Book Review: How to Make a Shark Smile - How a Positive Mindset Spreads Happiness

Author: Shawn Actor and Amy Blankson
Illustrator: Claudia Ranucci

From the Book Jacket: Ripple the dolphin just moved to a new aquarium and is excited to make some friends! But as she swims around, she notices the water is still and quiet. The eels have no zing. The neon fish don't glow. The seahorses aren't horsing around. Everyone's too afraid of a mean shark named Snark!

Ripple is determined to show her new friends that they shouldn't be afraid - it's all about mindset. They can choose to be happy! Just as the aquarium begins to liven up, Snark the shark shows up ready to prove Ripple wrong. Can Ripple get Snark to smile too?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a great book about making a CHOICE to be positive. Also, when you spread happiness to others it makes it easier to choose happiness. Ripple tells Snark it's not her size or speed that makes her powerful or brave. It's her mindset. Happiness is a state of mind. 

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Book Review: Turtle and Tortoise are NOT Friends

Author: Mike Reiss
Illustrator: Ashley Spires

From the Book Jacket: As little hatchlings, Turtle and Tortoise decided that they could never, ever be friends. Why? Because they are so different. But maybe they've got it all wrong. A hilarious and clever story about an unlikely friendship between two stubborn creatures, Turtle and Tortoise Are Not Friends proves that you can't always judge someone by their shell. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm always on the hunt for books on friendship and learning we are more alike than different. This was a good story on how we can make judgments about people and we often are very wrong in our ideas and opinions of them. When we are more accepting and curious about those around us we add important friendships and values to our lives. 

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Book Review: You Hold Me Up

Author: Monique Gray Smith

Illustrator: Danielle Daniel

From the Book Jacket: This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I think this is another important book on kindness and compassion. This would be a great one to read to your classroom community on how can we remember to support and take care of one another. It's a really simple book with a lot of heart. Beautiful!

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