Book Review: Raj the Bookstore Tiger

Author: Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrated by Page Keiser
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Click here for Discussion Activity Guide

From the Book Jacket: Being a bookstore "tiger" is lots of work. Raj has to patrol the storerooms, keep an eye on the front window (while sun basking, of course), and greet customers with a hearty meow. But Raj loves his job, especially story time with the children.

Things change when Snowball comes on the scene. The cranky cat's snide remarks cause Raj to doubt his own tigerness. So Raj is forced to figure out if he's just an ordinary kitty-cat after all...or if, just maybe, it's Snowball who's got it wrong.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: It is such a great feeling when you feel your best self. It's a fill you up happy state called high self-esteem. But there is nothing worse when it all of a sudden plummets. And why did it plummet? WHAM - you got knocked down by a put down. This is what happens in one of my new favorites Raj the Bookstore Tiger. Another cat named Snowball takes over his turf by using put-downs and bully behavior.

I see this happen in school ALL the time. A student arrives in the morning all cheery and ready to learn and then I see them at their last recess looking absolutely broken. Whoa. What happened? A lot of times it's negative comments or mean words they received at one point during their day from another student. Just like Raj they feel withdrawn and a bit hopeless... like they want to disappear. Any power they once felt they had - poof - it disappeared. Enter one of my favorite words - EMPOWER. Raj teaches kids to stand up for themselves, don't believe in the put-downs, and guard your self-esteem. You have the POWER to not allow your self-esteem to plummet in the first place. I get excited teaching kids this stuff!

Something else I liked about this story is how Snowball and Raj didn't remain enemies but they became friends. It didn't end with Snowball being condemned as the bully and Raj as the hero. It made them equal and showed the possibility of healing a situation even when a major hurt has been caused. Stories that bring characters together are ones I relish reading to kids. Ask your students to look around the room at each other...who do they need to have healing with? This book will give them inspiration to do so.
 

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

Review: Corduroy

Corduroy
Written and illustrated by Don Freeman

Publication date: 1968
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 0-14-050.173-8

Summary/Inside Cover:“’A winning, completely childlike picture book in which a stuffed bear waiting hopefully in a toy department finds a home with a little black girl who wants Corduroy so much that, when her mother refuses to buy him, she comes back the next day with her own money. Endearing, brightly colored pictures together with
the text affectionately recount Corduroy’s adventures.” – Booklist’

I first encountered this book when a friend lent me the second-hand copy she owned. The first time I read it to my sons I cried. I’m pretty sure that I welled up the second and third times, too. Thankfully, I can now get all the way through without my voice croaking. It was with a heavy heart, though, that I returned the book to my friend. My husband and I sadly resigned ourselves to the reality that we’d probably never find a copy of this book for ourselves, since it is so old.

I couldn’t believe my luck when one day, whilst in the bookstore on a different book-hunt, I saw Corduroy on the shelf! It was one of those moments when you take the book to the counter without a second of hesitation, gladly handing over your money because you’re just so pleased to have found something you thought you’d never possess.

Whilst the story never states outright that the little girl who falls for Corduroy is African American the illustrations do. I’m stoked to see a book of its generation featuring an African American main character and quietly commenting on race relations but not in a way that inappropriately addresses political issues in a
children’s story. It’s simply a beautiful tale of finding someone who loves you no matter what, just the way you are.

Corduroy is a delightful story, with lovely illustrations (my favourite is the one with his ears sticking out from under the bed covers). It is a classic that transcends time and even in 2011 every modern child I’ve known who has had this story read to them, loves it. I can’t recommend this book enough. Please, please find a copy and read it to your child ASAP.

5/5


Review written by team_s

Review: Guess How Much I Love You – All Year Round

Guess How Much I Love You – All Year Round
 Written by Sam McBratney
Illustrated by Anita Jeram

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Walker Books
ISBN: 978-1-4063-2497-6

Summary/Back Cover:“Follow the Nutbrown Hares through the seasons in these four enchanting stories from the creators of Guess How Much I Love You, the exquisite modern classic which has sold over 22 million copies and is one of the  world’s favorite picture books.”

I have a confession to make: I’ve never read Guess How Much I Love You. It’s on the list of books to buy for the kids, but we don’t have it, yet. My guess is, though, that if you loved the original, you’ll love this collection.

Each story is quite short – around 15 pages. There is a story for each of the four seasons, beginning with Spring and ending with Winter. Each one references something specific about that season, such as the new growth that symbolises Spring, and the variety of bold colours present in Summer. It’s a great way to add
to your child’s understanding of the changing seasons they see around them.

The interaction between the parent Hare and the child Hare (Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, respectively) is just lovely and is bound to make you, and the little ones you’re reading to, smile. Really delightful illustrations add to this book’s charm.

5/5


Review written by team_s

Review: Too Tight, Benito

Too Tight, Benito
Written by Janeen Brian
Illustrated by Judith Rossell

Publication date: 2008
Publisher: Little Hare Books
ISBN: 978-1-921049-86-6

Summary/Back Cover:
“Benito Bear has grown too big for his old cubby-hole. But when he goes looking for a new one, the cubby-holes are too high, too tiny, too smelly or too wet.

When the right cubby-hole turns up… it’s not where Benito expects!

A heart-warming story about the classic search for the thing that was never lost, by award-winning author Janeen Brian and illustrator Judith Rossell.”

Reasons why I love this book:
#1: This is a soothing story for settling the children before their naps/sleeps;
#2: The final illustration has sleeping animals in it, which adds to its appeal as a bed-time story;
#3: It has a good moral. Not in a preachy way, but I have a pet peeve of stories that in some way condone cheating or other bad habits in order that the protagonist succeeds at the end;
#4: BEAUTIFUL illustrations;
#5: Although this is a beautiful story for reading any time of year, I particularly enjoy reading it around Autumn/Winter. Sometimes it can be tricky to find books that relate to the seasons, so I treasure this one for being set at a particular time of year. The illustrations in tones of brown, yellow and green evoke the change of season that is prompting Benito to hurry to find a new cubby-hole to bunk down in for the winter.

A lovely story that you’ll enjoy reading over and over and that your children will delight in hearing over and over.

5/5


Review written by team_s

Review: The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln

The Boy Who Looked Like Lincoln

Written by Mike Reiss

Illustrated by David Catrow

Publication date: 2003

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

ISBN: 0-8431-0271-3

Summary/Back cover:

Eight-year-old Benjy, who resembles Abraham Lincoln, is tired of being teased and always being Lincoln in the school play, but a special camp helps him to appreciate his appearance.

Benjy looks like Abe Lincoln, has done so since birth, His plans for the summer are to stay in his room in the dark, but his parents send him to Camp What-Cha-Ma-Call-It, a camp for kids who like like things.  Here Benjy meets other kids like him, ones who look like random things such as a bowling ball, a box of tissues, a toaster - even one who looks like the back of a horse! (who by the end of the summer, becomes friends with a girl who looks like the head of a horse : ) )  It is here that Benjy learns to appreciate who he is and when he returns to school, gives him the courage to stand up to the bullies.

Another humorous book, reviews have seen it be criticised for the humour being too adult related.  I have no issues with this as a lot of my favourite books for my kids are the ones that have that underlying humour in there for the parents; think Shrek.  The illustrations are great and the uplifting message of the story is a good one for older children.  This is an American book though, with American subject matter.  It alludes to historical facts about Lincoln and in the end we learn of Benjy's brother Dickie who looks like Richard Nixon, complete with a tape recorder and holding up the peace sign.  This will be of no concern to the littlies as the story and pictures are funny enough for them to pick up.

4/5

Review written by QTCass

Review: Why Do Dogs Sniff Bottoms?

Why do dogs sniff bottoms?

Written by Dawn McMillan and Bert Signal

Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

Publication date: 2008

Publisher: Penguin Group (NZ)

ISBN: 978-0-14-350288-3

Summary/Back cover

Dawn McMillan and Bert Signal provide an answer to that age-old question - why exactly do dogs sniff bottoms?

Hilarious!  The inside cover tells us how the story is based on a few lines of an old 1930s rugby song as remembered by one of the authors, Bert Signal.  It also says how that song was probably unsuitable for children.  Unfortunately, Bert did not live to see the book published. 

This kiwi book opens with the titular question and "why the embarrassing disgrace with no regard for time or place?".  We learn that a long time ago all dogs attended a canine concert, but due to the formal dress, the bouncer on the door wouldn't let any bottoms in, so they had to leave their bottoms, with their tails, at the door.  They are all enjoying the show, when someone yells "Fire!" which creates a mad panic and saw all the dogs grab whatever bottom was to hand.  Since then they have continued to search for their own by sniffing at everyone elses.

I love humourous books, and this one fits the bill perfectly.  It has a great rhyming scheme and funny illustrations so it's one that will be enjoyed by both parent and child. 

5/5

Review written by QTCass

Review: Some Dogs Do

Some Dogs Do

Written and Illustrated by Jez Alborough

Publication date: 2003
Publisher: Candlewick
ISBN: 9781406310542

Summary/Back cover:
All dogs walk and jump and run, but dogs don't fly - it can't be done...
Or can it?

Review:
This is a book all about holding onto your dreams no matter how crazy they seem to others. Every time I read it, I feel a little bubble of hope and happiness in my chest. It is rhyming, beautifully illustrated and purely positive.

Rating - 4/5

Review written by LatteJunkie

Review: I Can Drive a Car

I Can Drive a Car

Illustrated by Bill Bolton

Paper Engineering by Brian Robertson

Publication date: 2008
Publisher: Parragon
ISBN: 978-1-4075-1280-8

Summary/Back cover:
Young car fans can work the controls of their very own car by pulling the tabs and moving the wheels inside the sturdy pages of this unique book.  It's packed with play value for mini drivers.

Review:
I bought this book recently for my 2 year old, and it has become as much of a toy as it has a book.  I've taken a video of the book being read/played with, so you can really see what it's about (excuse the lack of trousers - it was a hot day!)



This book, along with I Can Fly a Plane, have become firm favourites here - the solid cardboard pages should last for a while too, I hope!

My rating: 5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Book Review: Cassandra's Angel

Author: Gina Otto
Illustrated by Trudy Joost
Book Website: www.CassandrasAngel.com
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Cassandra's Angel has come to share a secret, one that will bring comfort and hope to children of all ages. You are invited to enter the world of Cassandra, a little girl who just can't seem to do anything right - or so the story goes.

Children's self-images are strongly influenced by the attitudes and beliefs of their parents, teachers and peers. Unfortunately, these beliefs often become negative stories that can impact children for life. This powerful tale helps children to perceive these stories in a different light. What inspiring wisdom will Cassandra's Angel reveal? As children turn the pages of this vibrant and compelling book, they will discover the truth of who they really are. 

 
Watch this powerful video:


Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a book I would have wanted to read as a young girl. Growing up I had different struggles centered around negative belief systems I had formed based on what others said about me. Honestly, I think this is a universal struggle. But what do we do to combat it? How can you empower your child's spirit and mind?  Cassandra's Angel is a beautiful story written with the intention to over power all those negative comments, thoughts, and false beliefs. If you watched the YouTube video of the girl scouts then you saw it's power. I watched it before I read the book and thought....wow, this is how I want all children to talk and feel about themselves.

From the book:
All of these things people have said to you,
They are stories, Cassandra - not one of them true.

You are never just what they believe you to be.
You are even more than you think that you see.

There's a much greater truth. When you look you will find
The key is right there in your heart and your mind.

It's not what you do - it's about who you are.
For you are as bright as the sky's brightest star.

Those are such wonderful boosting words to wrap your child in! Kids have very susceptible minds and It can be easy to believe the not so nice things others say. Children will gain inner strength from this story as it tells them all that mean stuff is anything but true. In fact, the people who use those hurtful words are acting out their own negative stories that they were once told. What a light bulb moment for your child to hear! That message reminded me of how I'm not the one with the problem - the other person is. So don't get wrapped up into their negative energy field.

I often see parents struggling trying to help their children deal with self-esteem issues. I encourage you to read Cassandra's Angel to them. Especially if you are looking for a book with a deeper message and meaning. Looking forward to teaching my own children these life changing affirmations author Gina Otto has given us through the inspiring Cassandra.


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

Review: All Afloat on Noah's Boat

All Afloat on Noah's Boat

Written by Tony Mitton

Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees

Publication date: 2006
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 1-84616-206-8

Summary/Back cover:
Life aboard Noah's Ark is busy and noisy, and soon the animals begin to get grumpy. So clever Noah hatches a plan for an incredible creature cabaret to get the Ark swinging again.  But what amazing act will appear for the finale?
Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees are reunited for another sure-fire bestseller with a riotous text and astounding illustrations.  This brilliant book builds on their success with Spookyrumpus, winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award.

Review:
We have a couple of Tony Mitton's books counted amongst our favourites (Down by the Cool of the Pool and Terrific Trains), so I was really looking forward to reading this book to my boys.  It tells the story of Noah's Ark in verse, and is beautifully illustrated with many animals for my toddler to point out.

It is a very well written book, and the text rhymes beautifully. Even the font that is used is whimsical and fun - typical of Tony's books.

I thoroughly recommend this book - we've borrowed it from the library, but it might just be one we look at purchasing for our own bookshelf!

My rating: 4.9 out of 5.


Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Squash the Spider!

Squash the Spider

Written and Illustrated by Nick Ward

Publication date: 2003
Publisher: David Fickling Books
ISBN: 0-385-60374-6

Summary/Back cover:
Squash is a cheeky little spider who loves to jump out and say "BOO!"  Where will Squash turn up next?  In Billy's sandwich?  In the middle of his storybook?  In someone's lunch?
Open the book to find out - but be careful, you never know who's hiding inside!

Review:
The book really appeals to my 2 year old, and he has declared it to be "funny"!  It involves plenty of yelling as the spider leaps out and yells "BOO!" and people shriek and run away.

The illustrations are beautiful, with the spider wearing a cheeky wee grin throughout the book.

Definitely one for the boys, or girls who like noises!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: There Is a Bird on Your Head!

There Is a Bird on Your Head!

Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Publication date: 2007
Publisher: Hyperion Books
ISBN: 978-1-4063-1470-0

Summary/Back cover:

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In There Is a Bird On My Head!, Gerald discovers that there is something worse than a bird on your head—two birds on your head!  Can Piggie help her best friend?

Review:
We found this book in the library among the 'emergent reader' titles, and it's just fantastic!  The words are all small enough for a beginner reader to know, and predictable enough for my 2 year old to say the next line, based on the pictures.

I love that it is so simple, but very humerous.  The facial expressions on Elephant and Piggie throughout the book are priceless, and make reading the book, which is written in speech bubbles, a lot of fun.

I can see this series of books being popular with my son when he becomes a reader - and I don't think I'll tire of them any time soon, either!

My rating: 4.8 out of 5.

Other books available in the Elephant and Piggie series:
I Am Invited to a Party!
Today I Will Fly!
My Friend is Sad

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Zoo Poo

Zoo Poo

Written and Illustrated by Richard Morgan

Publication date: 2005

Publisher: Barron's Educational Series

ISBN: 978-0764127670

Summary/Back cover: 

Come and visit the zoo and see how the animals poo in the funniest places!

Giraffes doo doo from from way up high.

Toucans doo doo as they fly in the sky!

But where do boys and girls like Charlie go?

Includes toilet training tips.

My thoughts:

I love this book, it goes though the animals in the zoo and where they doo doo, has great rhyming words.

My daughter 2.5 years is toilet training and she loves this book while sitting on the toilet. Its funny.

Has great tips in the back for parents to read to their child on what Charlie does.

Pictures are GREAT and there isn’t a lot of words per page which makes it the perfect toilet training book

Rating 5/5

Review written by Kiwigirl

Book Review: Four Feet, Two Sandals

Authors: Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed
Illustrated by Doug Chayka
Book Website: www.karenlynnwilliams.com
Interest Level: Ages 4-9


From the Book Jacket: When relief workers bring used clothing to the refugee camp, everyone scrambles to grab whatever they can. Ten-year-old Lina is thrilled when she finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. But soon Lina and Feroza meet, each wearing one coveted sandal. Together they solve the problem of having four feet and two sandals. 

As the girls go about their routines - washing clothes in the river, waiting in long lines for water, and watching for their names to appear on the list for a new home - the sandals remind them that friendship is what is most important. 

Illustrated with warm colors and sensitive brush strokes, Four Feet, Two Sandals portrays the strength, courage, and hope of refugees around the world, whose daily lives are marked by uncertainty and fear. This story was inspired by a refugee girl who asked the authors why there were no books about children like her. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Every child needs to read this touching book. Four Feet, Two Sandals is more than just a story about sharing. It's about real life hardships and circumstances connecting people together. The friendship of two refugee girls will start a powerful discussion.

Refugee.....most students didn't know what the word meant. So we dove on in and I could immediately feel the empathy, understanding, and awareness begin to grow. Isn't it fabulous how when you introduce kids to world issues they just want to know more. Hearts and minds were growing from the knowledge they were gaining. We also have students who come from all sorts of different countries and backgrounds and a few have been refugee families. Our discussion turned to remembering to be mindful (my new favorite word to use w/kiddos) to one another. We talked about how the next time you see something about refugees on the news - to pay attention and not look away. It's sure easy to do.

Four Feet, Two Sandals also unfolds an incredible friendship. They redefined the definition for us in the story. A new standard was set which I loved.  Some of the topics around friendship we discussed: caring, loyalty, strength, and being a forever friend (a new thing I'm teaching). Get this book on your shelf. It's definitely a favorite of mine and the kids.


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

What I Read On Valentine's Day to the Littles

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
Author: Jane Yolen 
Interest Level: PreK-1st Grade


A Note From the Publisher: Parents and children can never have enough ways to say "I love you" - and now, America's favorite dinosaurs are giving families a funny book, perfect for bedtime, story time, anytime. Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it's important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care. 



What made my lesson so great was this guy! Here he is chilling out on the couch in my office just waiting to be held.

He made the rounds to all the K-1 classes with me. We gathered in a circle and as each child got to hold him they answered the question: What makes you feel loved?  My heart was melting as their little hearts poured out such sweet comments. "I am loved when my mom hugs me after school." "I am loved when I'm with my dog."

One of the reasons I wanted to introduce this little sweetheart of a dinosaur to students was because I plan on using him as a counseling tool in my office. Often times I have kids coming to me with their 'love tanks' running on empty. This could be from a home issue or maybe a recent social withdrawal from school. Stuffed animals and puppets can help kids open up and find language to describe what's going on. They are very healing. When a student visits me and they are feeling down, I'd like them to sit and just hold the dinosaur because of what it represents - love. Having quiet calming time while holding a play therapy toy/stuffed animal is a great technique. It's good to identify a stuffed animal that represents safety and love.This can be used in the counselor's office, in the classroom, or at home.  Oh, and he's also fun to play with!

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

Sunday Book Club - Little Girls Can Be Mean: Chapters 7 and 8

Chapter 7 and 8

Think, Share, Do...Activity Bank for Part II

Using the Four Steps in Your Home, School, or Office

The parent/teacher's tips in this final chapter were just what I needed to read. Let me elaborate a little more on the ones I liked....

Page 232: Be a Fly on the Wall

This is something I do at recess. If you are an educator then you know some of the adults out there are just standing around wishing that darned bell would ring. But it's a good time for me to get to know my peeps without actually interacting with them. I like to see who is playing with who, what they are playing, and get close enough to hear the conversation. This is advice we give to adults at my school when we do recess training. It is a key part of preventing recess problems while connecting with the student population.

Page 233: Be a Safe Haven

The authors make a wonderful recommendation and this is such a great strategy to use to help girls get perspective. I've been doing this for years. When "stuff" is going down between girls sometimes my instinct tells me one or more need to stay in my office doing an alternative activity. You would not believe how it helps cool down a problem. It helps girls get away from whatever toxic thing is going on. Setting up play dates is also a wonderful solution. Keep in mind they are not staying in because they are losing a recess. I'm helping redirect their energy away from the temptation to getting sucked into something ugly.

Page 235: Bravery Book

LOVE this idea and I expand on the word bravery with students. We call it inner strength. Teaching what inner strength is can be really powerful for a student. Kids will report to me they were dealing with a frustrating situation and when I ask how they were able to deal with the issue they sometimes say, "Because of my inner strength."  They often point this out in books I read in which characters overcome difficult situations and feelings. I'm going to start doing bravery books but we'll call ours inner strength journals where we can explore traits like bravery, courage, integrity, etc.

Page 240: Erasing the Hurt/Words Leave a Hole

Oh wow this is a really neat tool to use with kids. I love anything that is visual and will bring out empathy and remorseful feelings in students. I've done a similar activity using a paper heart but I like this idea a little better. This allows them to actually write the words down that were used - and don't exactly go away. Can't wait to put this one into action.  

Page 248: Empowering Ostracized Girls

These are the girls I worry about most. I call them ghost girls. They are so perfect at making themselves invisible to the adults around them. Often times a situation will be going on and they come off as the silent standby. But really there is a lot going on there and empowerment would be an understatement for what they need. I'm still working on this one. It helps when I get parents onboard and now I can give them this book!!

Chapter 8 reminds me of my mother. Whenever I had a tough social situation going on she never freaked out. She was more of the devils advocate type. Always trying to help me see the other side while helping me figure out my own feelings and be a better friend to not just other girls but to myself. Obviously, she's left an admirable impression on me.

So maybe I'm too blunt here but if you think you're being a Freak Out parent over your child's social dilemmas then it's definitely time to do things differently. When we are freaking out, we think we're doing the right thing. Well, we're not and we usually freak out because we really don't know what else to do. I know this because it's happened to me. We're not teaching our daughters anything when we do this. I really encourage everyone to try the four steps. It's not an overnight process and will take some practice. But I'm already finding my whole perspective has changed and I'm a lot calmer when situations come my way. This is a MUST book for parents. Remember...no freaking out. That was not one of the steps. Good luck and have fun connecting or maybe reconnecting with your daughter!

A very special thank you to author Michelle Anthony for her wise and empowering words in the comments section of each blog post.

Business Cards!

Thank you to all of you that have contributed reviews so far - some fantastic books coming through, and really nice to hear some personal opinions of them!

I've made up a sheet of business cards, which you are welcome to print, cut out and give to people that you think would like to read and/or contribute to our reviews - we're going well, but we've got a long way to go, to get to 1001 reviews yet!

So please do poach this - if you're having trouble poaching it, flick me an email (1001bookreviews@gmail.com) and I will gladly send it to you that way.

Dear Elmer

Dear Elmer:

I was so excited to get you today at Barnes and Noble (my home away from home). See, I've been reading your books for YEARS to the kids. But, now I won't be so lonesome with your spectacular company as we teach the kids about differences, self-esteem, being yourself, and friendship. The kids will squeal with excitement when they see you in my lap during your stories. I will make sure each student gets to carefully hold you and tell you something wonderfully unique about themselves. Thanks for helping kids see they are WHOLE just as they are.....

Some of the Elmer Books I Use:

Book Review: The Sandwich Swap

Authors: Queen Rainia Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by Tricia Tusa
Book Website: The Sandwich Swap
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From The Book Jacket: Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things - jumping rope, drawing pictures, playing on the swings. And they always eat lunch together. Sure, they don't eat the same lunch. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus - but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. And before they know it, it's a food fight. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences and save their friendship? Or will a sandwich come between them?

Her Majesty Queen Rania and bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio tell a story inspired by her Majesty's own childhood. Salma and Lily reach the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance. The smallest things can pull us apart - until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: Awards should be plastered all over this book's cover. Which by the way, is the most darling cutest cover I have just about ever seen. The students took one look at The Sandwich Swap and said, "Read us that one!!" Sometimes I bring in a few books to each of my lessons to give them a preview of next weeks story. Even in the hallway, a second grade student said to me, "When are you going to read us The Sandwich Swap?" Apparently, they can sniff out a good book just by it's cover. But this is more than good, it is GREAT.

The lessons learned by both girls in the story is EXACTLY the kind of message students need to hear. Working in a culturally diverse school I know students have many curiosities about one another. But sometimes, those curiosities can sadly turn into put-downs towards one another. It divides everyone which is what happens in the story. Just look around the world, it's pretty obvious we need to start these conversations and teachings early in life. A first grade student said, "I hope everyone goes to multi-cultural night tomorrow to make more friends!" The lovely 'pot-luck' ending will make you think about what your own school is doing to help promote cultural diversity.

The Sandwich Swap is a wonderful reminder and encourager to embrace and appreciate other's differences. It's amazing how a book can increase awareness, sensitivity, and open hearts and minds. This was an impactful read and there is no doubt it has helped increased my school climate. The students clapped as I finished reading the last page. Clapping for diversity! Love it.


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

Review: Bamboo, Velvet and Beak - The Feathers

Bamboo, Velvet and Beak - The Feathers

Written by Felicia Law

Illustrated by Karen Radford

Publication date: 2007

Publisher: Picture Window Books

ISBN: 978-1-404-82596-3

Summary/Back cover:

Velvet has gathered some colourful feathers in the forest.  They make a great headdress, but Beak says Velvet must give the feathers back to their owner. After all, feathers belong to birds, and Velvet is not a bird.

But how can Velvet find out who the feathers belong to?

My point: LOVED this book, Bright colours and nice big words.  Simple to read.  It also had small words in places for words that need a meaning with them. Eg. Feathers – explains what feathers are etc.  My 14mth old LOVED this; he would get excited with the bright colours and once the book was done he sat and read it his way.

Review written by Kiwigirl04

Review: Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig

Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig

Written by Diana Neild

Illustrated by Philip Webb

Publication date: 2008

Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand Limited

ISBN: 978-1-86943-874-6

Summary/Back cover:

Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig

was a long sort of name for a short sort of pig

Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig lives with his parents and eight siblings, all of whom have ordinary names of ordinary length.  He doesn't like being different - until Dad explains just how special Piggity-Wiggity really is.

I've already rambled on about my love of Kiwi kid's authors, so this fits the bill perfectly.  And has the added benefit of being set in Wellington! (Karori specifically)

Rich, flowing rhyming scheme, gorgeous illustrations and the heartfelt message combine for a feel-good story.  This is also the first in a series of Piggity-Wiggity books, so if you enjoy them as much as we do, you can go onto get more.  A better read for older kiddies, but the longer length is a perfect bedtime read for our littlies as the rhyming pattern and pictures will hold their interest.

5/5

Review written by QTCass

Book Review: Don't Need Friends

Author: Carolyn Crimi

illustrated by Lynn Munsinger 

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From The Book Jacket: There's a new dog in the junkyard, and boy, is he ever grouchy! He seems the perfect new friend for surly, grumbling Rat. But the two animals are only interested in shouting at each other. "Don't you come near me!" barks Dog, and Rat mutters back, "Fine with me. Don't need friends, don't need 'em at all!" But as this crusty duo soon discovers, everybody needs a friend. Especially during a bitter winter in a junkyard where warmth is hard to find - and a foot-long salami sandwich is a near miracle. Endearing and sassy, this uplifting story of the importance of companionship will put a smile on even the grumpiest of faces.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There is even a bigger message than the importance of having a friend in this book. I didn't figure this out until my third or fourth reading. It started with a new question I posed, "How could Rat and Dog have prevented being so angry in the first place?" We all agreed they had a loss in their lives causing their anger and sadness. But what should we do when we feel like that? Take it out on everyone around us like Rat and Dog or talk about our feelings? When my students get to hear how important it is for their feelings to be validated - I could visibly see how good they felt.

So I sort of went a different direction with this book, but you can also focus on the importance of friendships and why we need them. The kids also LOVED hearing Rat and Dog's dialogue back and forth. Because behind the anger, we all knew they actually cared about each other. This was published a little over 10 years ago and I will be using it for 10 plus more.


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

Sunday Book Club - Little Girls Can Be Mean: Chapter 6

Chapter 6

All Girls Can Be Mean:

When Your Daughter Is Acting

Like a Mean Girl

Page 179: I was so happy to see the authors talk about the word assertive. The curriculum No Kidding About Bullying has a couple of lessons centered around this word and it's important meaning so I've started teaching lessons about assertiveness to my 3-5th graders. Assertiveness is an important tool in a girl's life. Now when I have a group of girls in my office over friendship issues...it's so easy for me to throw that word around because they know exactly what I'm talking about. I can tell they feel super empowered by that powerful word. So if your daughter/student has a tendency to go to the aggressive side, then teach her all about assertiveness. Don't forget to role play it!

Page 180: There Are Two Sides To Every Story

This scenario had good light bulb moments for me. Telling someone to stand up for themselves won't work if they don't know what that should look, sound, and feel like. Standing up for yourself might mean something completely different to your child. They might think it means to be totally harsh with their friend. If you don't fill in the blanks for your child they will for you...and it might be a behavior you don't agree with. Page 184 the authors use the metaphor of a seesaw. This made me smile as I have actually drawn a seesaw on the white board when I teach we all need to be on equal ground in our friendships. Page 187 Again LOVING the role playing with the beanie babies. Kids love it too by the way. I never let kids leave my office until we have done a role play regarding the skills they want to use.

Page 188: "When one girl asserts herself (appropriately), it gives the other girl the opportunity to reflect on her actions, and to make new, more balanced and considerate choices. In this way, one girl's assertiveness can influence another, or can change the dynamic of a situation so immensely that both girls benefit. I might just print that BEAUTIFUL paragraph out and start reading it to parents over the phone. How closure is reached between two girls is a predictor of future behavior.

Page 191: Teacher's Tip

Everyone who follows my blog knows I'm a HUGE believer in the Bucket books. February is bucket filling month at my school. The bucket filling books are wonderful lessons in kindness. Thank you authors for bringing this up!

Page 193, 194: Girl Get Togethers; Saying Sorry

Again, this stuff is SOOOO important. I grew up with a parent who believed in this too....maybe that's why I work so hard at it with kids. It works.

Page 195: The Power Rush of Popularity

So what to do when you see your daughter mistreating someone!?! I like the point about how it's our job to GUIDE and not DIRECT. Because if you tell your kid, "You need to be nice to so and so." They've learned nothing. In fact, they probably rolled their eyes after you walked away. I love all of the advice in this story. The three R's (recognize, responsible, rectify) are going to come in handy in all sorts of situations. In fact, I'll be teaching these in my social skills lessons school wide.

The last story in this chapter which I'll call the "brush off" is something a lot of parents deal with and it's frustrating. It can also make you want to give up. Again, the suggestions through the four steps are really going to change how you parent and respond to your daughter. Good stuff. I have to say, this book is really helping me become a better school counselor. The teachers tips throughout this story gave me a lot of great ideas. I'm going to put the Tokens of Friendship from page 228 in place for sure.

I'll be wrapping up with the last chapter next week. Hope you are working the four steps. Keep it up!