Book Review: Sorry!

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
Interest Level: Ages 7-11


From the Book Jacket: Jack's friend, Charlie, knows how to get away with just about everything: “If you get caught, just say you're sorry.” But does an apology count if you don't really mean it? And what happens when the person you've hurt knows you don't mean it? Jack's about to find out there's a whole lot more to a real apology than a simple “sorry!”

Trudy Ludwig's book captures the importance of making a sincere apology and models for children how to take ownership of hurtful behavior and make amends.

The Book Includes:

• An afterword by renowned apology expert Dr. Aaron Lazare
• A note from the author
• Discussion questions
• Dos and Don'ts of apologizing

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  This book is about learning to take ownership of one's actions and apologizing the right way, but also about trying to fit in. Kids are looking for acceptance and belonging. Sometimes they are willing to give up their values just to have a friend.  

Before I met Charlie, I was a nobody. 

Then I was a somebody. I was Charlie's friend.

Of course, Sorry! is a total hit with my students, all of Trudy's books are. I like the emotional response the student's have towards Charlie (the instigator). They get seriously irritated with his lack of remorse and empathy towards others. We discuss how Charlie's apologies feel like another put down. So I use their feelings as an opportunity to talk about how an apology is a 'gift' that you give someone. Modeling the 'gift' of an apology is SO very important. Just like math, reading, and writing - kids need to practice social skills as well. 

Introducing the concept of a follower gets a lot of light bulbs going off during discussion.  Sometimes I worry that too many kids are followers. And they are following the wrong peers. Jack wants a friend so badly. But at what personal cost?  As the story progresses, it is obvious that Jack does not agree with Charlie's behavior. Spend time talking about apologies when using this book, but also spend time talking about choosing friends. I hope you add Sorry! to your bookshelf soon.

Find more of Trudy's books at her website.


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Book Review: Iggy Peck, Architect

Author: Andrea Beaty

illustrated by David Roberts

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book: Meet Iggy Peck—creative, independent, and not afraid to express himself! In the spirit of David Shannon’s No, David and Rosemary Wells’s Noisy Nora, Iggy Peck will delight readers looking for irreverent, inspired fun.

Iggy has one passion: building. His parents are proud of his fabulous creations, though they’re sometimes surprised by his materials—who could forget the tower he built of dirty diapers? When his second-grade teacher declares her dislike of architecture, Iggy faces a challenge. He loves building too much to give it up! With Andrea Beaty’s irresistible rhyming text and David Roberts’s puckish illustrations, this book will charm creative kids everywhere, and amuse their sometimes bewildered parents.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: As our students are in the middle of the tiring schedule of state standards testing (don't worry, I won't go all crazy on that topic - but for the record....it's not all about reading, writing, and math), I am reminded of an AWESOME book that encourages multiple intelligences.  Iggy Peck, Architect isn't just about architecture, it's about believing in your talent no matter what the 'haters' say.  When Iggy's teacher shuts down his dreams through harsh criticism (at first I was like - OH, NO YOU DIDN'T), I thought about how our words can make or break a child's day. Our words can have an impact on a child's educational journey. This book has had a profound impact when I've shared it. I almost dread having to read the page when Iggy's teacher displays her dislike towards him. But that's truly when the message of the book starts. I'm so happy I found Iggy for my bookshelf.

Book Review: Sam Is Not a Loser

Author: Thierry Robberecht

Illustrated by Philippe Goossens

Interest Level: Ages 5-8

About This Book: Sam loves to play games—but he doesn’t like to lose. So when his soccer team is playing against a team of bigger kids, Sam decides not to play. But if he doesn’t even play, how can he ever win?

But I won't play if I'm not going to win.

I was so angry I knocked over the game and ran to my room.

Given the popularity of children’s sports, especially soccer, this is a timely topic. It’s handled here with the gentle humor, fresh feel, and relatable characters that this author/illustrator team has become known for, and the adorable art and bright colors are right on target for the very young audience.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: The title, Sam Is Not a Loser, made me think this book might be about name calling or bullying. But it is all about sportsmanship. Three cheers! Hip Hip Hooray! I cheer because my shelf only holds a few picture books on sportsmanship. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of good ones out there. So here's why I dig this one - Sam does not like to lose, ever! Know any kids like that? Adults? Oh, I do! Plenty of them. Just come out to any recess and you will see a handful of kids participating in all kinds of unsportsmanlike behavior. Kids feel like they are failures when they lose, forgetting that it's the effort that counts - and that they tried. When kids play games or sports there are so many teachable moments from fairness, cooperation, to hardwork. Sam is Not a Loser is another tool to teach kids how to lose with grace and win with humility. This is a sportsmanship book that belongs on your shelf.

PS. Remember, good sports starts with us (the adults)!

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Book Review: Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet - How to Deal With Bullies

Author: Catherine DePino
Illustrated by Bonnie Matthews and
Charles Beyl
Interest Level: Ages 6-11ish

From the Book Jacket: Gus nudged his friend. "Want to meet someone with blue cheese breath and stinky feet? Hey, Blue Cheese Breath, give me your homework so I can copy it." I looked into Gus's mean green eyes...

Steve has to do something about Gus. But what? He doesn't know how to make Gus leave him alone. He's afraid to ask for help. And he's afraid things will get worse if he tells. When his parents find out anyway, Steve is surprised to feel relieved. And when they help him come up with a plan to send Gus on his way, he knows he can do it. The next time Gus tries to bully "Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet," he is in for a big surprise!

Why I Wrote This Book: From the Author: I wanted kids to know that they could do something about bullying and that they are not powerless and alone. The title shows how kids can make up silly, senseless names to hurt other kids. The plan to help kids deal with bullies is something every child can try. It’s important to remember that every bullying episode needs an individual plan geared to that event. This plan is a starting point that every child can use. Check out all of Catherine's books at her website

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, DO NOT be thrown off by the title of this book. And yes, when I read the name to the students they also give me an incredulous look. I actually like that they are confused by the title. Because what starts as an incredulous look quickly turns into looks of rapt attention. As we dive into the story, the students are right with me. The main character, Steve, is a representation of what I see a lot of children doing - hiding that they are being harassed or bullied. Steve hides this pain from his parents. "What's wrong? Mom asked. Nothing, I said." Eventually a teacher becomes aware of the bullying and steps in by alerting Steve's parents. They empower him with 'The Plan.' They brainstorm, role play, and come up with a list of strategies that Steve can do to deal with the bully. My favorite part is when Steve's dad talks about 'Power Words'. Good stuff. Just like Steve, I see a lot of kids getting targeted and harassed. If you are a parent, teacher or counselor use Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet as a tool to give kids the life skills needed to deal with bullying. You'll appreciate having this book on your shelf.


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Book Review: I Like Myself!

 

Author: Karen Beaumont

Illustrated by David Catrow

Interest Level: Ages 3-8

About This Book: This curly haired African-American moppet really likes herself. No matter what she does, wherever she goes, or what others think of her, she likes herself because, as she says, "I'm ME!" Catrow's watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations bring even more humor to the funny verse. The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle. Even with "…stinky toes/or horns protruding from my nose," her dog loves her unconditionally. She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too–even when she has purple polka-dotted lips. Titles such as Jamie Lee Curtis's I'm Gonna Like Me and Kathi Appelt's Incredible Me! have a similar theme, but the main characters are Caucasian. A great addition. -School Library Journal

Inside, outside, upside down,

from head to toe and all around,

I like it all! It all is me!

And me is all I want to be.

And I don't care in any way

what someone else may think or say.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book is a WINNER with kids. They ooooh, awww, and GIGGLE over the illustrations. I'm oooohing, awwing, and giggling right along with them. Other book reviews have commented that the illustrations are Dr. Seuss-ish. I adore the spunky, joyful, smiley little girl in this book. The kids bounce with anticipation with the approach of every turned page. The inside jacket of the book says, "At once silly and serious, this exuberant ode to self-esteem is sassy, soulful-and straight from the heart." SO TRUE! Oh, and you will also love her darling little dog - her self-esteem side kick. Need another book that is chock-full of lessons on self-esteem? Then I Like Myself is destined for your shelf.

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Book Review: We Wanted You

Author: Liz Rosenberg
Interest Level Ages 5-9

About This Book: Beginning "From the moment you were born-and even before that moment-we knew we wanted you," a poetic text and Catalanotto's glowing illustrations distinguish this book on adoption. As the parents explain how they waited and searched and hoped for Enrique, the illustrations show the boy during several milestones of his life, beginning with his high school graduation on the title page and moving back through his life with his adoptive parents: catching the school bus, getting measles, fishing with his father. Text and art work perfectly together; the pictures show the child getting younger and younger as the text culminates with the parents receiving their baby and ending, "We wanted you so much, back then. And we still do." The endpaper shows Enrique entering a new stage of his life: college. Although there are quite a few good books on this subject for parents to use with their children, this one is a lovely choice.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Bibliotherapy books on adoption hold a special place in my heart because I am an adoptee. As I continue to blog my favorite books that help heal kids, I will be adding many books on adoption. This book is precious. If you are an adoptive parent, introduce this book to your child. Every adopted child wants to hear the words in this book - and they will want to hear it over and over again. The words are so healing. I smiled the first time I read this book because it made me feel so good inside. If you are looking for healing books on adoption for your shelf, We Wanted You is a wonderful choice.

Book Review: Anh's Anger

Author: Gail Silver

Illustrated by Christiane Kromer

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: "Who are you?" asked Anh. "And how did you get into my room?" "I'm your anger," said the creature. "You brought me here."

This enchanting story gives children and caregivers a concrete practice for dealing with anger and other strong emotions. Anh, a five-year-old boy, comes to know his anger when they dance, play, sit, and breathe together, creating a space for Anh to resolve an earlier conflict with his grandfather. The vibrant multi-textured collages illustrate the connection between the characters and their environment and express the wide range of emotions present in the story.

Ahn's Anger can help children learn to acknowledge and understand the causes of their own strong emotions, and ultimately feel safe expressing themselves and accepting accountability for their actions when appropriate. The story also provides caregivers a model of being calm and compassionate with children's anger.

"Anh's Anger reminds us that anger is part of all of us and that mindful sitting and breathing can help transform it. Both adults and children will benefit from learning how to change an unhappy situation into a joyful one." —Thich Nhat Hanh   

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Do you remember when you were a child and were angry about something? Do you remember what you did to get rid of your anger? Did an adult help you? My mom would ask me to "retire" to my room for a cool down. I remember lying on my bed, listening to music, being still with my breath....this book reminded me of those times. It's going to come in handy if you need to help teach this skill.

"You're upset," said Grandfather. "Please go to your room and sit with your anger. I'll come in when you're calm and able to talk." I love that it models the adult giving an appropriate calm response. When I'm dealing with an ANGRY kid I first have to find my inner calm before I even open my mouth.

In Anh's Anger the child asks, "How do I sit with my anger?" As a parent, teacher, or counselor - that question is your IN. I asked this question to students when we finished reading. They answered it in many different ways. Anh uses breathing as his calming technique. Empower your child to come up with techniques to let their anger go. Put this one on your shelf, it's not just a message for kids - it's for everyone.  

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Book Review: Eggbert The Slightly Cracked Egg

Author: Tom Ross

Illustrated by Rex Barron

Interest Level: Preschool- age 8

About This Book: The other eggs in the refrigerator admire Eggbert's remarkable paintings-until they discover that he has a slight crack. Because of his defect, he is banished from his home. At first he uses his artistic talent to attempt to camouflage himself, but his disguises are quickly discovered. Then he realizes that the world contains many lovely cracks. Brush in hand, he travels the globe and produces wonderful paintings of fissures found in things such as volcanoes and the Liberty Bell. Back at the refrigerator, his former friends ponder his hand-painted postcards with amazement and a touch of sadness. The story might be read as a commentary on the lives of artists and/or the dangers and blessings of nonconformity; however, young readers will be more engaged by the illustrations than by philosophical reflections. Eggs and vegetables rarely assume such lifelike expressions and stances, and the simple text and clear design add up to read-aloud potential. Eggbert is an egg worth watching. -School Library Journal

 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book has ten 5 Star reviews on Amazon. I agree with absolutely every single one. Sometimes I feel like we don't talk enough about differences and diversity to children. If someone is being picked on, I love bringing up Eggbert. It is a very memorable book. The author does a good job of not making the issue of differences not too complicated for young children to understand. Eggbert also makes me think of the word Rejected. Lots of kids feel rejected for so many reasons. I want kids to include and embrace everyone, that's why this book is on my shelf. So thankful I found it!

Activity To Do With Your Children: Recreate the scenes in the book by using play food toys. Make sure to draw a crack on one of the eggs! Use the play food throughout the story, stop and role play feelings.

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Book Review: My Book Full of Feelings - How to Control and React to the Size of Your Emotions

 

Authors: Amy V. Jaffe and Luci Gardner

Interest Level: All Ages

About This Book: This highly engaging workbook is an ideal way to help teach children to identify, access the intensity of, and respond appropriately to their emotions. The book is fully interactive. By using a dry-erase marker, unique situations and solutions can be added and changed with a wipe of a paper towel, as the child masters a skill and grows. Also included is a Communication Pad for tracking and sharing information between home and school an important component of effective programming. The book is great for all children, including those with Asperger Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This workbook is for ALL children, not just those with Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders. I came across My Book Full of Feelings at my local bookstore and immediately saw it's potential in helping children at my school. It uses colors for feelings, visualization, and a triangle that has three sizes of feelings - small, medium, and big. Make sure to read the "How To Use This Book" section. We tend to skip past those pages to get immediately to the 'goods'. The author gives really good suggestions on techniques to use with children while using the workbook. A lot of children struggle with identifying their feelings which can lead to an out of control response to a situation. My Book Full of Feelings has helped me be a better counselor. Your shelf needs a resource like this if you work with children who need help controling their reactions and the size of their emotions. 

PS. this is a one on one book but could also be used in a group setting.

Curriculum Review: Girls In Real Life Situations

Authors: Shannon Trice-Black and Julia V. Taylor
Interest Level: Grades K-5

 About This Counseling Curriculum: This unique group counseling curriculum provides over 80 activities divided into ten session themes. During group lessons, young girls are encouraged to share feelings and struggles as they openly discuss important issues in a safe and supportive environment. They are given the opportunity to feel empowered, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, understand that they are not alone, and learn to make healthy decisions. Girls in Real-Life Situations is designed for use by educators and mental health professionals in schools and other settings. 

Read The Reviews:
"As a counselor educator, it is great to see a resource that hits on salient developmental themes, uses sound group principles (e.g., screening, icebreakers, follow up), and fosters discussion to make these often hidden topics explicit. It is also a compelling resource for me, as I try to help two daughters thrive." --Patrick Akos, Ph.D., School of Education, University of North Carolina, Charlotte

"G.I.R.L.S. is a wonderful resource for anyone looking for a creative, thorough curricula that will reach a wide audience of girls. As soon as I read it, I found new ways of doing things that I can easily use with my students." --Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees & Wannanbes and Queen Bee Moms & Kingpin Dads

As a counselor educator, it is great to see a resource that hits on salient developmental themes, uses sound group principles (e.g., screening, icebreakers, follow up), and fosters discussion to make these often hidden topics explicit. It is also a compelling resource for me, as I try to help two daughters thrive.
--Patrick Akos, Ph.D., School of Education, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

G.I.R.L.S. is a wonderful resource for anyone looking for a creative, thorough curricula that will reach a wide audience of girls. As soon as I read it, I found new ways of doing things that I can easily use with my students. --Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees & Wannanbes and Queen Bee Moms & Kingpin Dads

G.I.R.L.S. is an insightful exploration of the feelings and experiences that all young women have. Each of the lessons addresses a specific area of life that is a reality for girls today. Taylor and Trice-Black know how to connect with girls to help them reach for their dreams and overcome adversity. A must-have for anyone working with young women today! ----Tamara Davis, Ph.D., School Counseling Coordinator, Marymount University  

Why It's On My Bookshelf: First let me say that there is a designated space on my shelf for group counseling curriculums that I don't use. Second, there is also a space on my shelf for curriculums that I just can't get enough of and use all the time. Girls In Real Life Situations has a lot of wear and tear because it sits on the 'can't get enough of you' side of the shelf. If you run a girls group or are on a mission to empower girls - get this book. It is full of group counseling acitivites that rock. One of my favorite activities is called Self-Esteem Suit of Armor. It is a really neat activity on brainstorming how to protect self-esteem. If you want stress free planning and a curriculum that gets results in group counseling, then get this on your shelf. 

Book Review: Skin Again

Author: Bell Hooks

Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Interest Level: Ages 5-10

About This Book: Celebrating all that makes us unique and different, Skin Again offers new ways to talk about race and identity. Race matters, but only so much - what's most important is who we are on the inside. Looking beyond skin, going straight to the heart, we find in each other the treasures stored down deep. Learning to cherish those treasures, to be all we imagine ourselves to be, makes us free. Skin Again celebrates this freedom.

The skin I'm in is just a covering.

If you want to know who I am

you have got to come inside

and open your heart way wide.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Ever wanted to open a discussion up with a child or a classroom about skin color? Diversity? Then this is your book! It is so beautifully written. I was so overcome with such an exciting feeling when I thought about sharing it with children. Skin Again helps children understand we are more than just our skin color. What counts most is what is within. Kids soak up this message because that is how they are built. They are born to love and accept others. Skin Again is a lovely reminder of that. Find room on your shelf for it.

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Book Review: Nobody Knew What To Do - A Story About Bullying

Author: Becky Ray McCain
Illustrated by Todd Leonardo
Interest Level: Ages 6-10


Publisher's Note: Straightforward and simple, this story tells how one child found the courage to tell a teacher about Ray, who was being picked on and bullied by other kids in school. Faced with the fact that "nobody knows what to do" while Ray is bullied, the children sympathetic to him feel fear and confusion and can only hope that Ray will "fit in some day." Finally, after Ray misses a day of school and the bullies plot mean acts for his return, our narrator goes to a teacher. The children then invite Ray to play with them, and, with adult help, together they stand up to the bullies.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: I cannot imagine what my bookshelf would be like without this book. I read it in the beginning of the school year and once again after winter break. Nobody Knew What To Do encourages kids to report bullying when they see it happening. I also love the title. I will ask kids: 'Do you know what to do?' And they passionately respond 'yes'. There is a powerful message to kids within the pages. One of those messages is the adults will back you up! I get so sad when kids keep bullying a secret and don't report it. Put this on your shelf to help break the silence.



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Book Review: Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrated by Susan Cornelison
Interest Level: Preschool - Age 7


About This Book: Meet Howard B. Wigglebottom, a curious rabbit who just doesn't listen! This new illustrated book, has been created to help children, ages 4-7, improve their listening skills and pay attention. Educators, parents, and children alike will laugh and learn as Howard B. Wigglebottom learns to listen.

Reviews

"...an excellent teaching tool for children on the importance of good listening habits." -- The National Association of Elementary School Principals

...An excellent teaching tool for a mini lesson on the importance of good listening habits. Thank you. -- Maureen O'Neill, teacher, PS 279 Bronx, New York

...an excellent teaching tool for children on the importance of good listening habits. --The National Association of Elementary School Principals

It is useful to see good listening in a number of different contexts. Congratulations on such a meaningful book. -- Dr. Victoria Barnes, Los Angeles Office of Education

It is useful to see good listening in a number of different contexts. Congratulations on such a meaningful book. --Dr. Victoria Barnes, Los Angeles Office of Education

Very useful; it helps children see the importance of listening and paying attention. -- Ivelisse Portuono, teacher, John Quincy Adams Elementary, Dallas, Texas

Very useful; it helps children see the importance of listening and paying attention. --Ivelisse Portuono, teacher, John Quincy Adams Elementary, Dallas, Texas
 
Why It's On My Bookshelf: It is very difficult to find engaging and fun books that teach school skills. At least that has been my experience. Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen is perfect for preschool - 1st grade. It is an excellent tool to teach listening skills. You can have a lot of fun with this book by using ideas from the author's website We Do Listen. I wish there were more books on the market like this to help teach listening to young children. If you are looking for more ways to teach school skills, get this on your bookshelf.
 
PS. To have even more fun with this book - wear bunny ears. The kids love it.

 

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Book Review: I Believe in Me - A Book of Affirmations

written and illustrated by Connie Bowen

Interest Level: All Ages

About This Book: Whimsical animals, characters, and angels illustrate, in full color, twenty-seven affirmations that will inspire you, the child you love, and the child within all of us.

I am wonderfully creative.

I make friends easily.

I am forgiving.

I believe in me.

I am filled with greatness.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Oh goodness, I really love this book of affirmations. You'll understand why....keep reading. Imagine helping a child bring out their authenticity. We all come into this world with a core set of unique skills, abilities, curiosities and talents. Kids who feel authentic have an optimistic attitude, a feeling that their life is precious. In the mornings, I watch kids coming down the hallways to their classrooms. Some have that tired look, others are gabbing and smiling with friends, and then I see a few sad looking faces walking down the hallway. I imagine the thoughts they might be having or what happened the evening before or even that morning. Their thoughts most likely are negative and self-defeating. Those are the very students that need help discovering their authenticity and hidden strengths. Affirmations are very healing.

I always try and keep an extra copy of I Believe in Me on my shelf. With parent permission, I like to give this book to kids who need to be built up. Our children are looking towards us as their models. Bring out their inner beauty through I Believe in Me. You will be happy it is in the company of your other self-esteem books on your shelf.

PS. The author provided a blank affirmation page for children in the back of the book. Have them write down their own affirmation. It's powerful. I also like to introduce the concept of emotional strength when I read I Believe in Me. Have them draw their emotional strength. So awesome when they connect to this idea.


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Book Review: The Secret That Olivia Told Me

Author: N. Joy
Illustrations by Nancy Devard
Interest Level: Ages 7-12


About This Book: Can you keep a secret? Olivia has a secret - a BIG secret. It's a secret that she tells only to her very best friend. And her friend promises she won't say a word. But the secret is really BIG and really Juicy. What happens when a trusted friend slips and the secret gets out?


Why It's On My Bookshelf: I have loved using this book for the past few years. AND I still LOVE it. In 4th grade, I notice the start of a huge surge of gossip and rumors. Sometimes it turns really mean. I know, sad. I start reading The Secret That Olivia Told Me in 2nd grade. You gotta start early on icky gossiping behavior. I keep this book on display in my room. The powerful cover is a reminder to guard yourself from gossip. Kids love the illustrations and the metaphor of the balloon. This is a useful tool so do not hesitate even for a second about whether you should put this book on your shelf.


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Book Review: Only One You

Author: Linda Kranz
Interest Level: All Ages

If you make a wrong turn, circle back.

If something gets in your way, move around it.

About This Book: There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place.
Adri’s mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world. This exquisitely illustrated book explodes with color and honest insights. Kranz’s uniquely painted "rockfish," set against vibrant blue seas, make an unforgettable and truly special impression. Only One You will inspire parents and children of all ages as they swim through life.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Because kids need to be built up, encouraged, and uplifted. This is a little book with a big heart. I even feel uplifted after I read it. I read this with a very soft and gentle voice and the kids become like little sponges. Only One You goes straight to the soul. Imagine if this was read daily to a child. Wow. Positive affirmations are so important. Only One You is also good to use with a child who has been doing a lot of negative self-talk. When I hear a child put themselves down, I imagine they must being putting themselves down a 100 times more on the inside. Raise self-esteem by getting this book on your shelf.

Book Review: Where's Mom's Hair?

Author: Debbie Watters, 

with Haydn and Emmett Watters

photographs by Sophie Hogan

Interest Level: All Ages


About This Book: When the author underwent chemotherapy following cancer surgery, she faced the loss of her hair with courage and humor. Family and friends gathered for a "hair-cutting party," where her husband and two young sons (through whose voices the book is narrated) joined her in getting buzz cuts, resulting in "one big prickly-headed family!" Striking black-and-white photos record the party events as well as the chemotherapy appointments, Mom and the boys mugging in hats and wigs, and the woman's hair re-growth. With successful treatment concluded, the family hosted another party where everyone except the guest of honor wore a hat or wig. The warm support of a compassionate community of friends and loving family is apparent on every page as Watters and her sons encounter the changes and questions brought on by cancer. The gentle kindness conveyed in the often-humorous writing will reassure young children facing similar circumstances that it is indeed possible to cope well with a parent's cancer.

"you just don't know how you are going to feel when someone you love

is losing their hair because of cancer." 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Where's Mom's Hair is a REAL tool for children going through the experience of cancer. My favorite thing about the book is the pictures are not illustrations but actual family photos. It's comforting for children to see they are not the only family dealing with the change cancer brings to a family. There are so many discussions that can happen with reading of this book. Not only do parents need cheering up, but so do kids. Feelings....there are so many feelings when dealing with an illness. Where's Mom's Hair is a solid resource for your bookshelf.


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Book Review: Sam Tells Stories

Author: Thierry Robberecht
Illustrated by Philippe Goossens
Interest Level: Ages 4-8


About This Book: This adorable character from SAM IS NEVER SCARED is back in another story preschoolers will identify with. Sam is so eager to make friends at his new school that he tells them a story that isn’t true. After all, he makes up bedtime stories for his little brother, who thinks Sam is the best storyteller ever! But when the truth catches up with him, Sam realizes the difference between telling a story and telling a lie—and he has to face his friends and tell them the truth.

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  This book isn't just about one lie, it's about many lies (stories) being told. Sam makes up stories to impress kids at school, but it also 'bleeds' over into his home life. He tells his mom a lie so that he won't get into trouble. I encounter many kiddos who are purposely not honest so they can avoid a consequence. Sam Tells Stories is a cute book with a GREAT message. Park this one on your shelf. It will come in handy when you have a child that is making up stories or telling lies to avoid getting in trouble. Or better yet, use it as preventive medicine to help your kids avoid that big behavior mistake.


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Ready To Learn - Songs For School Success

About This CD:

Get Ready to Learn! Cathy Bollinger, a much-loved singer-songwriter who also happens to be a Music Therapist, has written these tunes for use in today’s everyday world. These multisensory songs, ranging from snazzy to jazzy, will help your child and/or student have success in school, through her children’s music: repetition of basic living skills, those of listening, following directions, using friendly manners towards others, focusing on their work, transitioning from one activity to another, and lining up.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I know that I mostly post about books but I just have to share this CD. It is absolutely AWESOME! I have been using it for the past few years in K-2 grades. The songs I use are: My Eyes are Looking Forward (The Listening Song); Get Ready and Follow Directions; and Good Choice or Bad Choice. The kids really really love this CD. We use hand motions with each of the songs. Cathy's voice is also very engaging and nice to listen to. It's so much fun to teach school skills through music.

Check out her website for this CD and her many others.

Book Review: Just Kidding

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Interest Level: Ages 7-10


About This Book: A joke that has a sharp edge to it can cut you to pieces. That’s what D.J. finds out from his encounters with Vince, a smart-aleck classmate whose biting humor is more hurtful than funny. With the help of his dad and teacher, D.J. learns how to stand up to put downs and make healthier friendship choices.

A beautifully illustrated story, Just Kidding captures the truth of harmful teasing when children hide behind the words “just kidding” after treating others in embarrassing, hurtful or mean-spirited ways.

A great resource for children and all who work with them, Just Kidding includes useful tips, discussion questions and additional information to help young readers understand that one-sided fun really isn't much fun after all.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a fantastic book. I don't know how many times I have heard after a put down has been delivered, 'I was just kidding!' or 'I was just playin'!' I have used Just Kidding in multiple fashions. It's a great book to help students not be targets. We've got too many students out there who are not aware they are purposely being targeted. It's also a great way to 'call out' those kids who are using the words 'just kidding' to get out of trouble and not have to apologize. In one class discussion, the kids decided that saying 'Just Kidding' to someone is a double put down. They are so right on, kids are smart! I also like how the father role plays strategies that are similar to the book Simon's Hook. This is another Trudy Ludwig HIT with kids, to your shelf pronto!


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: My Grandma Died

Author: Lory Britain, Ph.D.
Illustrated by Carol Deach
Interest Level: Ages 4-8


About This Book:
This gentle story is written for the very young. It uses simple, honest language to clarify that death is permanent, that the child will never again be able to bake cookies or rock with grandma. The child acknowledges that losing grandma is a greater loss than that of a toy or pet.
My Grandma Died assures the young child that it’s normal to feel angry, frightened and sad when grieving. It also helps a child distinguish between the emotional pain of grief and the physical pain of a scrape or sunburn. Carefully researched and reviewed by therapists who work with preschool and primary-age children, My Grandma Died offers practical, age-appropriate suggestions for coping with loss.

 

Mama says I can draw a picture of how

I'm feeling when I'm all mixed up inside 

 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, do not be scared of how simple and tiny the book looks. It's concrete and to the point, exactly the kind of book you need to read to 4-8 year olds. My Grandma Died gives a child coping strategies on how to meet their emotional needs during the grieving process. When a grandparent dies, it's a big deal. Add this one to the grief section of your shelf, especially if you are a counselor.