Author: Todd ParrInterest Level: Kindergarten and Up
A Note From the Publisher: I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance.
I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play.
I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved.
The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year. Why It's On My Bookshelf: Best book to read to kids during Thanksgiving week ever!! First page of the book starts out: Every day I try to think about the things I am thankful for. Totally love that. It's a classic Todd Parr book with just the right amount of humor and goodness. If kids need help brainstorming what they are thankful for - grab this off your shelf and start reading! Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my lovely little blog. A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
Author: Kes GrayIllustrator: Lee WildishInterest Level: K -3
A Note From the Publisher: A little boy is feeling sad because every day he has to face a bully. But this story’s little boy also has friends. A frog, a cat, a rabbit, a cow, and other animal friends insist on helping him, even after he tells them: “There’s nothing you can do for me/ There’s nothing you can say.” Fortunately, he is mistaken, because the next time the bully approaches, they all join with him and shout, “LEAVE HIM ALONE!” And it works! The bully turns around and goes away. Why It's On My Bookshelf: Originally I saw this book posted on Pinterest and thought how did I miss this book? This might seem like a really quick read but there is a lot of power behind the story. It empowers the victim and the bystanders when a mean situation is going down. I think a lot of kids will relate to the feeling of being powerless. Hate having to write that but it's true. There are some kids in my school who just "put up with it." But I have a whole lot of kids who are witnessing it and can PROTECT that child. In the story, there are animals who represent the bystanders. I'm thinking I'll have fun with this book and bring in LOTS of stuffed animals for kids to use in role plays.Side Note: I loaned this book to another school counselor in my district and she mentioned to me how much she loves the book. Love that feedback. A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
I have discovered two absolutely fabulous books explaining Alzheimer's in a very empathetic way to children. The books are not only educational but they are so full of heart. If Alzheimer's is impacting your family and your kids are confused as to what is happening to a family member - especially a grandparent, these are two books I highly recommend. As I finished reading both of these - I could immediately FEEL how comforting they will be for children trying to understand a very complicated and frustrating disease. Grandpa's Music - A Story About Alzheimer'sAuthor: Alison AchesonIllustrator: Bill FarnsworthInterest Level: Grades 1 and Up
Summary: Grandpa takes care of the garden, kneads bread, and makes music on the piano. Everyone in Callie's family helps out around the house, now that Grandpa, who has Alzheimer's, lives with them. The family becomes Grandpa's "home team," and Callie loves spending time with them. As months go by, Grandpa forgets more, and he can't do as much as he could before. But he can still make music - his fingers remember the notes on the piano. And when he can't recall the words to a favorite old song, Callie helps him come up with new things that they can sing about together. Alison Acheson's thoughtful storytelling and Bill Farnsworth's touching paintings portray a family that learns to adapt to the challenges of Alzheimer's disease while making the very best of their time together.The Memory BoxAuthor: Mary BahrIllustrator: David CunninghamInterest Level: Grades 1 and UpBook Summary: Zach is excited - three weeks of fishing Gramp's lake and eating Gram's cooking. Their first day together is so good, Gramps call it a "Memory Box" day. But Zach isn't prepared, for the story about the memory box. It's a box to save the memories forever; and it's especially for Gramps because he has Alzheimer's disease. The three of them spend their days together filling the box, with new memories and old. And all three support each other, building strength to handle whatever comes. A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful:
