I Have A Really Happy Bookshelf These Days

Isn't it exciting when you discover your favorite picture book has a puppet/plush toy that goes with it!!? Okay, well for me - it's always a very happy moment. As a school counselor, it changes my lessons and how I interact with the students. Actually, let me be real here - it puts the za za zoom in them! Role plays are an ESSENTIAL part of how I help kids. Using a visual is what really makes the difference and gives the message more power. I'm always on the hunt for good bibliotherapy but I spend just as much time trying to locate puppets/dolls/plush toys. If you are like me or need better visuals....check out this AWESOME company - MerryMakers.

So here's the deal, I'll be writing blog posts on some of these adorable book characters but I've been dying to show them to you! I own the books that go with all four characters so it's going to be a lot of FUN using these in my lessons. Stay tuned for the reviews! Here's a sneak peak of my new buddies!



How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?

I LOVE Jane Yolen's dinosaur series. I had no idea these adorable dinosaur dolls existed. The irony is I've been trying to put together a unit on the feeling of love. So the "I love you dinosaur" is going to be a hit and can't wait to reveal him to the students. The "dinosaurs go to school" will fit perfectly with helping kids be academically prepared for school - and in a fun NON-BORING way! Emphasis on the non-boring.



Scaredy Squirrel

Oh wow, Scaredy Squirrel has been sitting on my shelf just waiting to be read. But now I know how to make the book work with this puppet. Love his name badge!

Only One You Fish Puppet

Check out the back of the fins. Motivating words!

Only One You is a book I've used the past couple of years with my students along with the puppet. But now I have TWO! I sometimes like to have two of the same or different puppets when I'm working with students. It's a fun way for them to talk to me or each other.

Also, MerryMakers has LOTS of different dolls, puppets, etc so head on over there to discover more good stuff. I've got my eye on a few more.....

Book Reviews: You Are The Best Medicine and Brushing Mom's Hair

You Are the Best Medicine
http://www.youarethebestmedicine.com/
Author: Julie Aigner Clark
Illustrated by Jana Christy
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: 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. Watch the book trailer below...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Since I review children's books from a bibliotherapy perspective, I'm solely focused on the emotional aspect it offers to a child. Author Julie Aigner Clark has survived breast cancer twice - and after reading You Are The Best Medicine it is clear she knows exactly what healing words children need to hear from a parent during cancer treatment....love, emotional safety, honesty, and happiness. Cancer and happiness?? Yes, I said it - happiness. Because throughout the story, the mom keeps touching upon how the thought of her daughter brings her such happiness and keeps her going. The best medicine is her loving relationship with her precious child. I believe it's also the best medicine for the child. This is perfect bibliotherapy. What a beautiful reminder to stay focused on the positive. 

Brushing Mom's Hair

Author: Andrea Cheng
Illustrated by Nicole Wong
Interest Level: Ages 9 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Ann is just short of fifteen when Mom is diagnosed with breast cancer. How can she tell the girls in her ballet class that her mother had her breasts cut off? Her matter-of-fact sister, Jane, takes charge at home; her brother, Nick, calls from California; Dad helps when he can, as do friends, teachers, and relatives. Still, Ann is consumed with worry. Who's going to make sure that Mom drinks enough water, like the doctor said? Unless she is dancing or making pottery, Ann feels completely alone. She has a book that says "Don't sweat the small stuff. And it's all small stuff." Even cancer?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: It is possible for a book to reach out and touch a child's soul. That's not a question, it's a statement. I'm a believer. Brushing Mom's Hair is phenomenal and it reaches out and just embraces you. It's also full of credibility because it is so relateable. The author's own treatment of breast cancer and it's impact on her daughter are what make it so real. I'm always in awe of how poetry, when written from the heart, can be so healing. I'm also grateful this was written for teenagers because I get so many emails asking for more recommendations for this age level. This is an easy one to recommend. Andrea Cheng does not sugar coat her words or talk down to the reader. I thank her for that. I can see this inspiring a child/young adult to write their own poetry, journal, open up conversation, or just make them feel okay. I feel lucky to have this one on my shelf.


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

Healing Books of 2010 for Children.....a few of my favorite finds this year

I debated whether I was going to do a BEST of 2010 list....because truly...any book I review and makes it to my blog - I LOVE A DUB! And here's the other thing, I really don't pay attention to what year a book was published.  It seems to make more sense to compile a list of all my favorite finds this year....meaning some of these books may have been published in 1997 or 2009 or who cares. All that matters is they rock and I had the pleasure of discovering them this year. So in no particular order here were my favorite finds that made me and the kids giddy and did some HEALING! (click on the title to read my original review)

How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids
by Tom Rath
Topic: Kindness
Shame shame on me for not buying this book the moment it was published! The students and I are bucket believers and do'ers! This one brought even more understanding to the business of bucket filling at my school and COMPLETELY made my lessons 100 times better. Kids ask me all the time to read this one over and over. 

Let My Colors Out
by Courtney Filigenzi
Topic: Dealing With a Parent's Cancer Diagnosis
I've been loaning this book out to families coping with a family cancer diagnosis this year. It has been a WONDERFUL and HEALING book for families. Kids don't necessarily have the tools to express all of the ups and downs they go through. This book helps 'break the ice' of all those feelings. 

Interrupting Chicken
by David Ezra Stein
Topic: Manners, Listening
This was one of my infamous Barnes and Noble finds where I almost lost it. Like lost it in a good way. It has dazzled the kids and has been a great reminder to keep a respectful lid on it when someone is reading.

Milo Armadillo
by Jan Fearnley
Topic: Rejection, Acceptance, Friendship, Kindness
Armadillo Awesomeness. LOTS of beautiful lessons in this one. This shed a lot of light on the importance of being a real friend and not judging others by what's on the outside.

One of Us
by Peggy Moss
Topic: Cliques, Friendship, Excluding/Including Others
This was a great story to kick off the school year. I've seen kids left out and pushed out of groups. Thank goodness for One of Us!

Confessions of a Former Bully
by Trudy Ludwig
Topic: Bullying
Lots of excitement from my 4th and 5th graders over this one. And for good reason. It's a solid resource aimed at both sides of bullying. All I can say to Trudy is....MORE MORE MORE!

Grandma's Gloves
by Cecil Castellucci
Topic: Grief/Death
This was a story where I wanted to call the author and say THANK YOU! Yes, grieving can be really difficult but this helped put a positive beautiful spin on the process. Heart heart it!

Katie Loves the Kittens
by John Himmelman
Topic: Self-Control
So what is my secret to getting kindergarteners to not roll around the carpet like wild bear cubs? Katie Loves the Kittens! I have thoroughly mastered the reading of this book if I do say so myself!

Melissa Parkington's Beautiful, Beautiful Hair
by Pat Brisson
Topic: Gifts/Strengths, Kindness, Inner Beauty
There are certain books that I can't stop talking about and just can't wait to read to the students. I tear up on the last page every time. We need to be talking to our kids about how important their inner beauty is....not what Miley Cyrus is wearing.

The Juice Box Bully
by Maria Dismondy and Bob Sornson
Topic: Bullying/Bystanders
Finally! A LEGIT book written to solely target the problem of being a bystander. It's smart, concrete, and it is definitely empowering. This should be in all school counselor's libraries.

Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven
by Cynthia Rylant
Topic: Grieving Pet Death
How these precious books escaped me over the years - I don't know. But thank goodness I found them. They will bring peace to a child's heart in knowing their beloved pet is okay.





Good-Bye Bully Machine
by Debbie Fox and Allan L Beane
Topic: Bullying
This metaphor really got perspectives to change about the damage bullying causes. Don't be part of the problem - be part of the solution! Students love it.

Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness
by Carol McCloud
Topic: Kindness, Bucket Filling
This is a 2010 discovery but I haven't blogged about it yet. I just started using it with 3rd graders before winter break. It's one of my favorite finds this year. If you teach about bucket filling - you need this one. Review to come!



Bird Child
by Nan Forler
Topic: Bullying, Bystanders
Another 2010 find I haven't blogged about yet but LOVE. The message is clear - stand up for others when they are being teased and putdown. I read this one after Juice Box Bully.

Book Review: Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are

Author: Maria Dismondy
illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy's defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This one's been on my wish list forever! The title sure grabs you and so will the story. As a school counselor it's got everything I need to talk to students about differences and bullying. But here's what I really drove home with the kids - it can be difficult to show respect to someone who is mistreating you. I see this in my school ALL the time. Kids (and adults by the way) see this as a way to protect and defend themselves.

Enter Lucy. More like, enter KIND CHILD, who does what is right and shows kids you don't have to bully back to win. We need to make kindness more popular than bullying! I'm so passionate about this...okay anyways.....she is taunted and teased by Ralph, but doesn't give in to the temptation to bully back. She rises above because of her grandfather's words in the first few pages, "Remember, when you treat others with love and kindness, you are doing the right thing."

Okay, call me crazy but I still believe in the magic of smothering 'mean' people with kindness. Essentially this lets them know they can't push your buttons. This doesn't mean we want our kids to turn into a bunch of door mats. But we want them to use the BEST PART of who they are and not join in on the 'back and forth' bully game. Lately, I'm teaching more about empathy, compassion, and being your best self. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun has reminded me of one of the ultimate strategies to combat bullying - respect, kindness, and be your best self. Recently, I had a student report to me at recess that she had just received a put down. When I asked how she responded, her response was, "I said - I'm sorry you are having a bad day. And then I just walked away." And I just stood there with my mouth hanging open. (i love my job!) This was one of the role plays the kids and I worked on. Don't doubt the power of assertive kindness ever!

Watch the book trailer on author Maria Dismondy's website. She's also the author of Juice Box Bully, a very relevant and important story about the power of bystanders. Maria's books are making a DAILY difference in my school. Kids are learning how to WIN when it comes to bullying - and sometimes it comes in the form of kindness.


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

MY HOLIDAY PICK! Book Review: The Gift of Nothing (guest post by Maggie)

I'm absolutely in love with this lovely little book! It's message is SO needed during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. So I've made it my first ever holiday pick. And guess who is back to guest blog about it!? Yep, as you can see from the picture, it's Maggie! Because she's the one who informed me of this awesome book. If you remember, a fellow elementary school counselor in my district, Natalie, works with this furry co-counselor at her school. I know - so cool!!! Enjoy her review of The Gift of Nothing. Ruff!

The Gift of Nothing
Author/Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell
Interest Level: All Ages 



About This Book: Mooch the cat desperately wants to find a gift for his friend Earl the dog, but Earl already has everything. "What do you give a guy who has everything?" Mooch wonders. The answer, of course, is nothing! This simple story features characters from Patrick McDonnell's popular comic strip, Mutts, and has the same depth, charm, and heart that he gives to his daily readers. With delightfully spare illustrations and text, this book has all the makings of a longtime classic, perfect for gift-giving all year round. 

Why It's On Maggie's Bookshelf: Psssst. . . I want to let you in on a little secret. Every time Natalie, my colleague, reads The Gift of Nothing she gets a little misty-eyed. She says that it’s just her seasonal allergies acting up again, but she doesn’t fool me. I know her like the back of my furry paw.

“It was a special day,” the book begins, “and Mooch wanted to give his best friend, Earl, a gift.” The story goes on to blossom into a timeless lesson of simple truths, tender moments and priceless love.

We read The Gift of Nothing in most all of our classes. At first, the students chuckled at Mooch’s apparent silliness. They got a kick out of the idea of going shopping for nothing and giving someone a gift-wrapped box filled with “plenty of nothing!” In the end, it was heart-warming to see how easily the students understood the message of the book. In one class, when asked about Mooch’s gift to Earl, one kindergartener raised her hand and answered with a simple: “He gave him love.” I wanted to give that little girl a belly-rub, but Natalie told me that was against school policy and I had to keep my paws to myself. In another class of 4th and 5th graders, the students broke out in applause when they realized Mooch’s gift of nothing was, in fact, the gift of everything.

This time of year, the ideals of the holiday season can get somewhat lost in frenetic consumer marketing pitches, the buzz of holiday shoppers and the stockpiles of store merchandise that may or may not be on sale. Patrick McDonnell’s tale reminds us to stop and reflect on what we think is important during the bustle of the winter holidays. After reading The Gift of Nothing, the students were asked what they thought Mooch had given to Earl as a present on that special day. “Love. . . Kindness. . . Friendship. . . Caring. . . Himself. . . Joy” the students answered. Those kids nailed it! Some of the most priceless gifts anyone can give simply cannot be wrapped-up in a box.

You done good, Patrick McDonnell, and I give you my official “2 PAWS WAY UP!” Your words are sublime and the elegance of your sketches captures our hearts. That “thump-thump” of Earl’s little tail (near the end of the book) speaks volumes!! I think that’s the part of the book that always gets Natalie and, to be quite honest, gets me a little verklempt, too. You are an amazing writer, artist and all-around great guy (I hear you do a lot of great things for my animal peeps.)!

Someone, give this man a good belly-rub! He’s earned it!


Another "Two Paws Up" From Maggie

The amazing Maggie will be back soon for one of her creative reviews of another Patrick McDonnell adorable book called Wag! Check out the website for The Gift of Nothing here. And if you haven't read Maggie's review of Don't Lick The Dog: Making Friends With Dogs.....click here. Maggie continues to delight and teach the wonderful children in our school district. She is a wonderful gift to both Natalie and her students.


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

I HEART NEW BOOKS!

More books awaiting review! 

How Are You Peeling?: Foods with Moods [HOW ARE YOU PEELING] [Hardcover]

by Saxton Fremann and Joost Elffers
Topic: Feelings 

Square Cat
by Elizabeth Schoonmaker
Topic: Differences, Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Friendship

The Way I Act
by Steve Metzger and Janan Cain
Topic: Character
 
You Are the Best Medicine
by Julie Clark and Jana Christy
Topic: Cancer

Bird Child
by Nan Forler and Francois Thisdale
Topic: Bullying, Bystanders


Good ones for educators. Talented and Gifted Guides!



I got these from Free Spirit Publishing. I'm the Talented and Gifted Coordinator at my school and these are BEYOND helpful. Review to come!

Guest Blog Post Book Review: Sometimes We Were Brave

Today's review is written by Barbara Gruener who is an amazing elementary school counselor and past guest blogger on my site.

Author: Pat Brisson
illustrated by France Brassard
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Jerome's mom is a sailor. When her ship is in home port, she and Jerome bake cookies, read books together, ad take their dog, Duffy, for walks. When his mom's ship goes to sea, she gives Jerome a hug and says, "Be brave, Jerome. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Even though his dad takes good care of him, Jerome misses his mom and worries about her. Jerome doesn't feel brave at all. But he does what he needs to do every day - goes to school, helps his dad with chores, and takes care of Duffy. Then one day he learns that bravery means something very different then he thought it did.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: The first reason it's on my shelf is because Roxanne recommended it!  The second reason is author Pat Brisson penned The Summer My Father Was Ten, one of my all-time favorites.  The third and most important reason is because it is TOPS among illustrated picture books dealing with emotionally-charged and extremely-difficult issues of military service and sacrifice. 

This jewel's author, Pat Brisson, a former elementary school teacher and librarian first became interested in this subject when she traveled to Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Panama and Guantanamo Bay as a visiting author.  She tells me that she was struck "by the sacrifices expected of these children, who didn't volunteer, but are still giving service to their country by doing without the presence of a parent at very important times in their lives,"  which accounts for her uncanny ability to tackle the deployment of a parent head-on, with grace and sensitivity.  Telling the tale first-person-narrative style lends authenticity and credibility to the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a boy (and his dog) trying to show courage, but struggling with missing their mom.  It's just SO real:  sometimes they have bad days, sometimes they get surprises, sometimes they have accidents, sometimes they get treats, sometimes they are afraid.

Complemented by amazingly gentle and strikingly soft illustrations, Sometimes We Were Brave will comfort and validate students whose parents are on active duty and serving in scary, far-away places and will undoubtedly stir up compassion and caring in the hearts of their friends and classmates.  We can't do enough for these families while their parent or loved one is away.  At our school, we offer preschool free of charge to kids like Jerome.  Last year, we partnered with Starbucks to send a shipment of coffee to Luke's dad, who was serving in Iraq.  Trained by the Military Child Education Coalition, I offer counseling support for these students.  We also pair them with a high-school Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) student for weekly visits. 

Each year in November, we study the branches of the military in preparation for Veterans Day, and we all write letters and draw pictures to send to soldiers overseas to salute, honor, and thank them for keeping us safe and free.  This year along with our letters, we sent 129 care-package APO boxes to Iraq and Afghanistan to spread holiday cheer to our heroes.  A few years back, we actually wrote letters to local families of fallen soldiers so that they, too, could be comforted and know we will always remember.  Check out this amazing book, it's a perfect companion for any or all of these ideas! 

Inspiration!
A video of Barbara and her students putting together Christmas packages for the front lines.

Very Helpful Resources:
Students at the Center
Military Child Education Coalition
Operation Military Kids

More About This Elementary School Counselor Extraordinaire:
Barbara Gruener is an elementary school counselor at Westwood Elementary. Barbara is a published author whose work has appeared in magazines such as Teaching Tolerance, Teaching K-8, and Daughters. She also has an IMPRESSIVE web page called The Counselor's Corner and writes for the website Character Counts.

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

Book Review: Katie Woo Books In Our School Library

Katie Woo Books In Our School Library

Author of Katie Woo Books: Fran Manushkin

illustrated by Tammie Lyon

Interest Level: K-2

No More Teasing
Note From the Publisher:  A mean boy always teases Katie Woo. It makes Katie sad and mad. How can she make the bully stop teasing her?

The Big Lie
Note From the Publisher: Jake's new toy plane is missing. No one knows where it is, except Katie Woo. But Katie wants to keep the plane. What should she do?

Goodbye to Goldie
Note From the Publisher: Katie Woo's dog, Goldie, was very old. Goldie became sick and died. Katie will miss her friend. She is glad that she has lots of happy memories of Goldie.






In past blog posts I've talked about how I've been working with our school librarian to identify the social and emotional books in the library. This gave me an idea to start a new shelf called - Mrs. D's Picks. I laminated a little sign with my picture on it with a little blurb about what sort of books kids can find on the shelf. IT HAS BEEN A TOTAL SUCCESS! I went in the library yesterday and our librarian (who is a dear by the way) brought me over to the shelf and THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE BOOK LEFT ON THE SHELF. Build it and they will come! 

So since starting this little (sort of becoming big) project. I've been on the hunt for more bibliotherapy for all different ages. And they don't necessarily have to be ones I use in classroom lessons. Which brings me to the Katie Woo Series! These are SO perfect for our beginner readers. The three we recently received cover honesty, bullying, and loss of a pet. In the back of each book is a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts for the kiddos. Check out the whole series here.

Please be on the look out for an upcoming post on actual pictures of "Mrs. D's Picks"  and a few more great titles we've purchased to keep the shelf stocked!


A Link to These Books:

Book Review: Melissa Parkington's Beautiful, Beautiful Hair

Author: Pat Brisson
Illustrated by Suzanne Bloom
Interest Level: Ages 4-10

From the Book Jacket: "Spectacular! Gorgeous! Fabulous!" Those are some of the words people use to describe Melissa Parkington's hair, which is long, thick, and so shiny that it seems to sparkle. But Melissa Parkington would like to be known for more than her hair. After all, her hair isn't really an accomplishment. It just grows out of her head. Melissa wants to do something special, something spectacular. but everything she tries doesn't seem to work out the way she plans. Then one day she discovers that she can do something special - with her hair. Pat Brisson's engaging and heartfelt story of a young girl who longs to do something positive in the world features lively illustrations by Suzanne Bloom.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Often times I think about writing a blog post of my top 10 favorite books...which would be extremely difficult because I cherish SO many. However, Melissa Parkington's Beautiful, Beautiful Hair would make the list in a heartbeat. First time I read the story it left me with an incredible warmth. But what really warmed my heart was how the students felt about this story. They were changed because of it.

Melissa Parkington is adored because of her hair. Everywhere she goes this outer beauty is pointed out to her. Even her father says at bedtime, "Good night, my Melissa of the Beautiful, Beautiful Hair." But the constant praise starts to bother her, Melissa would rather be recognized and celebrated for her inner beauty. LOVE IT. It was so powerful to introduce the concept of inner vs outer beauty to the kids. Reminded me of the saying, 'It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it matters what's on the inside.' This generation of kiddos doesn't hear that enough.


Melissa's dad complimenting her hair

So Melissa begins a journey to discover her inner beauty. When she receives a compliment for the kindness shown to two younger children she begins to understand her amazing caring nature for others. One day Melissa sees a sign at a beauty salon lookng for people wanting to donate their hair to kids who need wigs. Helping another boy or girl in need is what her heart desires. And guess what....she still feels just as beautiful without her locks. I asked the students, "Do you think she'll regret her good deed?' SHOUTING ERUPTED: "NO!" They got a bit passionate and protective of Melissa's amazing heart.  

 A woman (who looks like she has a lot of outer beauty

going on) can't believe Melissa would want to cut her beautiful hair

The kids love her act of kindness but it was really the last few pages that seemed to steal the show. This time Melissa's dad compliments her differently, "Good night, my Melissa of the Beautiful, Beautiful Heart." Does that not just say it all!!? 

The last lines of the story are SO touching. Sigh.

After we finished the story, we talked about the importance of giving compliments aimed at each other's inner beauty. Then we took the time to do just that. It's pretty amazing hearing kids give such heartfelt authentic compliments to each other. Kids need to hear the message given to us so wonderfully by author Pat Brisson. Take the time to discuss compliments, kindness, and the importance of focusing on inner and not outer beauty. A book written and illustrated so perfectly like this is a rarity.


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