spot A+ clues on the clothesline to identify all the people who make starting school so much fun! Catchy rhymes are paired with visual cues hanging from the clotheslines to introduce young readers to the people they'll encounter on the first day of school. From teacher to custodian, from crossing guard to new friends, who wears what?
Why It's On My Bookshelf: It is a big deal to start kindergarten! But to normalize it and help with any fears, I recommend telling kiddos about the different adults at school that can help them. This is a great little concrete book on just that! We don't want to overwhelm kids but it can be helpful to prepare them for all of the friendly adults they will encounter at school who are ready to help them.
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Author/Illustrator: Todd Parr
From the Book Jacket: A new book that reassures kids everywhere that even when things are scary or confusing, there's always something comforting around the corner. Todd Parr brings his trademark bright colors and bold lines to his new book about things that might make kids worry - from loud news, to loud neighbors, or a big day at school. With his signature humor and instantly recognizable style. Todd speaks out to kids who are feeling the weight of their world, offering solutions and comfort, as well as giggles.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: Every year I have more and more parents reporting their kids are suffering from anxiety and worry. I'm happy to add this resource to my shelf - it's concrete with humor and offers up ways to cope and get rid of the worry. Kids need to know there are things they can do to feel better. They don't need to be stuck or debilitated by anxious feelings.
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