Book Reviews: Fergal and the Bad Temper and Ravi's Roar

Author/Illustrator: Robert Starling

From the Book Jacket: Fergal the dragon does not like being told what to do. It's not fair! And when things aren't fair, Fergal loses his temper and snots angry fire. He feels sorry afterward, but Fergal just can't control his outbursts!

After one really fiery day, his family and friends offer him some advice to calm down. Can this dragon learn to cool it before a temper tantrum hits? A perfect choice for fiery kids everywhere!

Author/Illustrator: Tom Percival

From the Book Jacket: Meet Ravi. Ravi never minded being the smallest in his family. Until..one day, Ravi's short arms can't reach the monkey bars, he can't find anyone during hide-and-seek, AND he's too little to ride the big slide. Ravi is so mad - so FURIOUS that he becomes a ferocious, roaring TIGER!

Being a tiger is great. Tigers can do anything they want! But who wants to play with someone who won't share or behave? Ravi is about to discover something very important about voicing his feelings. 

Why They Are On My Bookshelf: I thought these were two great finds on helping kids deal with tempers. They both address how tempers can get triggered when something doesn't feel fair. And unfortunately when this behavior continues - we can find ourselves socially isolated. Both books have ways of coping with anger and show different ways to cool down. Great resources!

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Book Review: Henry and Bea

Author/Illustrator: Jessixa Bagley

From the Book Jacket: Henry and Bea have always been inseparable...until one day Henry suddenly stops talking to Bea. He won't chat with her in class, and he won't sit with her at lunch. Bea can tell something's going on, and she's determined to find out what it is. 

Then, during a class field trip to a farm, Henry finds something...something that makes it impossible for him to keep his feelings inside anymore. And even though it's hard for them both, Bea is there for Henry, as his best friend, no matter what. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This was my favorite book this past year. It is such a beautiful story on being a supportive friend. Henry's cat dies and he is suffering in silence. Bea shows how important it is to continue to be a caring force even when we don't know what is wrong. Eventually it comes to light what has happened to his cat and Bea validates his feelings "it's hard to lose a friend." She respects his need to grieve in private by not sharing with the class his feelings. There are many books on losing pets but this is the first one showing us how to be a caring friend in the process. Loved it!

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Book Review: You Are My Friend

Author: Aimee Reid

Illustrator: Matt Phelan

From the Book Jacket: Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities. But before Fred Rogers was the man who brought us Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, he was just little Fred Rogers. As a child, he was often sick and had trouble making friends, but his mother encouraged him to befriend the helpers in his community, and his grandfather inspired his confidence to explore the world around him. When he grew up, Fred realized he could convey the message of compassion, equality, and kindness to children through television. 

You Are My Friend is a gentle homage to Fred Rogers and shows how his simple message still resonates with us today: "There's no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are."

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is such a special book and it is so WELL written for children to understand who was Mister Rogers and how he had a positive impact on our world. This past year a lot of people remembered him on World Kindness Day by wearing cardigans. If you want to teach your students about him - I highly recommend this book. Especially because as a child he did not always have it easy but CHOSE to make a difference through love and kindness. Very inspirational and what a great biography to study. 

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