Book Review: The Secret of Saying Thanks

Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrated by Greg Shed
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

About This Book: With a gentle, assured tone and graceful phrasing, Wood shares a life lesson sure to inspire: that true happiness lies in giving thanks and appreciating all there is to be thankful for. Addressing readers directly, the author suggests that everyone learns this secret in their own way and own time. "Maybe you'll first find the secret/ in your own home/ sitting around a table with people you love..."; "You might discover the secret at dawn,/ a morning like all other mornings." In this same fashion he creates a descriptive catalogue of many of the simple gifts to be treasured, from a warm hand to hold, to a cool breeze or singing bird. The spiritual notes rung here, and a brief mention of "your bedtime prayer," should prove applicable to a broad readership of many faith traditions. Shed's airy oil paintings depict a girl and her dog exploring and experiencing their outdoor surroundings on a sunny spring day in the country. The skillful play of light and shadow in his work adds depth to the soft-edged portraits. -Publishers Weekly

Why It's On My Bookshelf: After I had taken my first Yoga Calm class, I wanted to find a book to help students find their own inner calm and have positive thinking. Somehow I stumbled upon The Secret of Saying Thanks and I'm so glad I bumped into it. 

Read this little excerpt:

"The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, 

for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time. 

The more we say thanks, the more we find to be thankful for. 

And the more we find to be thankful for, the happier we become."  

Wow! Aren't those the types of words and thoughts we want filling our kids minds throughout the school day!?! It is so APPARENT to me when their minds are filled with goodness you see the results during their day. I see more smiles, cooperation, and kindness.

I sort of winged an activity and asked students to find a comfortable resting spot. I used the Hoberman Sphere to help students find their breathing. Introducing the concept of gratitude before I read also helped kids focus their thoughts on being thankful. I just knew if I had everyone in front of me sitting "criss cross apple sauce", I would lose them. When we re-gathered to talk about gratitude - there was a really good calm energy in the air. Words revolved around who and what they were thankful for. And they weren't thankful for material stuff, their gratitude was aimed at what really matters in life, each other. If you are looking for a book to help kids meditate, relax, and have positive thinking - try this one. I absolutely love The Secret of Saying Thanks.

Book Review: The Lunch Thief

Author: Anne C Bromley
Illustrated by Robert Casilla
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Book: Rafael is hungry because someone stole his lunch. His mom had packed his lunch bag with two burritos, a bag of corn chips, some carrots, and an apple. Once a week she tucks in a slice of her special lemon pound cake. Rafael saw Kevin, a new kid in his class, sneak his lunch bag from underneath his desk and tuck it in his backpack. But how can he do something about the theft without picking a fight? Inspired by his mother's advice to use his mouth before his fists, Rafael bides his time, but other kids' lunches are disappearing, too. On an errand with his mom, Rafael sees Kevin carrying a bundle of laundry into a motel room, and his mom tells him Kevin's family might be one of the families who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. Rafael rethinks his anger. The next day, instead of accusing Kevin, Rafael invites him to share his lunch, letting him know he's been caught, but offering friendship as well as a good meal.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When I first get a new book, I usually skim the synopsis to see what I'm getting into. Based on the title I thought The Lunch Thief was going to be about stealing and maybe bullying - so I started to read and went on an unexpected journey. It's the type of picture book I relish reading to students. Never judge a book by it's title. The Lunch Thief is not about a thief, it's about a hungry boy named Kevin living in a motel. And yes, the kids know it's not okay to steal. But why would someone steal? We are a community and need to understand one another. Rafael does this for Kevin. The kids started to make a connection right away that this wasn't a story about bullying or Thou Shall Not Steal. Hands started flying up as I asked questions about what might be going on in Kevin's life that he is taking others' food. Kevin is not mean, not a bully, and not trying to hurt kids on purpose. He's trying to survive. The last page proves this as he offers a quarter to Rafael as payment for his lunch. One student commented, "Kevin never wanted to steal in the first place." Bingo! (great book for inference) I felt really connected to the students as we figured these things out together. The Lunch Thief teaches empathy, understanding, and helping one another. And gosh do we need more of that within our communities. Bravo for this book.


A Link to the Teacher Activities that accompany The Lunch Thief.

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Book Review: Personal Space Camp With Activity and Idea Book

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrated by Carrie Hartman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Louis is back! And this time, he's learning all about personal space. Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal's office to attend personal space camp. Eager to learn more about lunar landings, space suits, and other cosmic concepts, Louis soon discovers that he has much to learn about personal space right here on earth. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, Personal Space Camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person's physical boundaries. Told from Louis' perspective, this story is a must-have resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

About The Supplementary Guide: This is the perfect companion to Personal Space Camp. This teacher's guide will further help you teach your students how to recognize and respect the personal space zones of others. Through interactive discussion questions and exercises, you'll be able to teach children the concept of personal space and help them realize the value of respecting other's feelings by giving them the "room" they need.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Julia Cook's books are an absolute hit with our students. I was ecstatic when I found Personal Space Camp. I'd already been using My Mouth Is A Volcano to reinforce school skills like raising your hand and waiting your turn to talk. But what about when kids are in each others space during "carpet time" or pushing and shoving in the cafeteria line? These behaviors can make instruction difficult and cause a lot of teacher angst. I don't know how many times I've had to say, "Please, keep your hands to yourself." Personal Space Camp is a life saver book. Angst will be decreased!

Okay, so in defense of the kids - developmentally it's really difficult to sometimes be in control of yourself. Kids need to move and wiggle around. However, they need extra guidance building awareness of themselves and those around them before the wiggling offends another student. When there are 20 some bodies in a classroom - we have to learn to work and live together. And newsflash - negative reinforcement doesn't build awareness - it just makes kiddos feel bad. I use Personal Space Camp as a social awareness teaching tool because it makes kids feel GOOD about themselves. They love learning about the concept of personal space and how it can affect others positively and negatively. Most importantly, the story is engaging and Louis is a VERY likeable character. We also copy Louis and use the same strategies in the book. The kids love being jammed into a hula hoop and reflection gets those light bulbs flashing about personal space. And here is the best part, author Julia Cook wrote a supplementary activity and idea book!! Activities galore! I got my hands on it this spring and started integrating the lessons in small groups. The main reason the guide rocks is because the activities provide cool visuals for the students. Yep, your lessons on personal space just got even MORE engaging! Educators, get this one on your shelf. When teaching classroom routines, make this part of your curriculum. 


Check out author Julia Cook's website for more great reads.

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Book Review: Those Shoes

Author: Maribeth Boelts
Illustrated by Noah Z Jones
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is one of my top 10 favorite books of the school year. It's really rare to find such a profound read about the spirit of giving. We have a generation of kids that sometimes seems more concerned about the latest IPhone, the latest fashion trend, or how many facebook friends they have rather than things that have true value like family or friends. Reading Those Shoes got kids thinking about this. We had a thought provoking conversation about listening to our heart - even when we don't want to....translation - Do The Right Thing! I wanted the kids to understand when we do something kind for another person - sometimes the reward is just feeling joy. Wow, did they hear this loud and clear through the story. The most satisfying thing Jeremey did was for someone else, not for himself. Another big teaching moment - wants vs. needs. We made a whole T chart list of how these two things are different and how it can impact who we truly want to grow up to be. Society is pushing so many material things on kids it's easy and tempting to lose your way and get sucked into the external satisfactions of life. Gratitude. Thank goodness for grandmas! She had a perfect little role in the story. Students acknowledged how adults have 'experience' that kids do not yet have. Most times, adults really do know best! Listening to our hearts and doing the right thing is SO important, lets remind children early on before the walls go up and the earphones go on. I don't want kids plugging into IPods - I want them to plug into us.

I read Those Shoes to all of the K-3 grades. One of our teachers decided to do a language arts lesson after listening to my lesson. It's good stuff. Students need more literature like this that pushes such an overwhelming message of kindness and generosity.


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Book Review: That's What Friends Do

Author: Kathryn Cave
Illustrated by Nick Malaud
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: This treatise on friendship is wrapped in the goofy guise of a relationship between a large pink creature that's a cross between a hippo and a dog, and a short animal with a long nose and orange-and-yellow striped skin, who narrates the story. At first, the smaller creature describes being lost, hurt, or simply shy and tells how the larger friend is there to help. Later, the two of them fight but quickly make up. Finally, the narrator is able to rescue his big buddy, who has become lost "in the woods, in the woods." The two of them fly off together in a hot-air balloon knowing that friendship is a two-way street. With repetitive phrasing and a poetic sensitivity, the text does a fine job of addressing the emotional vulnerability of individuals. It also moves the action along at a brisk pace. Besides the imaginative depictions of the fanciful characters, the artwork playfully uses color to augment their emotions–be it sunny yellow or an angry red. There is a heartwarming sweetness to this book. -School Library Journal 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Kids feel invigorated about friendship when reading That's What Friends Do.

I'll wait for you,

I'll share with you, 

I'll care for you-

the way you cared for me. 

That's what friends do. 

Next time your students or kids are in a friendship pickle, pull this one off the shelf and have them re-read it with you. They need guidance and support with this issue more than any other area. With the rise in bullying and meanness, I am pushing the message of consideration and care for one another big time. Read, teach, and model friendship.  This is such a sweet little read. Enjoy!

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Book Review: Little Smudge

Author: Lionel Le Neouanic
Interest Level: Ages 3-8


About This Book: Hello—can I play with you? For a child, the entire world hangs on the answer to that question. But what happens if the response is NO?

Lonely Little Smudge is searching everywhere for a friend—and when it sees a group of shapes playing together it thinks the wish has come true. But the colorful squares, triangles, diamonds, and circles all think Smudge is just too different…until it shows them all the amazing shapes it can form, and how magical its difference can be.

With bold, bright, and always surprising images—which range from abstract to cubist—this very special picture book not only celebrates the power of the individual but provides an appealing introduction to modern art.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: If you loved One (which I SO heart) by Kathryn Otishi, then you'll go ga ga for Little Smudge. It instantly became a popular hit with students. Why? Because just like Little Smudge got rejected, kids are running up to me on the playground heart broken because another child or group said to them, "You can't play with me/us!" What draws the kids into the story is how Little Smudge deals with his rejection. At first, he does sort of a small mean action towards the group. (Great way to teach kids that being mean back does not work!). And then the power of assertiveness, kindness, and using ones gifts saves the day (doesn't it always?). This is a cute story. I look forward to reading it again next year to help kids survive friendship difficulties. After giving a 1st grader advice on a similar situation he said: 'Oh yaa, Just like Smudge!' 

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Book Review: Standing On My Own Two Feet - A Child's Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce

Author: Tamara Schmitz

Interest Level: Ages 4-7

About This Book: Addison is a regular kid whose parents are going through a divorce, but he knows that no matter what happens, his parents will always love him. At home, at soccer practice, and even at tae kwon do lessons, Mom and Dad will always be there to cheer him on! The text in this beautifully illustrated picture book is inspiring for both children and parents alike, and assures kids that they will always have two parents to lean on, just as they have two strong feet to stand on.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm all for the power of positive thinking. It's nourishing - especially during complicated family times. Children don't have to be the victims of divorce. Standing On My Own Two Feet teaches simple lessons: that the divorce is not their fault, parents love you unconditionally, and emotional strength can be developed through positive thoughts. Kids perceive divorce completely differently than the adults in their lives. Sometimes on the outside they may look like they are going strong, but often on the inside they are muddling through. Make sure you provide access to bibliotherapy as part of their healing process. I use this one quite a bit.  

 

Check out author Tamara Schmitz's 6 Golden Rules to Help Children Through Divorce

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Book Reviews: Penny Lee and Her TV; When Charlie McButton Lost Power

Author: Glenn McCoy
Interest Level: Ages 4-7

About This Book: Penny Lee loves her TV. It is her best friend. It keeps her warm on winter nights and comforted during thunderstorms.

Penny Lee also has a dog, Mr. Barkley. He loves Penny Lee, but he does not love her TV. So what happens when the TV stops working?

Author: Suzanne Collins
Illustrated by Mike Lester
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

About This Book: Charlie McButton likes computer games so much, he never plays with anything else. When a thunderstorm knocks out the electricity, his tech empire comes tumbling down, and his whole world loses power. Charlie needs batteries—FAST! But the only triple- A's he can find are in his little sister's talking doll. Will he resort to desperate measures and cause his sister to have a meltdown of her own? Or will he snap out of his computer craze long enough to realize his sister might be fun, even if she doesn't come with batteries? Collins and Lester team up for a hilarious and timely tale that will crack up young computer addicts and those who love them!

Why They Are On My Bookshelf: I wasn't planning on blogging about these two books but I changed my mind. So here's the deal...these are important reads for the littles. Okay, so we've all heard the awful statistics about kids watching too much TV, addicted to their XBoxes and PS3's, and setting world records text messaging. So as the school year wraps up, I've been sharing Penny Lee and Charlie McButton with students as a reminder to get out there this summer and MOVE and UNPLUG.  When I asked kids why they thought video games and TV could be harmful to kids - you wouldn't believe the responses. They know EXACTLY why too much technology can be a negative thing in their lives. These stories are funny and such a great conversation starter about the importance of unplugging.

Book Review: Yo! Yes?

Author: Chris Raschka

Interest Level: Ages 3-8

About This Book: An effective, unusual 34-word story of the beginnings of a friendship, accompanied by wild and wonderful illustrations. Against pastel backgrounds, in vibrant, colorful images, an African-American boy and a white boy meet on the street. "What's up?" "Not much." "Why?" "No fun." "Oh?" "No friends." These one- and two-word exchanges on each spread lead to a tentative offer of friendship, sealed as both boys jump high in the air and yell "Yow!" The succinct, rhythmic text and the strong cartoonlike watercolor-and-charcoal illustrations are perfect complements. The feelings of each child run the gamut from loneliness, curiosity, fear of rejection, and hopefulness to, finally, joy; the illustrations do a particularly fine job of limning each boy's emotions in very simple images on the oversized pages. With a beautifully balanced, economical style, the book illumines the peaks and pitfalls of getting acquainted, and puts in a good word for brotherhood as well. Amusing for story times, or for use in discussions of feelings, it is fun to read and look at, and appealing to the eye, ear, and heart. "Yow!" -School Library Journal

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This. Book. Rocks. It's one of those read alouds where the whole class goes silent. I know - your loving it even more now! But the silence is because they are secretly hoping for something special to happen...an awesome thing called friendship. I've had classes clap after I finish reading. Yep, they are totally clapping for friendship. Pretty sweet. Yo! Yes? has been a wonderful teaching tool. It's helped kids on both sides of the friendship spectrum from shy to outgoing. There's all kinds of goodness you can do with this book. Sincere questions I ask students: How can you reach out to someone you'd like to be friends with? How can you spot someone who is lonely and reach out to them with your friendship? Have you ever had a friendship similar to Yo! Yes?  What do you notice is different about the boys? You get what I'm saying here - there are many discussion starters and role play scenarios to be used as teachable moments. Allow your child or students to read this out loud to you. They really get into the fluency, tone, and body language.

PS. Just discovered a DVD that has an animated version of Yo! Yes? on it. Just previewed it with the kids. Totally rocks. I'll add it to the links below. It's on the Corduroy...and More Stories About Friendship DVD.

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