Book Review: What About Me? 12 Ways to Get Your Parents' Attention (Without Hitting Your Sister)

Author: Eileen Kennedy-Moore
illustrated by Mits Katayama
Interest Level: Ages 4-6

From the Book Jacket: Parents get busy and children get lonely. Children will do almost anything to satisfy their need to interact with Mom or Dad. If peaceful means don't work, they will try more drastic measures, such as screaming, hitting, or snatching toys. What About Me? offers twelve ways for children to get attention from parents or other grown-ups that are pleasant, positive, and possible for a small child to do.

Have fun reading this charming book to your child and then leave it out for him or her to revisit at any time. Don't be surprised when you see your child begin to use some of the twelve ways to get your attention. When you notice and react positively, your child will be encouraged to use the strategies again and again. Enjoy the result: a more peaceful home!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Loving this book. I mean LOVING this book. It's simple, to the point, and totally encourages POSITIVE behavior. If you are a parent and just about had it with all the negative attention getting - you are going to want this in your library. I found it at my local bookstore with a SALE sticker on it and was glad I got to it first.

First page shows a busy family in the kitchen and brother is sort of scratching his head with an, 'Hmmm...no one is paying attention to me' look on his face. Turn the page and now brother looks like he's about to be up to no good! "You could hit your little sister...But you know you'd get in trouble. So there must be something else that you could try. You could..." The story continues listing twelve different positive things a child could do to get a positive reaction from a parent.

Take it a step further. Don't just read the story and expect behavior magic. Might be cool to make a list of positive attention getters with your own kiddos. Take the time to explain to them that you are clued into their behavior whether it's negative or positive. It will help their awareness.

Author Eileen Kennedy-Moore writes a SMART letter to parents on the last page. As a psychologist and mother of four kids - her tips and advice are right on.


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

Book Reviews: Sky Memories and Rudi's Pond

Sky Memories
Author: Pat Brisson
Paintings by Wendell Minor
Interest Level: Ages 9-12 (not a picture book)

From the Book Jacket: "The year before my mother died, we gathered sky memories." So begins this poignant tale of a daughter who is forced to say goodbye to her mother too soon. Emily is ten years old when her mother is diagnosed with cancer. By the time Emily has turned eleven, her mother will have died. But through the painful last months of their life together, Emily and mom find a way to celebrate and commemorate their relationship. Together they take mental pictures of the sky in all its variety and wonder - the sky that seems to reflect the phases of Mom's illness and the vitality of her soul. Sensitive and insightful, Sky Memories gracefully conveys the heartbreak of loss and, ultimately, the comfort of memory.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: It's extremely difficult to find WELL WRITTEN HEALING grief bibliotherapy for this age group. Thank goodness for authors like Pat Brisson. She's done something incredible with Sky Memories for kids who are coping with a great loss. All of the difficult emotions and hard questions are tackled in this story. Emily goes through anger, sadness, denial, and acceptance.

Emily asks some very honest questions to her mother like, 'Are you going to die? Are you afraid of dying? Why doesn't God answer my prayers.' Pat Brisson doesn't try to make the hard parts "pretty" for your reading pleasure. I thank her for that. And I'll admit, even as a counselor it's hard to read this story because I know kids go through this.

What really blessed me about this story is when Emily gets angry after her mother's death, "There were bottles of pills on the nightstand. I carefully lined them up in a perfectly straight row along the edge of the table. I flicked the first one off the edge. It fell to the floor with a familiar rattle and thud. I flicked the next one harder and it fell harder from the table. The next one I batted with my hand and it flew halfway across the room. The last three I gathered up and threw with all my might at the far wall. The plastic containers shattered and pills flew all over the room. I burst into tears." Wow. The message: Kids, you get to be angry about your loss! Everyone's anger is going to look different. Throwing the pills across the room didn't seem like an unhealthy way to cope. I sort of went...YES, throw those awful pills, Emily!

Don't try and look for or force closure when you read this book. Grief doesn't work that way. There is a beautiful acceptance and understanding that seems to rise from every page to the very last word. Highly recommend this one.

Rudi's Pond
Author: Eve Bunting
illustrated by Ronald Himler
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

From the Book Jacket: Rudi is my best friend. He and I made a feeder for hummingbirds out of a bottle and a straw. "They'll come for sure," Rudi says. "If I was a bird, I'd come." But Rudi is sick, and Mom says he is sinking. Sinking is hard to understand. It is terrible when Rudi dies. Everyone in school wants to create something wonderful so we can remember him. We decide to build a pond next to the big knobby oak in the schoolyard. The feeder Rudi and I made hangs from the oak, and one day a special hummingbird arrives...

Inspired by a true story. Eve Bunting has written a touching account of the hope a young girl finds after a devastating loss. Ronald Himler's soft watercolor palette beautifully captures the story's deep emotion.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When we lost a student to an illness, I read this book to the class. Yep, we all cried. What we learned from Rudi's Pond was how we can continue to celebrate the memory of our beloved friend and student. Let me tell you, the loving and caring spirits of children are a magical thing. I've witnessed a lot of healing in children just from creating special memory boxes, cards, or even the planting of a tree in honor and gratitude.


Creating cards for Rudi when he is in the hospital.....

In this story, Rudi's classmates help to build a pond by a tree in his honor. Rudi's best friend also hangs a hummingbird feeder that reminds her of their friendship. She starts to see a hummingbird each day and it feels like a very special sign to her. Even though he is gone, the sign reminds her of his presence in her heart. Oh wow - now that is healing for kids to hear! 

This is a touching and beautiful story. Sometimes it's hard to talk about the, "Where do we go from here?" question. This has been more than helpful since the kids are looking to me for answers and hope. Peace. That's what we feel after reading Rudi's Pond.

Book Review: A Few Good Ones On Sharing

More new books to my shelf! These are go to social skills books I use with kindergartners on sharing.

Martha Doesn't Share!
Author: Samantha Berger
illustrated by Bruce Whatley
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Martha has a new favorite word. And that word is Mine! Martha's sharing skills need some work. She's not very good at taking turns either. But when Martha realizes that keeping her toys all to herself means having to play all by herself, too, she decides to give sharing a try - one (small) toy at a time. In this follow-up to Martha Doesn't Say Sorry!, our unforgettable otter learns that when it comes to sharing, practice makes (almost) perfect. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! has made many rounds to K-1 classes. So the students are very familiar with this little otter (who can be a total stinker). This is a classic story of the consequences of not sharing....no one wants to be around you, give you attention, or play with you. Martha experiences this and she gets to thinking....oh oh, time to change my ways! A page I enjoy reading is when Martha has her a ha moment, "Martha thinks about sharing. She thinks and thinks and thinks about it. Then she thinks about it some more." Ahh, perfect stopping point for discussion about that lovely little word "think."

The last illustration gets me giddy. It might look like a cutsie ending but good discussion awaits. The picture shows Martha sharing with her baby brother. 

Here's the deal though....she's only sharing a few blocks. Yo, it's not sharing when you give someone three items and you have fifty. A kindergarten teacher listening in interrupted our lesson and we had a talk about this last illustration. (great time to role play this with those problem toys) This is a sharing behavior that's been going on in her class. Some of the kids had that 'oh oh' look on their face but they were able to receive and understand it's perceived as unkind when you do this. LOVE IT. Now all I need is a Martha otter puppet and I'm set!

Eleanore Won't Share
Author: Julie Gassman
illustrated by Jessica Mikhail
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Eleanore does not like to share and soon learns a valuable life lesson about sharing and friendships.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Whoa. Eleanore and Martha must be related! Eleanore definitely does not like to share and she even has her own set of rules about sharing:

1. Always share things you don't like.
2. Always share things that belong to other people.
3. Always share when it make things more fun...for you!

So the story continues with Eleanore hoarding away while making others feel bad. But soon enough she feels those social consequences that come with unkind behavior. "The other kids were NOT happy about it. Soon, they stopped playing with the dress-up clothes - and with Eleanore."

When she tries to join in a game the kids assertively let her know she will not be included unless she changes her ways. Taking a little think time, Eleanore rights the wrong and says, "From now on I will try to share - even when I don't want to." In the end, she shares a hug with her teacher. Ahh...adorable. Make sure to create a new and improved list of sharing rules for Eleanore with the help of students. Hint: don't do a boring 1 2 3 list. I traced a picture of Eleanore on a huge piece of construction paper to make our list more engaging.

Author: Annabelle Dixon
illustrated by Tim Archbold
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Joe has a shiny red car. Charlie hides it, Ben finds it, but whom will Joe choose to share it with?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I own this whole series on making good choices. What I love about them is how they end - no perfect ending. A book requiring kids to fill in the holes and do some thinking. Yippee! But don't worry, a helpful parent/teacher guide will give you thoughtful questions to ask the kids if you need some help. 

The story is centered around Joe's car. Charlie decides to hide it because Joe won't let him have a turn with it. An all familiar story I've seen happen with kids. It's discovered by Ben who makes a decision to lie and say it's his own. Whoo! All kinds of poor choices going on in this one. This is a great story to not just talk about sharing but also friendship and honesty. Enjoy!


A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful:

I Heart Books

Five new books were waiting for me on the front doorstep when I got home today. They look EXCELLENT! Sigh, if only I could read and review books every minute of my life.

I'm looking forward to putting these on my "Reviews on Tap" page soon:

Brushing Mom's Hair (parent's breast cancer treatment)
by Andrea Cheng

The Reinvention of Edison Thomas (Aspergers)
by Jacqueline

Oliver at the Window (separation, divorce)
by Elizabeth Shreeve

Sometimes We Were Brave (coping with parent serving in military)
by Pat Brisson

Melissa Parkington's Beautiful, Beautiful Hair (strengths, gifts, be yourself)
by Pat Brisson

Book Review: The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others

  

Authors: Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

illustrated by Kimberly Shaw

Interest Level: Ages 6-9

From The Book Jacket: Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? Instead of being bystanders, the kids at Pete's new school get involved. When the juice box mess becomes more than just a dirty shirt, Pete's classmates teach him about "The Promise." Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make "The Promise"?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Bystander. If you've ever used a bullying curriculum then you've seen that word. Over the years I've REALLY struggled (translation = awful lessons) finding a decent lesson plan or book to explain this term to kids and what it means in the world of bullying. Maybe you've had this problem too. Well, look no further! Juice Box Bully is an awesome new book to my shelf and has already made quite a presence in classrooms. Those days of awful bystanders lessons are over!

It's always rewarding to look at the students and see how much they're relating to a story. Lots for them to soak up in this one. The language is not overdone, it makes concrete sense. "And, I'm not a bystander," Ralph said. "I don't stand by and let mean things happen." Nothing greater then reading a book with EMPOWERED kids in it. "The Promise" is what empowers them to do the right thing when it comes to bullying. It's a pledge to stand up to bad behavior. The first line is, "I WILL speak up instead of acting as a bystander."  Love it. One student asked me, "Do we have "The Promise" at our school?" We definitely have a pledge but it's not specific to bullying. Inspired me as the school counselor to get on it!

I also pointed out how, Pete, the new kid was using bullying behavior his first few days of school but kids didn't turn him into an outcast or label him for life. They all took "The Promise" and were committed to helping him become a caring classmate. They didn't judge him, even in the midst of a conflict.

So the next time I use the word bystander in a real life situation with kids, they'll know what I mean and remember their own promise. Check out the book trailer at author Maria Dismondy's website. Maria has also written Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun (review to come) and she has a facebook page!  

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



Book Review: Zero

Author/Illustrator: Kathryn Otoshi
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Zero was a big round number. When she looked at herself, she just saw a hole...right in her center. Every day she watched the other numbers line up to count. "1 2 3 4 5 6 7..." She wanted to count too! But how could a number worth nothing become something? Zero felt empty inside. And so goes Zero's search to find herself and in others.    

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Could author Kathryn Otoshi be anymore creative? She already blew my students away with the amazing One and now she's back with Zero. It's a MUST book for the littles and I've been using it to teach positive self-talk, the importance of self-concept, and self-esteem (lots of selfs!).

It isn't a particularly difficult thing to help promote a child's self-esteem. If fact, we do it without even realizing that our words and actions have great impact on how children feel about themselves. Unfortunately, kids aren't always being modeled this in a healthy way. Some students are coming to school with a negative tape of words playing in their minds. Luckily, I have an army of books like Zero ready to erase that tape and record new empowering words.

It all starts with thoughts...

You will often find me doing A LOT of drawing while I read my books to students. Thought bubbles are a great visual when explaining self-talk. Below I used post-it notes and we helped Zero develop new positive language.

There's a lot of extension activities I do with simple post-it notes (good thing I have the Costco size for the year). After I modeled thought bubbles, I gave each student one of their own post-its to fill in new self-talk they'd like to start using. It's also wonderful when students come for one on one or group counseling because when I use the thought bubbles - they know exactly what it is and how it applies to their life. Gifts and strengths are something I am constantly talking about with kids. I'm so grateful for Zero. And get One also! They are both engaging and superb.


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

Book Review: The Scary Movie (Making Good Choices Series)

Author: Gill Rose
illustrated by Tim Archbold
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Claire is thrilled when the grown-ups don't notice her staying up late. But she watches a frightening video and now she can't get the scary images out of her head. She is having trouble sleeping and is having nightmares. She is sorry that she watched the movie.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Growing up, I was the kid who couldn't handle scary movies (I still can't). In the elementary years, I was once at a slumber party and the movie before bed was "The Shining." Um, Jack Nicholson scariness!!!!!!!!! I didn't feel confident telling the other girls I shouldn't watch this movie (my first failure with peer pressure). The movie choice wouldn't be okay with my parents and I knew what was coming.... nightmares. So I watched it. As we all settled down to sleep, I was wide awake thinking RED RUM RED RUM!!!!!!!! Long story short, I was such a mess, my parents had to come pick me up at about 2am. Needless to say, they were not happy with me. I remember my mom saying, "Those movies are for adults. Children have susceptible minds." Apparently I had a susceptible mind to the 10th degree. 

That story brings me to the discovery of The Scary Movie. The little girl in the story, Claire, reminded me a lot of myself. She sneaks downstairs one night when her parents are watching a scary movie. Hiding behind the couch, Claire watches it too. What happens next is the mental aftermath of the movie on her mind. She is afraid to look in the mirror, thinks something is under her bed, cannot fall asleep, wants the lights on, and has terrible nightmares. She also doesn't admit to her parents that she watched the movie. Felt like deja vu for me!

This is an important read for the littles. Call me a big prude, but the topic of scary movies should be on the list of important things to talk to your kids about. My mom was definitely right about kids minds being too susceptible. It's our job to protect their growing minds from inappropriate images. I feel pretty darned strong about that. When I hear kids at school talking about violent video games or how they watched a horror movie, I sort of shudder. Sure, you can tell your kids NO. However, this is a great concrete book to explain the importance of protecting our thoughts, feelings, and brains. The Scary Movie will back up your NO and leaves room for family discussion and agreements.


Look for all of the books in this series at Capstone Publishing.

What's On Your Book Wish List?

Do you have a wish list of books you must have? I have a notebook specially designated for my "must have" list. Nothing else gets written in it but children's books. In the past when I found children's books I wanted to buy I wrote the titles on post-it notes, scraps of paper, and even backs of receipts! It was becoming a bit disorganized trying to track those scraps. Plus, what a great excuse to buy a cute little green journal.

I've got about 25 books on the list. Below are some titles at the top of the pack.  I'm really excited about getting them. Some of these I've never previewed but I return them if they're not a good bibliotherapy fit for my students. I wonder if other people have a wish list too.........

You Are the Best Medicine
Author: Julie Clark
Book Preview: www.youarethebestmedicine.com

Publisher's Note: When Mommy is sick, what will make her smile? A cuddle, a story, a kiss—and thoughts of you. Because you are the best medicine.

Watching a parent go through cancer treatment is scary. In this courageous and sensitive book, cancer survivor Julie Clark creates sweet and poignant memories that remind us how children can nurture their mommies at a time when optimism and love are most needed.

Don't Want to Go!
Author: Shirley Hughes

Publisher's Note: One morning, Lily’s mom wakes up with a sore throat and achy head and needs to stay in bed. But Lily’s dad needs to go to work. Who will look after Lily? When Dad arranges for her to spend the day at Melanie’s house, Lily is none too happy. "Don’t want to go!" she says. Even though Melanie has a friendly dog named Ringo and a funny baby named Sam, Lily is shy and wants to sit under the table with her toy Bobbo. But maybe a chance to make silly collages, or feed Sam lunch, or hold Ringo’s leash might make her feel braver--and maybe she’ll start having so much fun she won’t want to leave at the end of the day! With illustrations that keenly convey emotion through the subtlest gesture, Shirley Hughes mines a familiar situation for its most genuine moments and creates a truly reassuring story for young children.

Bink and Gollie
Authors: Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
Book Preview: www.binkandgollie.com

Publisher's Note: Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls--one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible. Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share three comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. No matter where their roller skates take them, at the end of the day they will always be the very best of friends. Full of quick-witted repartee, this brainchild of Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and award-winning author Alison McGhee is a hilarious ode to exuberance and camaraderie, imagination and adventure, brought to life through the delightfully kinetic images of Tony Fucile.

What Does It Mean To Be Present?
Author: Rana DiOrio
Book Preview: www.littlepicklepress.com

Publisher's Note: This refreshing, vibrant picture book engages all of the senses to demonstrate the myriad of ways a child can seize the moment. The story sparks meaningful discussions about the important gift of appreciation, giving children and adults alike the opportunity to live more fully and richly.

Cassandra's Angel
Author: Gina Otto
Book Preview: www.cassandrasangel.com

Publisher's Note: Cassandra is a well-meaning child who aims to please those around her, but in their minds, she can’t do anything right. They say she is too messy, too different, a problem, and a waste of time. But Cassandra believes that she really is a good little girl and is determined to prove them wrong.

Despite constant discouragement, she never gives up. When her guardian angel appears, Cassandra not only finds comfort and support, but discovers a wonderful secret—that she holds within herself the power to define who she is. This wisdom boosts the little girl’s self-esteem and gives her the confidence she needs to believe in herself. This simple picture book reminds parents and caregivers of the huge influence their words and actions have on children.

Growing Up With a Bucket Full of Happiness:
Three Rules for a Happier Life
Author: Carol McCloud
**I pre-ordered this book months ago! I hope it's good.**

Publisher's Note: The concepts of an invisible bucket, dipper, and lid encourage kind and considerate behavior, discourage poor behavior, and teach resiliency, courage, and compassion.

PS. You can always check out my Reviews on Tap link to check out what's new on my bookshelf and in the works for a review - lots coming!

Book Review: It's Hard To Be A Verb!

Author: Julia Cook
illustrated by Carrie Hartman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Being a verb is hard...especially for Louis, who can't seem to control himself when he gets the urge to move at the wrong time and situation. Louis' mom comes to the rescue by teaching him techniques to help keep his inner itching, twitching and jumping to be a verb in check. A positive resource for anyone dealing with ADHD or challenged by someone who has ADHD.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I recently attended a parent/teacher conference for a little boy who is really struggling keeping his body focused. We definitely don't expect students to sit perfectly still during the school day. But this poor kiddo's body needs so much movement that it's getting in the way of his learning. This is when we step in and help those kids figure out how to redirect body energy so they can learn like everybody else. I immediately thought of the book It's Hard To Be A Verb. It is such a helpful and empowering resource.

Lots of things I like about this book. The use of the word verb is a perfect way to describe what's going on with Louis. It's sort of a nice and neutral way to explain ADHD symptoms without having to put a label on someone. The first part of the story explains how hard it is for Louis to be in control and someone is constantly on his case because of it. Kids who have these same challenges can absolutely relate to his struggle. But one day mom offers up some solutions. She shows him how to wiggle his wiggles, use a focus squishy, and makes a daily check list. Um, LOVE IT! This makes it easier to introduce my interventions. Also, dad makes a few comments about their strategies being strange. I like that author Julia Cook put this in the book. This is smart. Because it gives me a chance to rebuff that kind of thinking.

I'm so thankful to have a story like It's Hard To Be A Verb to sort of break the ice on what can be a tough topic to talk with kids about. I don't want them to feel put-down by their wiggles. Being a verb is tough! But there are ways to redirect those wiggles. Favorite part is the last page when mom shows her acceptance and appreciation of who Louis is....a wonderful verb.  


By the way: This isn't a book I read to a whole class. I use it in small group or individual. Also, I don't have the activity book yet but definitely plan on buying it. Check out the amazing author Julia Cook's website for even more amazing titles.  

Book Review: Some good ones on NOISE vs quiet

I love it when I find books on self-control, awareness, and being a social thinker. My school uses the Daily 5 model for literacy. Often times I will walk by a classroom and notice the silence (I refer to this as the groove of learning). Students are using a skill called Read to Self. This requires everyone to be quiet and respectful of others while they independently read. So anytime I can find a book to support this learning behavior, I read it to the kids. Of course I can't forget some of my other favorites like My Mouth is a Volcano, Interrupting Chicken, and Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen. Enjoy these new finds.....(I added in a popular board book for the littles).

Read to Tiger
Author: S.J. Fore
illustrated by R.W. Alley
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: A quiet evening, a cozy couch, and a favorite book - what more could a little boy need for a pleasant evening at home. Until... Grrrr! Choo Choo Choo! Hi-Yaaaa! Tooooot! ...how can anyone enjoy his book when there's an energetic, imaginative tiger behind the couch, just begging for attention? It starts to seem like there's no way a playful tiger who wants company and a little boy who just wants to read his book in peace can both be happy - until they discover a solution that will delight the heart of any book lover. 

By the way: Tiger refers to himself in the 3rd person which I didn't really care for - so I just changed it to 1st person. I also gave Tiger some more dialogue that included words like respect. A first grade teacher also read this to her class and used a tiny little stuffed tiger as a visual. Learning props rule!

The Quiet Book
Author: Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Renata Liwska
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: There are many kinds of quiet. Quiet can be delicate. Quiet can be thundering! Quiet can be sweet and cozy, and can most definitely help you fall asleep. This gentle picture book explores all the different quiets that can fill a child's day from morning to night.

Author Quote: The idea for this book came to me when I was waiting for a classical guitar concert to start. I noticed the expectant silence right before the guitarist started playing, and that made me think of other quiets. And yes, "before the concert starts quiet" made it into the book! 

Crash Bang Donkey!
Author: Jill Newton
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: Things are quiet at Peaceful Farm...until Donkey shows up! First he makes a racket with his great big drum and tootling trumpet. Farmer Gruff, of course, isn't pleased at all. But one day, everyone realizes that just as there's a time to be quiet, there's a time to be noisy, too!

Quiet LOUD  (Board Book)
Author: Leslie Patricelli
Interest Level: For the Littles

Description: Sniffles are quiet, but sneezes are loud. Amiably illustrated in a bright, graphic style, Leslie Patricelli’s spirited board book, QUIET LOUD, stars an obliging, bald, and very expressive toddler who acts out each pair of opposites with comically dramatic effect. Whether you read it quietly or loudly, learning about opposites has never been more fun - or funny - than with this winning board book.