Joy

This is not a personal blog but many of you have emailed me asking about our sweet little baby and how mommyhood is going. A few things I wanted to share....her name is River and she is a beautiful baby with a matching personality. My husband and I are absolutely dazzled by this darling girl. Just the other day I was swaying with her to the song 'You Are So Beautiful' and the lyrics made me so weepy. "Such joy and happiness you bring. Heavens gift to me." The word joy really just says it all. She is pure joy. 

I'm a normal parent like everyone else. I have tired days where I wear whatever clothes are on the floor with maybe mascara on one eye....from the day before. The clothes were probably from the day before too. But seriously, it's all good. Best thing for me is to have a sense of humor about the challenges. Laughter and my husband always get me through. But again....so much joy. 

Having a baby has also inspired me to keep following my life's passions. My blog continues to be such a blessing to me. A few things have slowed down here and there (like my review posts) but I want to be the best me for my daughter. I'm sitting here looking at a stack of books waiting so patiently to be reviewed but a delightful squeal just filled the room. Joy calls.......

Thank you for following and reading.

Book Review: Steps and Stones: An Anh's Anger Story

Author: Gail Silver
Illustrated by Christiane Kromer
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Anh looked at his Anger. He hadn't seen him for awhile. "Why were you wearing all that stuff?" Anh asked. "I almost didn't recognize you." "I was trying to be inconspicuous," Anger whispered. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed at school."

When Anh's friends go off to play without him, he feels all alone. Then his anger shows up and suggests taking revenge. Instead, Anh discovers walking meditation and finds a path toward accepting his emotions and developing new friendships. 

Steps and Stones can help children learn to understand the causes of their own strong emotions. With humor and compassion, it teaches children and adults how walking meditation can be a tool to calm anger and resolve conflict. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: My lessons on keeping your cool in school just got a whole lot better. This is the sequel to Anh's Anger and it is an ESSENTIAL resource. Kids are managing their emotions all day long. But for certain kids, they have to work extra hard at managing their feelings of anger. As a school counselor, I rely on books like this to help teach calming down techniques kids will actually use.

Steps and Stones focuses on teaching children to cool off through breathing, counting and walking. Ahn's anger walks slowly with him as they do this exercise together. Slowly Ahn is able to work through the feeling and regain his balance. At my school, we teach kids to take a break when they are about to lose their cool. But just exactly what should they be doing during this break? Breathing, counting, and taking a walk should be a part of this routine. In fact, kids can even read this story when they are trying to get rid of anger.

I am thrilled to share such a healing book with our students, especially those who are stuck in constant anger. Parents, teachers, and counselors will appreciate having this on their shelf when they need to teach or reteach this important skill.

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


 

Book Review: Pink Tiara Cookies for Three

Author: Maria Dismondy
Illustrations by Cary Pillo
Interest Level: K and up

From the Book Jacket: Sami's perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn't need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami.

Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: A student came up to me earlier in the school year and asked, "Mrs. D, have you ever felt like the third wheel?" I was a bit shocked she had heard of that phrase. She asked for some counseling time to try and figure out how to deal with two friends who seemed to be sending her signals that she wasn't a part of their friendship any longer. I glanced over at the bookshelf scanning my books trying to think if I had any good ones to share on this issue. NOTHING CAME TO MIND. Ugh. Hate when I don't have a book on a specific friendship problem. But what do you know.......

Author Maria Dismondy has solved this problem for me! She has written an EXCELLENT book on this very topic called Pink Tiara Cookies for Three! This is such a wonderful resource for teaching how IMPORTANT it is to not just be a friend....but to be an inclusive and flexible friend. Jealousy and possessiveness do not belong in the equation. Friendships need to be able to bend and change to allow growth to happen. That's exactly what happens to Sami in the book. She goes through jealousy and wants to exclude another girl. Isn't it funny how kids think that's the only wan they can solve that feeling!? By hurting another person. But empathy saves the day! Sami has a beautiful moment when she thinks about how she has felt hurt by being left out. Lets help kids replace jealousy with empathy. What an inspiring read for children. 

Check out Maria Dismondy's website to see her other books and download the reader's guide for this book.

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

Book Review: Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

Author: Christianne Jones
Illustrated by Richard Watson
Interest Level: K-3

About This Book: Lacey Walker loves to talk. She talks all day, and sometimes all night. But when she loses her voice, Lacey learns the importance of listening.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Even though the school year is wrapping up, I am already plotting and planning my lessons for the fall. I've got my great standby books ready to go but I also just got some new ones to teach beginning of the year school skills. Lacy Walker, Nonstop Talker (the title rocks) is going to be one of my new heavy hitters for teaching listening. We have some major nonstop talkers (can't wait to introduce those two words!) in some of our classrooms. I know you understand exactly what I am talking about. The kids who just won't stop the chatter. 

This is a unique story about listening because Lacey loses her voice. She realizes all her nonstop talking causes her to miss out on well....everything. Her silence forces her to be a listener. And what do you know....lots of positive stuff happens. Great lesson in this one. Can't wait for our chatter boxes to LISTEN to this book.

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




 

Book Review: You Get What You Get

Author: Julie Gassman
Illustrated by Sarah Horne
Interest Level: K-3

About the Book: Melvin throws fit after fit when he doesn't get what he wants. He must learn how to deal with disappointment. After all, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a great new discovery. This is a saying we use A LOT in the younger grades - "You Get What You Get and You Don't Throw a Fit!" I am REALLY excited someone finally turned this great little saying into a helpful book. It is PERFECTLY written. Best part is Melvin goes home and also teaches his family all about this new rule he learns at school from his teacher. Students are always learning to deal with disappointment throughout their school day. This saying is an easy way to help kids cope and move on from whatever small issue they think is an injustice. In life we are not always going to get our way and get what we want - lets remind kids to be happy and grateful for what they do get - not what they don't get.

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

Book Review: Pink!

Author: Lynne Rickards
Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

From the Book Jacket: When Patrick finds out he's turned bright pink, he sees RED! "Whoever heard of a pink penguin?" he cries. "And boys can't be pink!" The doctor checks her big medical book, but cases of pink penguins are very rare indeed. Patrick has soon had enough of being teased at school. "I don't fit in here anymore," he tells his parents. Then he packs up his pajamas and sets off on a long journey to a land where there are lots of pink birds, both boys and girls! Does Patrick belong with them?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, hold onto your hats people. I found a PINK penguin to go along with this wonderful book. You see....this is what makes a story come alive! And this is what helps deliver the important message of acceptance. We recently had a new student start at our school who looked VERY different from other kids. I went around speaking to classes about this particular child and how to be a kind caring friend. Lots of kids started naming books and characters we have studied in books that also face challenges because of their physical differences. Warms my heart to know they REMEMBER. I'm pretty sure Pink! is going to have the same effect. Now I just gotta get some black and white penguins to really put on a show.

not my best photography work

A teacher over at the blog Just Add Clipart had her students make these adorable pink penguins:

image via Just Add Clipart

 I'm thinking I am going to tweak this lesson a little bit next year to add an element of social/emotional writing.  

We can get so caught up in physical differences and even to the point where we start seeing it as a negative thing which often can lead to bullying. I use books like this throughout the school year - not just once. Glad to add this one to my collection. 

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

"What I Am" Song

This morning I walked into a fifth grade classroom and they were singing the song "What I Am" by Will.i.Am. And Yes, it's a song he sang on Sesame Street. But these fifth graders were LOVING it. Their teacher told me this was their new theme song. Let me tell you....all the kids were standing up and singing this song LOUD and with hand movements. It was so awesome because I could see how much they BELIEVED the words to this song. 



So I am on a mission now to teach the REST of the kids this awesome song. Time to get out some of my self-esteem books too! 

Here are the lyrics:

What I Am

Verse 1
If what I am is what's in me
Then I'll stay strong - that's who I'll be
and I will always be the best 
"me" that I can be.

There's only one me, I am it
have a dream I'll follow it
It's up to me to try.

Chorus 1
Oh!  I'm a keep my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
I'll be getting stronger.

And nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never gonna stop, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.

Bridge 1
And what I am is thoughtful
what I am is musical
what I am is smart
and what I am is brave
what I am is helpful
what I am is special
There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...

Chorus 2
Gonna keep our heads up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna quit
Just keep getting stronger.

And nothing's gonna bring us down (no!)
Never give it up, gotta go.
Because I know
I'll keep getting stronger.

Bridge 2
What I am is super
what I am is proud
what I am is friendly
what I am is grouchy
what you are is magical
what you are is special

There's nothing I can't achieve.
Because in myself I believe in oh...

Chorus 3
Gonna hold my head up high
Keep on reaching high
Never gonna stop
I'll be getting stronger.

Nothing's gonna bring me down (no!)
Never give it up gotta go, oh... yeah...
I'll keep getting strong--er.

Book Review: Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class

Author: Eileen Spinelli

Illustrator: Anne Kennedy

Interest Level: K-2

From the Book Jacket: Miss Fox is tired of hearing her young students quarrel. So she announces Peace Week - no more squabbling for one whole week! Soon, to their surprise, the little animals are finding that it's easy to help others, take turns, and say nice tings, even when someone is grumpy to them. Wouldn't it be nice, Squirrel says, if every week could be Peace Week?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I cannot believe it has taken me THIS long to blog about this wonderful book. Are things falling apart in your classroom? Or are you looking for a resource to teach prosocial behaviors for the start of the next school year? Then Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class is just the story you need to reinforce a positive classroom community. 

My favorite thing about this story is when Miss Fox's class decides to change their ways they still see bad behavior going on but don't allow themselves to get sucked into it. That's a great little life lesson. You will always see conflict happening, but you have a CHOICE to not get involved. 

By the way, I found a great lesson called Peace Makers vs Peace Breakers on a really cool first grade teacher blog called The First Grade Parade. She used the books No David!, David Goes to School, and David Gets in Trouble. But I think you could most certainly use Peace Week too. Check out her cool drawings!

Image via The First Grade Parade

Image via The First Grade Parade

Another cool thing she started was a Peacemaker Conflict Corner. This lady is a genius. You can find a link on her blog to the little book (How to Be a Peacemaker) she created to go in her cool little corner. Her kids are very lucky to have such an awesome teacher!

Image via The First Grade Parade

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

Review: Goodnight Mouse

Goodnight Mouse

Written by Rochelle Killiner

Illustrated by Agata Oleksiak

Publication date: 2010
Printed: PublishMe
ISBN: 978-0-473-16322-8

Summary/Back cover:
It’s time for bed at Mouse’s house, but poor little Mouse is scared of the night!
Join Mouse and his Mum as they discover the magic of the night’s sky and learn that going to bed is not so bad after all.

Review:
This is a gentle story about a Mouse who is scared of the dark but then discovers he has a special star watching over him. This story suits preschoolers and would be useful for kids who are scared of the dark. The rhyming text uses rich language and the illustrations are simple and colourful. It is not a spectacular book but well worth a read.

3/5

Review written by Judith

Review: Owl Babies

Owl Babies

Written by Martin Waddell

Illustrated by Patrick Benson

Publication date: 1992
Publisher: Walker Books
ISBN: 0-7445-9270-4

Summary/Back cover:
On a tree in the woods, three baby owls sit and think and wait for the Owl Mother to come home.

Review:
The three baby owls miss their mother and at first the two older owls are confident their mother will be back soon while the smallest owl misses his mother. After a while they all become unsure and comfort each other until their mother returns.

This is a simple but lovely story suitable for all ages. It is fairly short with beautiful illustrations.
Word of warning: I would not recommend reading this story to a child who is missing his/her mother as the smallest owl continually says “I want my mummy.” My own mum had to change the words in the story to avoid reading this line when she was looking after my kids for the night otherwise it could have ended up in a disastrous night.

3/5

Review written by Judith

Review: Dora the Explorer – Little Star

Dora the Explorer – Little Star

Adapted by Sarah Wilson

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Parragon
ISBN: 9780689847219

Summary/Back cover:
Dora and Boots spy the first little star of the evening and begin making their wishes. But suddenly a comet knocks Little Star out of the sky, and she falls to the ground. Join Dora and Boots as they try to get Little Star home, so that everyone can make a goodnight wish.

Review:
This particular Dora book is one of my daughter’s favourites. The story involves the reader by using questions for them to answer, such as riddles or spotting items on a page. It includes many Dora characters such as Map, Boots, the Grumpy Old Troll and Swiper. I can understand why Dora fans love these books, but I find them frustrating as they are similar to the TV programme. Apart from answering the questions in the book there is no real theme or values explored. The book uses some Spanish phrases, however it would be helpful if the pronunciation was included. These books are more for entertainment than for educational purposes.

2.5/5

Review written by Judith

Review: Poppy Cat's Dream

Poppy Cat's Dream

Written and Illustrated by Lara Jones

Publication date: 2006
Publisher: Campbell Books
ISBN-13: 978-1405054263

Summary/Back cover:
It's time for Poppy Cat to snuggle up in bed. But someone's missing! Where's Bear? Join Poppy Cat and friends for another exciting adventure this time in Poppy Cat's dreams! They search high and low, floating in a hot air balloon up in the sky, sailing in a pirate ship on the ocean and zooming in a rocket through space! But perhaps Bear was closer to home all the time...

All the wonderful scenes in this fantastic large-format book are brought to life by the ingenious pop-ups on every spread so now Poppy Cat's adventures are more exciting than ever!

Review:
A wonderful book that is so well illustrated every page moves and you have to find bear. For our family the reliance of missing a special teddy is big deal. The writing of the book is lovely with lots of Whizzing, whooshing and other action words you sort of flow and sing through the book. I keep this book due to its ability to be damaged on a higher shelf so my kids treat it as a special book. They always get a thrill reading it and having to find the bear where ever he maybe. A great book for bedtime.

Rating 5 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate

The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate

Written by Margaret Mahy

Illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain

Publication Date: 1995 (first published 1985)
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 0-14-055430-0

Summary/Back cover:
Sam was an ordinary person who wore an ordinary suit and ordinary shoes. He worked in a neat office writing down figures all day. But Sam’s mother was a PIRATE!

Written by a best-selling author, this is a lively and enchanting tale with wonderfully exuberant illustrations to match

Review:
The thing that strikes me about Margaret Mahy books is that they really tell a story. I think the illustrations perfectly compliment Mahy’s text in this tale of a “little man” with the exuberant pirate mother. The story is about the “little man” taking his retired pirate mother to the beach (quite the journey from the city where they live) with just a barrow and a kite to transport them. The book is proving a hit with my boys who are quite keen on pirates.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by team_s

Review: Jeremy Draws a Monster

Jeremy Draws a Monster

Written and illustrated by Peter McCarthy

Publication Date: 2009
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-6934-1

Summary/Back cover:
Jeremy’s monster turns into a monster of a problem. Will it ever leave?”

Review:
In terms of plot, Jeremy is a young boy who does not go outside. He seems to spend most of his time drawing, and on this occasion he draws a monster that comes to life and makes a nuisance of itself. Thankfully Jeremy is a talented illustrator and uses that skill to solve his monster problem.

Peter McCarthy, the author/illustrator of this book, lives in New York, which might explain the modern, minimalist feel of the story. The illustrations are in pen ink and watercolour with a limited colour palette. The story is quite entertaining and quite a quick read. I get the impression that the story has a sub-level to it – the monster representing some part of Jeremy’s subconscious. You could delve into repressed emotions if you like to combine reading to your youngster with psychology or close-reading.

My general opinion is that it’s an okay story, but just not a particular popular one in our family.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review written by team_s

Review: Down by the Cool of the Pool

Down by the Cool of the Pool

Written by Tony Mitton

Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees

Publication Date: 2001
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 978-1-84121-098-8

Summary/Back cover:
Down by the pool in the cool of the day, Frog cried, “Wheeeee! Can you dance like me?”

Join sprightly Frog and his energetic farmyard friends frolicking down by the cool of the pool – flipping and flopping, splishing and splashing stomping and stamping in their watery wonderland. Where will the fun end?

Review:
This book is created by the illustrator of Giraffes Can’t Dance and the author of the Amazing Machines series. If you and your children are fans of The Lion Who Wanted to Love, Commotion in the Ocean and/or Farmyard Hullabaloo (all published by Orchard Books) you will definitely enjoy this book. It’s a lot of fun to read, with great rhythm and rhyme and lots of onomatopoeia. The illustrations are bright and lively.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by team_s

Review: Goodnight, Baby Monster

Goodnight, Baby Monster

Written by Laura Leuck

Illustrated by Nigel McMullen

Publication Date: 2002
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0-06-029151-6

Summary/Back cover:
Goodnight, baby monster, all warm in your den.
Goodnight, baby goblin, it’s bedtime again.

It’s bedtime for spooky babies everywhere! From swamp-things to goblins to ghosts, all sorts of creatures are being tucked into bed.
Laura Leuck’s gentle rhyme and Nigel McMullen’s richly detailed illustrations make for the perfect bedtime story to share with you own baby monster.

Review:
The story is told in soothing rhyme. There are not too many words per page, although there are fifteen babies put to bed, so it does get a bit repetitive by the end.

Obviously intended as a bed-time story I would exhibit caution if you think your child might be scared by the content. As cute as the illustrations of the various creatures and their habitats are, the book would be best-suited to children who won’t be bothered by a monster book being read to them at bedtime.

My rating: 3 out of 5

Review written by team_s