Book Review: Flood

Author/Illustrator: Alvaro F Villa
Interest Level: All Ages

For a Google Preview of this book please go HERE

About the Book: When a flood threatens to destroy a family’s home, they must leave. What will they return to once the waters recede? This intense, beautiful wordless picture book looks at a flood’s effect on a family  and carries a simple message of hope and recovery.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've never seen a book like this. It's exceptional. The children who have recently experienced Hurricane Sandy came immediately to my mind. The pictures unfold so beautifully telling a story of a family who is trying to save their house from a flood. Their home is destroyed but it's the rebuilding that will help children understand  when an awful tragedy happens - life can go on and you can be happy again.

What makes Flood so powerful is it is wordless. This is a really smart and non-threatening approach to help children open up about their feelings and fears after a traumatic event. Most importantly it delivers the message that starting over is possible and can be positive. If you are working with children who have been impacted by hurricanes, floods, or any type of house tragedy (fire) please get this book. It's a very therapeutic and healing resource. 

Note: I also plan on using this book to teach empathy.

Find This Book At:
Amazon
Capstone Publishing

Book Review: Each Kindness

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Interest Level: Grades 1-5

From the Book Jacket: Chloe doesn't really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she's gone. 

When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the opportunity that's been lost. How much better could it have been if she'd just shown Maya a little kindness and opened her heart to friendship?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is going to be one of the most important books I read to students this year. It will definitely be one of my favorites. It came in the mail this morning and I just had to blog about it today because it is a MUST for your bookshelf.

This is a powerful story PACKED FULL of life lessons. A new student Maya is treated horribly by her classmates. She tries making friends with the other students but is rejected and becomes a target because of her economic status. Students will feel sadness as you read this story - because they will be filled with an overwhelming empathy for Maya. In the end, we never know the full damage that may have been caused to Maya because she moves. We can surely guess though. However, it's Chloe who teaches us the lesson. She had shunned Maya but is filled with guilt, remorse, and emotional pain as she becomes aware of her own hurtful behavior. She is never able to make amends. I cannot wait for the discussion this will create. If we can teach our children to live their lives in complete kindness - hopefully they will not have to learn this lesson the hard way.

What an AMAZING teaching tool!

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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.

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Book Review: How to Heal a Broken Wing

Author: Bob Graham
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: No one saw the bird fall. Only young Will noticed it lying injured on the ground. Only he stopped to help. In this spare urban fable, Bob Graham brings us one small boy, one loving family, and one miraculous story of hope and healing.  The author says, "In troubled times, when many of us are losing contact with the natural world, I wanted to show that there is still hope in a coming generation of children who have curiosity and empathy with the world around them, and that care and attention can sometimes fix broken wings."

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  This was published about two years ago but it is a new find for me. And it's beautiful. I'm always reading stories showing kindness towards others. Well, that kindness doesn't just entail people.....it includes being caring to the world around us. Kids LOVE to be encouraged to be helpers. Sometimes I will see students going out of their way to meet the needs that arise around them. How to Heal a Broken Wing reminds me of those moments.

I love how the story starts.....with everyone walking the city streets too busy to notice an injured bird on the sidewalk. Well, everyone except a child named Will. He's a total hero in my opinion, so full of care, heart, and concern. Oh, and by the way, this is one of those reads where there is total silence in the room. The students are touched by Will as he helps the bird heal. He is setting a wonderful example for children that they have the power to do good deeds. A lot of students brought up the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. They commented how all living things have buckets, not just people. Sigh. Love it. I think there is a lot to explore in this book. It's new to my shelf, but I'm already letting the students thoughts and comments do the leading. You'll also love how the illustrations do the storytelling.

Book Review: Thank You, Mr Falker

Author: Patricia Polacco
Interest Level: K-4

About This Book: Once more Polacco shares a personal story with engaging results. This moving saga of her struggle with a learning disability makes an inspiring picture book. Young Tricia wants desperately to read but when she starts school she finds that the words "wiggle" on the page. Teased by her classmates, she retreats into dreams and drawings. It's not until the family moves to California and Tricia has managed to reach the fifth grade that a new teacher finally recognizes her pain and distress. What's more, he does something about it. Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures. Yet, like the tears young Tricia cries at the end of the book, these are ultimately tears of joy. Thank you, indeed, Mr. Felker (the real name of the teacher involved) for making it all possible. Readers will be grateful for the chance to recognize, appreciate, and share in Polacco's talent and creativity. -School Library Journal

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Usually, in this part of the review I reflect upon how the book has positively impacted students. I'd like to share something more personal about this story....

When I became an elementary school counselor, I was sort of lost in the world of bibliotherapy. I picked a lot of over the top generic books about feelings and bullying that were total flops with students. Maybe bibliotherapy was a myth because the books (I was choosing) were total snores. It got to the point where I was actually dreading reading to classes. And they weren't exactly cheering when I came into the room holding a book.

Thank You, Mr. Falker changed all of that for me and the kids. I truly consider it the first REAL bibliotherapy story I read to students. I watched how the story touched the students as we journeyed through the pages. First of all, they were quietly engaged from start to finish. Second, hands kept shooting up in the air to comment on certain elements of the story. Oh, and they clapped at the end! (it's a beautiful personal story by author Patricia Polacco) I'd been so used to the lack of interest when reading that I was blown away by the sheer excitement and rapid discussion that followed. Tricia's struggle with a learning disability, moving to a new school, being bullied and picked on was ACTUALLY impacting the class. There was a new energy in the room I'd never felt before. It was the story!! I could see it in students' faces. Hearts were opening...kids were relating to the main character Tricia. It was my first bibliotherapy experience and I began to recognize the healing power of books. I vowed right then and there - no more boring uninspiring stories!

So here is some advice I learned the hard way: When choosing new literature have an intent. What do kids' need? Counselors are usually the "eyes and the ears" of the school. Make it a point to know what challenges children are facing and mold your picks around those issues. Always check in with teachers and ask what they are seeing and hearing in the classroom, cafeteria, and playground. I've changed many of my lessons at the last minute after taking the temperature of a class. I might think we need to work on honesty but maybe friendship is the real issue. Teachers are always in the know. If it's not impactful and helpful to children then put it back on the shelf. And sometimes that's hard because there are a lot of good books out there I think kids want to hear - but they don't!  And trust me, you'll know when it's a sleeper. Finally, are you passionate about what you're reading? I really get into the voice of the characters and the emotion of the story as I read. At the end of Thank You, Mr. Falker, I had to catch myself a little because I was a little teary on the last page (read it - you'll see why). I'm not saying become a dramatic actor but when I believe in a story - it shines through. 

Now when I walk into classrooms, students are desperately trying to see what book I'm holding and are eager to open their hearts and minds. So thank you, Mr. Falker for not just helping Tricia, but helping me discover the beauty of bibliotherapy and the difference it can make in a boy or girl's life.

Book Review: The Lunch Thief

Author: Anne C Bromley
Illustrated by Robert Casilla
Interest Level: Ages 9-12

About This Book: Rafael is hungry because someone stole his lunch. His mom had packed his lunch bag with two burritos, a bag of corn chips, some carrots, and an apple. Once a week she tucks in a slice of her special lemon pound cake. Rafael saw Kevin, a new kid in his class, sneak his lunch bag from underneath his desk and tuck it in his backpack. But how can he do something about the theft without picking a fight? Inspired by his mother's advice to use his mouth before his fists, Rafael bides his time, but other kids' lunches are disappearing, too. On an errand with his mom, Rafael sees Kevin carrying a bundle of laundry into a motel room, and his mom tells him Kevin's family might be one of the families who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. Rafael rethinks his anger. The next day, instead of accusing Kevin, Rafael invites him to share his lunch, letting him know he's been caught, but offering friendship as well as a good meal.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When I first get a new book, I usually skim the synopsis to see what I'm getting into. Based on the title I thought The Lunch Thief was going to be about stealing and maybe bullying - so I started to read and went on an unexpected journey. It's the type of picture book I relish reading to students. Never judge a book by it's title. The Lunch Thief is not about a thief, it's about a hungry boy named Kevin living in a motel. And yes, the kids know it's not okay to steal. But why would someone steal? We are a community and need to understand one another. Rafael does this for Kevin. The kids started to make a connection right away that this wasn't a story about bullying or Thou Shall Not Steal. Hands started flying up as I asked questions about what might be going on in Kevin's life that he is taking others' food. Kevin is not mean, not a bully, and not trying to hurt kids on purpose. He's trying to survive. The last page proves this as he offers a quarter to Rafael as payment for his lunch. One student commented, "Kevin never wanted to steal in the first place." Bingo! (great book for inference) I felt really connected to the students as we figured these things out together. The Lunch Thief teaches empathy, understanding, and helping one another. And gosh do we need more of that within our communities. Bravo for this book.


A Link to the Teacher Activities that accompany The Lunch Thief.

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Book Review: Eggbert The Slightly Cracked Egg

Author: Tom Ross

Illustrated by Rex Barron

Interest Level: Preschool- age 8

About This Book: The other eggs in the refrigerator admire Eggbert's remarkable paintings-until they discover that he has a slight crack. Because of his defect, he is banished from his home. At first he uses his artistic talent to attempt to camouflage himself, but his disguises are quickly discovered. Then he realizes that the world contains many lovely cracks. Brush in hand, he travels the globe and produces wonderful paintings of fissures found in things such as volcanoes and the Liberty Bell. Back at the refrigerator, his former friends ponder his hand-painted postcards with amazement and a touch of sadness. The story might be read as a commentary on the lives of artists and/or the dangers and blessings of nonconformity; however, young readers will be more engaged by the illustrations than by philosophical reflections. Eggs and vegetables rarely assume such lifelike expressions and stances, and the simple text and clear design add up to read-aloud potential. Eggbert is an egg worth watching. -School Library Journal

 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book has ten 5 Star reviews on Amazon. I agree with absolutely every single one. Sometimes I feel like we don't talk enough about differences and diversity to children. If someone is being picked on, I love bringing up Eggbert. It is a very memorable book. The author does a good job of not making the issue of differences not too complicated for young children to understand. Eggbert also makes me think of the word Rejected. Lots of kids feel rejected for so many reasons. I want kids to include and embrace everyone, that's why this book is on my shelf. So thankful I found it!

Activity To Do With Your Children: Recreate the scenes in the book by using play food toys. Make sure to draw a crack on one of the eggs! Use the play food throughout the story, stop and role play feelings.

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

Book Review: Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners

Author: Laurie Keller
Interest Level: Ages 6-9

About The Book: Mr. Rabbit is worried that he might not get along with his new neighbors. A wise owl gives him the advice, "Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you" and proceeds to explain what this means. Thus follows a listing of traits and qualities such as friendliness, politeness, honesty, consideration, cooperation, and sharing. Each one contains humorous examples of Mr. Rabbit and the Otters following those rules. Also included are samples of how to say certain phrases such as "Excuse me" and "Please" in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Pig Latin. Each page bursts with colorful illustrations and is scattered with words of different sizes and fonts.

 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I was so excited when I found this!!! I love bibliotherapy that uses humor. I've read the very beautiful children's book The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper many times to students. So it was neat to discover such a humorous complimentary companion to teach this beautiful universal rule of life. I get many giggles and smiles when I read Do Unto Otters. I love the author's cute website. Oh, and I even discovered you can buy a little video of the book. Here is the adorable trailer. This is an enjoyable read for your shelf.


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Book Review: Don't Laugh At Me

Author: Steve Seskin

Illustrated by Glin Dibley
Interest Level: K-5

From the Book Jacket: Do you wear glasses? Ever been picked last for the team? Afraid you'll be called on in class? Have you laughed at someone else for the same reasons? Someone you thought was geeky or slow - someone different from you. For anyone who's ever been bullied - it's time to change your tune. This is not a book for whiners, but a new language that will give you the words you need to take charge and stop the cycle of teasing.

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  Build empathy, build empathy, build empathy, build empathy.....I can't say it enough. This book never gets old with kids.Why? Because of the powerful message behind the illustrations and words - love and respect one another. Check out the Don't Laugh At Me's website for the free teaching guide.