Author/Illustrator: Jane Cabrera
From the Book Jacket: Grace writes thoughtful Thank You Letters for all her birthday gifts. She thanks her grandparents for Bob, a toy puppy. She sends a note to her cousins to say thanks for her sparkly shoes and to Taye for the magic wings. But that is only the beginning. This sweet and lively story reminds us that gratitude can be contagious.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a lovely reminder that we can give thanks to everyone for all that they are and do. I used this book to teach my kids how to write thank you letters but it has a deeper message about how we can also thank people for the simple acts of kindness they do for us daily.
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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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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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