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.

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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. 


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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!


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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.



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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.


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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!

Browse Inside This Book Here:

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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!

Watch the book trailer!



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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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Review: Go, Dog. Go!

Go, Dog. Go!

Written and illustrated by P. D. Eastman

Publication Date: 1961
Publisher: Beginner Books
ISBN: 0-394-80020-6

P. D. Eastman was a protégé of Dr. Seuss, and as such, several of his books are classics of the same generation as those of Dr. Seuss. You may recognise some of Eastman’s books from your own childhood, most notably Go, Dog. Go! and, Are You My Mother?.

Go, Dog. Go! begins with the simple word “Dog” then moves on to different sized dogs, different coloured dogs, and different amounts of dogs. As the story progresses, so too do the activities of the dogs and the concepts of up and down, in and out, and under and over are introduced.
My two year old boys really love this book – especially the bits where the dogs are driving. I like this book for its ability to introduce actions and concepts in a fun way.

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by team_s

Review: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss

Publication Date: 1960
Publisher: Beginner Books
ISBN-13: 978-0394800134

This is less a narrative and more a collection of rhymes about random nonsensical things. Have you ever sung in the shower with a Ying? Or given a Zed a haircut? Or ridden on the hump of a Wump? Do you have no idea what I’m talking about? You’ll have to read this book to find out.

Like the other Dr. Seuss books this one is a lot of fun to read and a lot of fun to listen to.

In spite of the crazy rhymes and wild images, the book ends with a sleeping Zeep, making it a not completely inappropriate book for reading to the kids at bed-time.

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by team_s