Review: Miki and the Moon Blossom

Miki and the Moon Blossom

by Stephen Mackey

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
ISBN: 978-0-340-95067-8

Summary/Back cover:
A long time ago and very far away, Miki, Polar bear and Penguin wish for a gentle breeze.  But when their wish comes true they begin a journey to a strange new world full of weird and wonderful creatures.  Will the friends ever make it back home?

Review:
This is such a gentle, sweet wee story, that is perfectly suited as a bedtime book.  At first, the story looks like it's going to take a Jack and the Beanstalk type turn (a plant grows up tall overnight), but then it turns into a gentle story involving blossoms and clouds.

My 3 year old son didn't quite "get" the story, and was looking for a solution of how to get Miki home the entire time (and was quite concerned that she hadn't found her house by the last page of the book), but I think that young girls would certainly appreciate the soft tones of this book.  It's not overly "girly" but is probably more suited to the sensitive souls more than rough-and-tumblers.

I love this book, and it's one that I will continue to read to my rough-and-tumblers, as it's a story that is best-read at the quiet wind-down time just before bedtime.  If you are interested in buying a copy of this book, you can find it here at Wheelers.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Mad About Minibeasts

Mad About Minibeasts

Written by Giles Andreae

Illustrated by David Wojtowycz

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 978-1-40830-947-6

Summary/Back cover:
The sun is in the sky
And it's a lovely Summer's day.
The minibeasts have seen you
And they want to come and play!
Come into the garden for lots of noisy, rhyming creepy-crawlie fun from the award-winning creators of Rumble in the Jungle  and Commotion in the Ocean.


Review:
I was always going to like this book, before I even saw it, as it comes from my favourite author/illustrator team.  And it didn't fail to impress - it is written in very much the same style as Commotion in the Ocean, as a series of little poems.

The bugs in each poem are becoming familiar to my 1 year old and 3 year old now, and they enjoy telling me what each bug is before we start the poems - and we have been 'lucky' enough to find some of the same bugs in our own garden, which makes my 3 year old very excited - he has been known to tell a worm that "we have a book all about you!"

Having the story broken into individual poems works well for us, as it means there is space for questions about each bug, without feeling like I'm breaking the 'flow' of a rhyming story.

This has already become a much-requested book from the bookshelf, and is one that I enjoy reading as much as my sons enjoy listening to it.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Book Reviews: Know Your Emotions Series

Angry Is...
Author: Connie Colwell Miller
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be angry? What does anger look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the range of angry feelings. 

Sad Is...
Author: Cheyenne Nichols 
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be sad? What does sadness look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the range of feeling sad. 

Happy Is...
Author: Connie Colwell Miller
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be happy? What does happiness look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the ways that people feel happy. 

Scared Is...
Author: Cheyenne Nichols
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

How does it feel to be scared? What does fear look like? Big, full color photos and simple, rhyming text explore the range of feeling scared. 






Why They Are On My Bookshelf: Because they are a great resource on feelings! Each book does a superb job describing what the emotion feels like through concrete examples that are easily relatable. The students also appreciate the photos of real kids experiencing the feeling. The series also doesn't give a bunch of lame (yes I used that word) ways to cope with the emotion. It leaves it open ended for the kids and I to start a new dialogue and brainstorm on how to deal and react to emotions. This series is a Winner!
 

A Link To These Books:

A Must Have - I'm Here by Peter H Reynolds

I've had quite a few people mention this book to me - just haven't had time to pick it up due to my upcoming maternity leave. But it's at the top of my list.....I'm thinking your gonna want this one.....watch the trailer:

I'm Here
Author: Peter H Reynolds
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description:
I’m here. And you’re there.
And that’s okay.
But… maybe there will be a gentle wind that pulls us together.
And then I’ll be here and you’ll be here, too.

Pure, powerful, and deceptively simple, bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds reminds us that children—and the friendships they make—can bloom in unexpected ways. This extraordinary picture book gives voice to the often silent world of a kid struggling to connect with his peers and speaks to the universal need to be loved and heard.

A Link to This Book:

Review: The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Illustrated by Jane Ray

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Orchard books
ISBN: 978-1-40830-703-8

Summary/Back cover:
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
This sumptuous edition of one of the most-loved and best-known traditional songs has been illustrated with exquisite style by Jane Ray.  A charming Christmas classic to be treasured for years to come.

Review:
The words in this book are simply the lyrics to The Twelve Days of Christmas, that we all love and/or hate!  The illustrations are a story in their own right though - we see the gift giver sneakily looking as his true love receives the gifts each day, and then he finally approaches her on the twelfth day.  The faces of the people in the book are a little bit odd-looking to me, but nothing that worries children at all.  They are lovely bright pictures that become increasingly cluttered as the song becomes cluttered, and then finishes on a much less cluttered note - very fitting for the song lyrics.

This book, being a Christmas song, has a limited lifespan each year in our house, but has been well received by both my 1 year old and 3 year old - my 3 year old has gone to bed singing the song to himself - usually with different lyrics though ("Five Thomas trains, four pillows, three bananas, two potties and a c-a-a-a-a-a-a-t").  However, it is a book that will be pulled out in December every year for a few weeks, and would make a lovely gift book.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, you can find it here on Fishpond.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Old MacDonald's Farm

Old MacDonald's Farm

Illustrated by Donovan Bixley

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Hachette New Zealand
ISBN: 978-1-86971-230-3

Summary/Back cover:
Old MacDonald has a beautiful New Zealand farm - and on that farm he has some very remarkable animals!  What are they up to now?

Review:
This book is simply beautiful - the words are simply the traditional "Old MacDonald had a Farm" words, but the illustrations tell a story in their own right, of the farmer being woken by a cat, having his breakfast made by a dog, the pigs pampering themselves, the sheep shearing each other (in a salon-style scene) and the cows preparing a morning snack for themselves.  There is so much iconic Kiwiana that I doubt I've seen it all yet - but there's also a picture list of Kiwiana inside the front and back covers.  Maybe this is a clue to look for these things throughout the book?

If you love singing Old MacDonald to your children, I definitely recommend this book - it even has the sheet music to Old MacDonald at the back of the book, so you can grab your nearest instrument (of your choice) and play along.

My three year old adores this book - last night he went off to bed last night singing away to himself, and then started saying "Oh!  What a clever doggy!" - it was at this stage that we realised he'd taken the book to bed with him and was 'reading' it to himself, not just singing a remembered song.  My one year old spent a lot of time reaching out to touch interesting things on the page - there's a lot of detail in each illustration, but they are clear and easy for young eyes to identify known objects in.

Overall, a lovely piece of Kiwiana - a great one as a gift for overseas visiting children, and definitely one for your own Kiwi bookshelf.

If you're interested in purchasing this book, you can find it here at Fishpond.

My rating: 4.8 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins

by P.L. Travers

Publication date: 1934 (original)
Publisher:
ISBN:

Review:
I'll need to go back to the library and borrow this book again to get the publisher and back cover details, as I was lucky enough to discover an original copy of Mary Poppins in our local library - it's not out on the shelf, but is available from a locked-up cupboard in the children's section for those that are keen enough to ask for it.

I wasn't even aware that Mary Poppins was a book before it was a movie (how backwards am I?!), but am very pleased I read the book.  It is a much darker book than the Disney movie has portrayed (fortunately - it wouldn't have been nearly as successful a movie had it been kept as it is), and there are many chapters (scenes, if you like) that have been left out of the movie.

Mary Poppins is a lot stricter, harsher, and unpleasant in the book than in the movie, which made it hard to like her as much - but then again, I'm a big Julie Andrews fan, so maybe I'm biased towards the movie Mary Poppins a bit!

If you ever get the chance to read an original copy of Mary Poppins, I thoroughly recommend it - it's only 222 pages long (including the occasional picture), so won't take the average adult reader long to finish.  I haven't read this to my one and three year old sons, but rather read it as part of a bookclub (October's theme is "Childhood Favourites" and this was one that came up - stay posted later on in the month for The Secret Garden).

Oh, and interesting trivia - did you know P.L. Travers is a woman?  I had always assumed the author to be a man, but nope!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 - one of those classics that everyone should read.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Ed's Egg

Ed's Egg

Written by David Bedford

Illustrated by Karen Sapp

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: QED Publshing
ISBN: 978-1-84835-750-1

Summary/Back cover:
Ed loves living in his egg because it's warm and safe.  What happens when his egg cracks?  Will he come out and play?

Beautifully illustrated, QED Storytime introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories.  Supporting notes for parents and teachers are also included.

Review:
This book is gorgeous!  It features a young chick who really doesn't want to leave his egg, but pieces of it keep breaking away as the story continues, until all he is left with is one little piece on his head.  The chick soon comes to realise that change is inevitable, and that there's still warmth and happiness to be found outside his comfort zone.

My three year old really enjoys this book - beautiful bright illustrations, and simple words with plenty of funny sound ("Hoppity Hopping" is his favourite one).  There are three other books in this series - Daisy Dinosaur Gets Lost, How to Catch a Falling Star, and The Wishing Stone.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Incy Wincy Spider and Friends

Incy Wincy Spider and Friends

Illustrated by the Miles Kelly Artwork Bank

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Miles Kelly Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-84810-413-6

Summary/Back cover:
This collection of best-loved nursery rhymes also includes fairytales and first poems.  Children will love reading about Incy Wincy Spider, Old Mother Hubbard and Simple Simon as they enjoy the beautiful illustrations.

Review:
This is a lovely collection of traditional nursery rhymes and fairy tales - it has been illustrated by a number of different people, so the style of pictures changes from page to page.  This is not off-putting though, as the pictures are all very bright and appealing.

The biggest gripe I have about this book is that the longer stories (The Ugly Duckling, and Little Red Riding Hood) are interspersed with the shorter rhymes - I would have preferred to have them at the end of the book, separately, as it broke the rhythm of reading through the rhymes, to suddenly have a few pages of longer story.

However, the stories are well known, and the rhymes are mostly well known - there's a couple there that I hadn't heard of before - and both my 1 and 3 year olds enjoy reading this book.  Incy Wincy is the most requested rhyme, probably because of the beautiful picture of the spider on the front cover!

My rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Five Minutes' Peace

Five Minutes Peace

Written and Illustrated by Jill Murphy

Publication date: 1986
Publisher: Walker books
ISBN: 978-1-84428-539-6

Summary/Back cover:
Mrs Large just wants a few minutes' peace.  But Lester, Laura and the baby have other ideas!

Review:
Any mother will identify with Mrs Large - she's trying to find five minutes peace from her children, where she can read a newspaper and eat a slice of toast without interruption.  She moves from room to room in the house, but is followed by her children, 'helping' her in various ways, or showing their new skills.

It's an odd little story that my 3 year old didn't particularly care for - he happily sat through it a few times, but has never requested it himself.  The characters are pleasant enough, but not overly likeable.  However, it's a sweet wee book, and it made me (as the mother of two Mummy's-boys) laugh - sometimes I'd just like five minutes' peace, too!

My rating: 3.8 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Murf Murf the Dolphin Dog

Murf Murf the Dolphin Dog

Written by Sonya Warner

Illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Akaroa Dolphins
ISBN: 978-0-473-18270-0

Summary/Back cover:
Once upon a time, in a little town not far away from the city, was a cute little dog who had a real job!  His tail was fluffy, and his beard was scruffy... 

Murf Murf is a real-life sea dog who works on a dolphin-watching boat in the small New Zealand town of Akaroa.  Follow his adventures at sea with his playful dolphin friends!

Review:
My parents went on a dolphin-watching cruise and purchased this book for my sons while they were there - they purchased it from Akaroa Dolphins, but Sonya, the author, has kindly emailed me to let me know where else it is available - see the comments section for the list of retailers.

Written in a gentle rhyme, the story of Murf Murf appealed to my 3 year old immediately, and has been requested over and over. When Murf Murf falls off the boat, my son was quite worried the first time, but now calls out with me as I read "Don't worry Murf, we won't let you drown!"

The illustrations are beautiful - I particularly love the expressions Sarah has managed to draw into Murf Murf's face - who knew a dog had so many emotions?!

This is definitely a book worth having on your bookshelf - and even better if you can take your children to see some dolphins before or after having read the book.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Slightly Invisible

Slightly Invisible

Written and Illustrated by Lauren Child

Publication date: 2010

Publisher: Orchard Books

ISBN: 978-1-40830-792-2

Summary/Back cover:

I have this little sister Lola.  She is small and very funny.  She always want to know what I am up to and she always wants to do what I am doing.  She NEVER wants to be anywhere without me.

A completely NEW and original Charlie and Lola picture book!

Review:

I've never met Charlie and Lola before, so the characters were brand new to my children and me.  And they went down a treat!  My 3 year old enjoyed finding the 'invisible' Soren Lorensen on each page, and my 1 year old was fascinated with the characters eyes, for some reason.  

The story itself is gorgeous - written in a child-like voice, which both my boys enjoyed, but with a lot of description. The written words wend and weave around the page, which makes the story come to life even more.

For existing Charlie and Lola fans, I recommend this as a new addition to your collection.  For those that are just meeting them for the first time, this seems to be as good a starting point as any!

If you're interested in purchasing a copy of this book, you can find it here at Fishpond.

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Book Review: I Believe in You

Author/Illustrator: Marianne Richmond
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Publisher: Sourcebooks

From the Book Jacket: I Believe in You explores the powerful feeling in every parent's heart as you watch a child take on the big job of growing up. This inspiring and meaningful book puts into words the little moments that reveal just how much you believe in them, no matter what life throws their way.

Growing up is a roller coaster ride of emotion and adventure, asking a child to show self-confidence and courage that they may not know they have. Showing you will be by their side can mean the world to them and give them the strength they often so desperately need.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: As I move closer to the arrival of my due date. I am very drawn to books with the message of unconditional love. Using positive affirming language is very important to me as a parent. I Believe in You is perfect for our family bookshelf. It's the kind of story that helps your child feel supported and loved.

I love the first illustration. 

The baby is wearing a post it note that says "To Do: Be the Best You Can Be!"

You'll love every line. Nothing in it is cheesy and I can imagine children feeling really built up and strong after reading this with a parent. I'm hoping it becomes a favorite on my daughter's bookshelf. More than anything, I can't wait to watch her grow into a wonderful person - and as a parent I love the support from all of these lovely book finds.

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

Book Reviews: New Ones on Death of a Pet

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Her kitten days long gone, Tiger Rose has lived a cat's life. She's growing too tired to stay, so it's time to say goodbye to the creatures and the joys in her little corner of the world - goodbye to the scolding blue jay, to the children and dog she shares her home with, and to her favorite shady patch under the bushes. Tiger Rose is ready to become one with it all. 

Never before has there been such a peaceful, inspiring, and reassuring book for children about death - uniquely written from the point of view of the one who is dying, and as much a celebration of life as of its gentle end. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is so beautifully written. I cried (and cried), as I finished the last couple pages. This is a book you will want to read with your child - and you will cry too. When I was younger and saw my mom cry about sad experiences, it modeled to me the importance of letting the grief out. So don't be afraid to grieve in front of your children. This story will most certainly trigger the sadness you both will be feeling after the loss of a pet. But it will also help trigger the healing.

Sammy in the Sky
Author: Barbara Walsh
Paintings by Jamie Wyeth
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Sammy, the best hound dog in the whole wide world, loves his girl and she loves him. When illness cuts Sammy's life short, the girl's family keeps his spirit alive by celebrating his love of chasing wind-blown bubbles, keeping loyal guard a night, and offering his velvety fur for endless pats and tummy scratches.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I am not a fan of books about pet death that end with the whole family replacing their beloved pet with a new one. I think it does a disservice to the grief process. I am a fan of books showing the love and memories we will always have when a pet passes. This is why I loved Sammy in the Sky so much. It doesn't take the easy way out. It helps kids to focus on all the wonderful special moments pets bring to our lives. It teaches kids to remember them in their hearts. "All I knew was that I loved Sammy and Sammy loved me." It's about love.

Good-Bye, Jeepers: What to Expect When Your Pet Dies
Author: Nancy Loewen
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
Publisher: Capstone Publishing
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: When a pet dies, it can feel like you lost your best friend. What do you do? Whether you had a guinea pig, dog, cat, or fish, this story can help you through the tough times.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Absolutely loved this one. It is so developmentally appropriate. As the story unfolds, each page has a little blurb teaching children about the grieving process. I've read 'technical' books like this before but this one is SOLID. This is also about the loss of a guinea pig. But I think whether you lose a dog or a cat this is a good one to do some teaching about grieving. I once asked a group of 3rd graders after a loss, "Have you ever heard of the word grief?" No one raised their hand. It's amazing how empowered and connected they felt as I guided them through the process. It would have been a missed opportunity for them to grow if I would have just swept the teaching piece under the rug. They have the desire to learn and be educated about grief. It's helpful for them to know what they are feeling is perfectly fine - even though it may be difficult. 


A Link To These Books:

Inspired

Source: Teaching Tolerance

“I've come to the frightening conclusioin that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.” -Dr Haim Ginott 

I've seen this quote before and remember how much it inspired me. I was paging through the latest edition of Teaching Tolerance and came across it today. It was definitely perfect timing to read it. Love when that happens. You can download/print your own color copy here. 

Book Review: Perfect Square

Author/Illustrator: Michael Hall

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: A perfect square is transformed in this adventure story that will transport you far beyond the four equal sides of this square book.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love to look at a new book and find the secret little bibliotherapy message in it. Perfect Square is AWESOME. Each day something happens to the square. It's cut in pieces, torn in scraps, shredded to strips, and shattered. But when these things happen, it transforms itself into something beautiful like a fountain, a garden, or a park. Here's some example pages below:

On Saturday, the square was crumpled and ripped and wrinkled.

So it made itself into a mountain.

So what's my message to the kids going to be? Self-esteem! If something gets you down....you can turn it around. You can make lemonade out of lemons! This really feels like an empowerment story. It's also a great way to teach optimism. I even think there might be a lesson on bullying in this one. A lesson on how not to let bully words and behavior bring you down - find a way to keep yourself built up. Gonna have fun with this one!


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

Library Project Continued

Last year I started working with our school librarian to create a bookshelf of social emotional books for students. We call it: The School Counselor's Bookshelf! (confession: this was the runner up name for my blog) We felt it was important to identify books covering the counseling topics I teach in my weekly lessons. Students should have access to this material. The shelf has really grown and is popular with kids! It's got everything from divorce, bullying, feelings, diversity, etc. 

We just received a big box from Capstone Publishing with new titles for the shelf! Here are four we added this morning. I have a feeling they will fly off the shelf fast because they are topics kids are interested in.

Make Good Choices
by Heather E Schwartz
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Title: Every day we are faced with choices. Skip breakfast or grab something on the run? Study for that test now, or wait until the last minute? Some choices are harder than others, especially when it comes to something others are doing that you know isn't right. But you can be the one in charge. Learn how to handle difficult choices. Then face your day with confidence. It's a tough world out there, but when you're armed with the facts, you'll know what to do.

Stress Less
by Heather E Schwartz
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Title: You can't see or touch it, but sometimes you feel it. Stress can cause headaches, stomachaches, and other health issues. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, nervous, tense, or burned out, this book is for you. Learn ways to manage stress so it doesn't become a bigger problem. Then take some time to relax. Its a fast paced world, but it doesn't have to be stressful.

Eat Right
by Allyson Valentine Schrier
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Title: What you have for breakfast can affect your mind and body for the rest of the day. But how do you know which choice is right? Choosing what to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner doesn't have to be stressful. Learn how to make an informed decision during mealtimes. Then spend your day with plenty of energy. Its a busy world, but with the right fuel, your body will be prepared.

Stay Fit
by Sara Hunt
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Title: Keeping active is key to a healthy mind and body. And it's easier than it seems! But there are so many things to do and so little time. How will you be able to fit exercise in? Learn how to build a strong body while still having fun. Then jump into your day with ease. It's a fast paced world, but with a healthy heart, you'll be able to keep up.



A Link To These Books: 

Review: Cheer Up Your Teddy Bear, Emily Brown!

Cheer Up Your Teddy Bear, Emily Brown!

Written by Cressida Cowell

Illustrated by Neal Layton

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 978-1-40830-848-6

Summary/Back cover:
"Po-o-o-o-o-o-o-r-ME... po-o-o-o-o-o-o-r ME...
Poor little sad little wet little ME...
I'm a Lonely Only Bear and I'm feeling very blue..."
Once upon a time, Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit called Stanley met a very wet little teddy bear, who certainly needed a bit of cheering up.  Perhaps a trip to Australia would help?

The fourth book in this simply marvellous series by top author-illustrator pairing Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton.

Review:
This is a gorgeous wee book about a very sad little teddy bear that needs a lot of cheering up - my almost 3 year old didn't understand the rain cloud over the teddy bears' head, but otherwise understood that teddy was sad, and we had to try and make him happy - his solution was to yell "Be happy, Teddy!" at the book!

This is a relatively long book for a preschooler, but easy to read, and keeps the kids entertained (especially if you pick a tune to sing the teddy bear's song to - I sang it to a slow, minor-keyed version of "This Old Man").    The illustrations are a clever combination of photography backgrounds with drawn pictures on top, which fascinated my son no end.

A beautiful book, one that we will definitely read time and time again.  It hasn't made the top 10 favourites list from my son yet, but he has requested it a number of times, so it may make it there yet!

If you're interested in purchasing this book, you can find it here on Fishpond.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Book Review: Chamelia

Author/Illustrator: Ethan Long
Publisher: LB Kids
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Meet Chamelia! Chamelia is a chameleon. Most chameleons like to blend in, but Chamelia prefers to stand out. She just loves being the center of attention. But when standing out means being left out, can Chamelia learn to share the spotlight?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I'm always on the lookout for "Be Yourself" books. This one had a little bit of a twist on it. I have a feeling it's going to get mixed reviews from some folks. Here's my thoughts.......

First off, I love the reference to chameleons and how they try and blend in with everything. Those darn conformists! But here we have Chamelia who will do nothing of the sort. She is her own person and no apologies about it. She is pretty extreme to the point where she stands out maybe more than she really wants to. She has a very unique sense of style (like wearing high heels during soccer). Her standing out eventually leaves her feeling left out. Some people are going to get freaked out by this message because there will be an uproar that she should just be herself end of story ....happily ever after. Well, the real world doesn't always work that way. Kids have a desire to feel included and fit in. Chamelia wonders if there's a way to join in without giving up who she is. She ends up toning it down while still figuring out how to let parts of herself shine and feeling like she belongs.

So how will I translate this message to the kids? I want kids to know they can still find ways to be different and fit in at the same time. I know there are children in my school who feel like Chamelia. And guess what - they have a lot of gifts kids are missing out on because they end up isolating themselves. It's also important I challenge the other kids on how to support the Chamelia's of the world. Be smart in how you translate the message of Chamelia.


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

Book Reviews: Stage Fright/Fear

Grin and Bear It
Author/Illustrator: Leo Landry
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Interest Level: Ages 5-9
**This is a short chapter book with illustrations**

From the Book Jacket: What do you get when a bear walks through your vegetable garden? ...SQUASH! Bear dreams of making his friends laugh. He wants to tell his jokes on Woodland Stage. But Bear has a problem. He has stage fright. Will stage fright stop Bear from reaching his dream?


Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been looking for a book on this exact subject - stage fright. It's easy to find feelings books on fear but difficult to find an actual stage fright plot line. Well here you go - found!

Here's something personal about me - I used to have the WORST stage fright in school. I remember faking sick in high school because I didn't want to give a speech. The people who know me now would probably laugh at that statement because I love talking in front of a crowd. It took me awhile to build confidence and get over that fear....and truly it was the fear of failure.....the fear of embarrassment.....aren't those the worst feelings ever!? So I'm so happy to have this in my library to support those kids who share those difficult feelings that can practically debilitate you.

You'll enjoy this story and your kids will get exactly what they need from it. Bear begins to conquer his fear through peer support and practicing. In the end, his friends read the jokes for him and he appears on stage afterwards to take a bow. I like that he is not FIXED to perfection. Getting over stage fright takes time and takes small steps.

The I'm Not Scared Book
Author/Illustrator: Todd Parr
Publisher: LB Kids
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up


A Note From the Publisher: Sometimes I'm scared of dogs. I'm not scared when they give me kisses. Sometimes I'm scared I will make a mistake. I'm not scared when I know I tried my best. With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores the subject of all things scary and assures readers that all of us are afraid sometimes.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Huge Todd Parr fan over here! He helps us not take it all so seriously. The kids go ga ga over the illustrations and his humorous lines he sneaks in. Like this one....Sometimes I'm scared to go shopping for new underwear. I'm not scared when I wear them on my head. How funny and random is that?! Of course the kids laugh and laugh. If I'm going to tackle a feeling like being scared it's nice to be able to pull a Todd Parr book of my shelf. I like how each scared statement he writes has a positive solution accompanying it. Be prepared to have your kids ask you to read this one over and over. Ask them to come up with a scared feeling, but don't forget to have them also add in the positive solution to the fear. Good stuff!

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Book Review: Beautiful Oops!

Beautiful Oops!
Author/Illustrator: Barney Saltzberg
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company

From the Book Jacket: A spill. A smear. A smudge. A tear. When you think you have made a mistake (and what kid or grown-up hasn't?), think of it as an opportunity to make something beautiful.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: We have kids in our school that can be super hard on themselves, especially when they make a mistake. Beautiful Oops gives kids new perspective on those so called mistakes. Can I get three cheers for optimism!? Maybe you didn't get the math problem correct or you flubbed up a situation with a friend....well it can be solved. Not only that, but you can GROW and learn from it. Don't we all need to remember that? Are we telling our kids this? This is such a fantastic little read for children. 

The focus of the book is art - but you can use examples of other mistakes in life.  The pages are laminated so you don't have to worry about wear and tear. This is something I will be reading K-5. I've never put together lessons on perfectionism and making mistakes. Now I can!

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Book Review: Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten

Author: Catherine Urdahl
Illustrated by Mai S Kemble
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Extras: Book Activities

From the Publisher: It's Polka-dot's first day of kindergarten and armed with her trusty fix-it kit, she's ready for anything. When she gets to school, though, everything goes wrong. The duct tape, runny soap, and dotted bandages aren't enough to fix her kindergarten catastrophes. And, when it comes to dealing with stripe-loving, mean-mouth Liz, Polka-dot finds herself in a fix. See how Polka-dot finds a way to mend her stormy relationship with Liz.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love problem-solving with children. It just blesses my heart to see two kiddos make amends with one another. Or to watch a child find a positive solution when they are dealing with a sticky situation with another classmate. But our students don't necessarily come to school with problem-solving skills and tools. They need support and coaching on how to fix the little bumps that come their way. What better way to teak these skills then through a new awesome book!

Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten will definitely be making the rounds with me when I do guidance lessons around being a problem solver. And don't ya just love her name? Polka-dot! So cute. There's some mean behavior going on with another girl (which I've definitely seen the likes of before in my own school) and Polka-dot is faced with a challenge on how to fix it. Love how the author has brought that word into a kindergartner's world. Yep, we can FIX our problems! There are many ways to do so. Kindness is the path Polka-dot chooses....which I love and have really started to reinforce this past year. There's no tattling involved here or labeling of the other girl. There is resolution. Can't wait to empower our kindy kids.


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