Book Review: Too Tall Houses

Author/Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Owl and Rabbit are good friends and neighbors and live happily in two small houses next to each other...UNTIL Rabbit's garden grows a little too tall and blocks Owl's view. Now Owl isn't so happy. Maybe building a bigger house will solve the problem. But now Rabbit isn't happy. Maybe building his house taller will be the solution. And before long, there are two very tall houses and two very unhappy neighbors. What will it take to make them friends again?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book could not have come at a better time. I am doing some reteaching with grades K-2 on solving problems. Owl and Rabbit are a great example of what happens when you argue and fight. They are also very stubborn and won't give in because each wants their way and wants to be right. They try and one up each other by building their houses taller and taller....which was a great metaphor for how big they are making the problem.

It has a very cute ending showing a fixed friendship and a solution at work. The morale of the story is it's a huge waste of time to involve yourself in negative behavior when faced with a problem - it only makes things worse and results in the loss of a friend. This generation needs LOTS of conflict resolution encouragement. Great book.

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Book Review: Big Mean Mike

Author: Michelle Knudsen
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Interest Level: 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He's even got a big, mean car that he drives around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows how big and tough he is - which is just the way Mike likes it. 

Then one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike puts it on the sidewalk and drives away before anyone can see. But the bunny keeps coming back - with friends! - no matter how many times Mike tells them to scram. Big, mean dogs do not hang around with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute...

This is a laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what other people think - even if you are big and tough and your friends are tiny and adorable. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Hilarious! We giggled our way through this one. Because I read so many books that address social and emotional issues - it's nice to lighten up the mood with something funny and not so serious - but still has a message in it.

Mike wants to keep up an image - a tough one. But he has difficulty keeping up being a tough guy because he's actually nice and sweet. It takes some cute little bunnies to help him see his warm fuzzy side. He also gets teased for hanging around the bunnies but he doesn't let it bruise his ego one bit. He stands up to the mean behavior and defends the bunnies. There are a lot of take aways in this story. I tried to gear the message towards those kids who put up a tough front. Sometimes it's really difficult for them to open up. Big Mean Mike shows kids the benefits you reap when you let people into your life - the right people.

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Book Review: Red Cat Blue Cat

Author/Illustrator: Jenni Desmond
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Red Cat: nimble cat. Blue Cat: clever cat. When they meet: jealous cats! Does Blue wish he could be like Red and Red want to be like Blue? They do! Find out what happens when...Blue tries to become red, and Red tries to become blue. Or, could it be that what both cats need to discover is: what is the color of a happy cat?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: These two cats act like they don't like each other. They fight and mean mug each other but deep down they are envious of the other's strengths. It's a humorous story of learning to get along when you are so completely different. We are all born with unique and special gifts so don't get in the losing game of trying to compare - great message. I think this would also work great for dealing with sibling rivalry. Red Cat and Blue Cat reminded me of my relationship with my older sister. Although we fought like cats - we secretly admired the other person.

PS. You'll appreciate the cute ending when Yellow Cat shows up!

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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: Flabbersmashed About You

Author: Rachel Vail
Illustrated by Yumi Heo
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Publisher: Readers first met Katie Honors in Rachel and Yumi's Sometimes I'm Bombaloo and Jibberwillies at Night. Now Katie is back as she deals with feeling "flabbersmashed" by her best friend, who suddenly wants to be friends with another kid. We've all been flabbersmashed by a friend--left out of an activity or secret, left to feel sorry for ourselves, or move on. Will Katie ever stop feeling left out?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This will be a helpful read for K-2 students as the year gets rolling and friendship problems start surfacing. There is nothing worse than a tear stained face kiddo coming up to me and telling me how they've been "dumped" by their good buddy. In the book, Katie describes this as feeling "flabbersmashed." This word is an introduction to all sorts of emotions kids feel when they are left standing alone. Friendship security is a big deal out on the playground. I want to teach the kids to be secure in a different way. The dependence on one friend for their ultimate happiness can lead to constantly feeling "flabbersmashed." Not a good way to go through your school day. So glad to have this in my library. I will bet you anything that a student is going to come up to me on the playground and tell me they are feeling flabbersmashed!

There is something minor about the book I'd like to point out that had me a little concerned. When two of the characters are playing they talk about "killing the bad guys." I'm really careful with what I teach the kids. We have a zero tolerance for violent language at my school - even if it's just play fighting. So there are a couple of ways I might go with this. 1) I might just change the words 2) I might use this as a teaching opportunity about using these words. I'm not sure yet which way I'm going to go. I just know I don't want to send the kids mixed signals about the expectations of safe language out on the playground. Just wanted to point this out to other educators. It's still a great story and is going to help solve some major problems.

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Book Review: The Call of the Cowboy

Author: David Bruins
Illustrator: Hilary Leung
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

A Note From the Publisher: When the bear wants to spend the afternoon photographing birds, the exuberant cowboy inadvertently makes a nuisance of himself as he loudly chews bubble gum, hops on a pogo stick and slurps a pop. When the ninja just wants to read quietly, the cowboy is wildly distracting as he drums on rocks, bats a paddleball and gabs on his cell phone. The cowboy's boisterous mood prompts the ninja and the bear to drop their respective activities, leaving their pal alone to wonder why no one wants to be with him. Can he find the peace and quiet he needs to figure it out?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Ever been focused on an activity and there is a constant interruption? Kinda annoying. Walk into a classroom and you will see all kinds of concentration going on. Take a closer look and you might see some kids off task interrupting that focus. This book is for those little darlings - the invaders of learning. I also love how the story starts out describing cowboy as a good friend, kind, caring, and fun. It's important for the interrupters to know we think they are awesome. But they can be more awesome if they show respect to the other learners around them. This is a short sweet story and it will be making the rounds with me this fall as kids get back into their school groove.

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Book Review: The Lonely Book

Author: Kate Bernheimer
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Publisher: When a wonderful new book arrives at the library, at first it is loved by all, checked out constantly, and rarely spends a night on the library shelf. But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live. How it eventually finds an honored place on a little girl's bookshelf—and in her heart—makes for an unforgettable story sure to enchant anyone who has ever cherished a book.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I saw this on a book list in the spring and showed it to our librarian. Our thinking was it would be a great encourager to get kids to not just focus on the shiny new ones but to take a look at ALL the books no matter how tattered they may seem. But of course since I always have my counselor hat on I saw a bigger message in the story. This is such a cool and empathetic way to introduce the feeling of loneliness. A little girl Alice is the perfect model of inclusiveness and friendship. Can't wait to read this in the fall to the kids. I want them to remember to take an interest in everyone. Lets not overlook one another. What a sweet kind story!

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Book Review: Sneaky Weasel

Author/Illustrator: Hannah Shaw
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Weasel is sneaky, measly and very rich. When he throws a big party to show off to everyone, he can't understand why none of his guests turn up...Could it be that Weasel is bad at being a friend?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are kids in every class who no one wants as a partner during work time or is socially isolated. Sometimes the reason behind the exclusion often has to do with the child's negative behavior towards others. When I finished reading Sneaky Weasel, I immediately thought of those students. I work with these kiddos very closely trying to help them become self-aware of their actions. This story is perfect to address this problem. 

When no one shows up at Weasel's party he visits everyone to demand an explanation. He discovers everyone is quite upset with him because of his mistreatment of others. Weasel is pretty clueless about his hurtful ways. He realizes he must find a way to be a good friend and make up for what he has done. He sets out to earn their trust and respect through kindness, taking responsibility, and an apology. Good stuff!!

Love this new discovery. You will too. Kids are going to see themselves in this story and hopefully it will provide insight to change that stinky sneaky behavior!

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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: The Cloud

Author/Illustrator: Hannah Cumming
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

A Note From the Publisher: Everyone has bad days, and children are no exception. When a black cloud descends on a little girl at school, support from a classmate with a great deal of imagination helps to brighten up everyone’s lives.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a creative book. A little black cloud hangs over a little girl's head on each page. What is it? What does it mean? Why is it there? What's going on with her? Why is it black? What can others do about this cloud? These were some of the questions I posed as we went through the the story. It's fabulous. I preach being a bucket filler at our school so this was such a great example of how to fill an empty bucket. And yes....kids are definitely walking around feeling down in the dumps at times. This is a neat community builder.

You will love the last page. Her cloud is gone and she's standing playing with the children and a new little boy enters with a little black cloud over his head. Hmmm.....wonder what's going to happen! I want to note this is a quick read. I slowed it down with lots of discussion and a prepared activity around community building. You might also add words to the story as you are reading...that's another little cheat thing I do to expand the message.

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Book Review: Better Than You

Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better - and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities. Jake's story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a "better than you" attitude can break friendships rather than build them.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Author Trudy Ludwig continues to help the kids in my school with yet another awesome book. Does she read my mind or something? I'm always complaining there are not enough good ones out there on sportsmanship and bragging. These behaviors can be big problems for children and cause many an unhappy face in the classroom or on the playground. Lets not forget the headache they cause the adults too!

You are gonna love the metaphor of a pufferfish Trudy uses to give insight as to what's behind these bragging attitudes. "But when a kid acts like a pufferfish, he takes up so much space that he can also push away friends." Light bulbs were flashing all through my audience as I read that page. This was so helpful to me as a teaching tool. I made an outline of a pufferfish on the board so we could get some brainstorming/discussion rolling.

I love the ending of her story. Trudy doesn't sugarcoat it with a "and then we made up and were bff's." Tyler decides in the end to go his own way with a new friend - one that doesn't have issues. One of the students yelled out, "Yes! He chose a friendly fish. Like a dolphin!" Ha ha. Kids need to be reminded they don't have to stick around and be beat up emotionally by bad behavior. When I look around our playground I see kids in that sidekick position. But I got to make an impact on them with this great new story. Maybe they will start making some new friendship choices. It seems likely........

Keep em' coming Trudy.     

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A Must Have - I'm Here by Peter H Reynolds

I've had quite a few people mention this book to me - just haven't had time to pick it up due to my upcoming maternity leave. But it's at the top of my list.....I'm thinking your gonna want this one.....watch the trailer:

I'm Here
Author: Peter H Reynolds
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description:
I’m here. And you’re there.
And that’s okay.
But… maybe there will be a gentle wind that pulls us together.
And then I’ll be here and you’ll be here, too.

Pure, powerful, and deceptively simple, bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds reminds us that children—and the friendships they make—can bloom in unexpected ways. This extraordinary picture book gives voice to the often silent world of a kid struggling to connect with his peers and speaks to the universal need to be loved and heard.

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Book Review: Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten

Author: Catherine Urdahl
Illustrated by Mai S Kemble
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Extras: Book Activities

From the Publisher: It's Polka-dot's first day of kindergarten and armed with her trusty fix-it kit, she's ready for anything. When she gets to school, though, everything goes wrong. The duct tape, runny soap, and dotted bandages aren't enough to fix her kindergarten catastrophes. And, when it comes to dealing with stripe-loving, mean-mouth Liz, Polka-dot finds herself in a fix. See how Polka-dot finds a way to mend her stormy relationship with Liz.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love problem-solving with children. It just blesses my heart to see two kiddos make amends with one another. Or to watch a child find a positive solution when they are dealing with a sticky situation with another classmate. But our students don't necessarily come to school with problem-solving skills and tools. They need support and coaching on how to fix the little bumps that come their way. What better way to teak these skills then through a new awesome book!

Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten will definitely be making the rounds with me when I do guidance lessons around being a problem solver. And don't ya just love her name? Polka-dot! So cute. There's some mean behavior going on with another girl (which I've definitely seen the likes of before in my own school) and Polka-dot is faced with a challenge on how to fix it. Love how the author has brought that word into a kindergartner's world. Yep, we can FIX our problems! There are many ways to do so. Kindness is the path Polka-dot chooses....which I love and have really started to reinforce this past year. There's no tattling involved here or labeling of the other girl. There is resolution. Can't wait to empower our kindy kids.


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Stealing and Honesty

Yoon and the Jade Bracelet
Author: Helen Recorvits
Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkoska
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: It is Yoon's birthday and all she wants is a jump rope so she can jump and sing with the other girls in the school yard. Instead, Yoon's mother gives her a Korean storybook about a silly girl who is tricked by a tiger. Yoon also receives a jade bracelet that once belonged to her grandmother. The next day at school, an older girl invites Yoon to join in jump rope, but she wants to borrow Yoon's bracelte for the afternoon. When Yoon tries to get her bracelet back, the girl swears it belongs to her. Yoon must use the lessons learned in her storybook and Her "Shining Wisdom" to retrieve the precious keepsake.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This was thoroughly enjoyed by all of the classes I read to at the end of last year. It's got a lot of good stuff in it regarding friendship, telling the truth, being proud of who you are, and stealing. Even though it was easy to focus on the older girl and how she had wronged Yoon. It become apparent to the kids that Yoon actually played a part in getting herself in this circumstance. Some great discussion questions we pondered: Why are some kids willing to sacrifice who they are and their values for a friendship? When faced with a tough decision, how can we motivate ourselves to do the right thing? How can we stay true ourselves?  I also loved the cultural angle - there is definitely a struggle for some kids to fit in for fear of being rejected. Can't wait to read it again this year.

Little Croc's Purse
Author/Illustrator: Lizzie Finlay
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: One hot day, Little Croc finds a lost purse. "Finders keepers!" shout his friends, imagining a treat of lemonade and a lovely cool swim. But Little Croc is determined to find the purse's owner...Will his honesty be rewarded? Or will he be tempted to spend the money inside?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This story reminded me of the word temptation. Kids (and adults) can be put in positions where they are tempted to make the wrong decision - because they might benefit. Long story short here.....Little Croc does the right thing but not without his friends pressuring him to keep the purse. In the end, he gets to keep the purse as his reward for being honest. The only thing I would change in this story is putting more focus on the internal rewards he received for doing the right thing. Sure, it's great he gets the purse - but that's not the TRUE reward. Make sure to go into this with your kids/students. Definitely glad this is on my bookshelf. 



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Trudy Ludwig Has a New Book Out

  

Better Than You
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Publisher: Tricycle Press
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better - and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities.

Jake's story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a "better than you" attitude can break friendships rather than build them. This sensitive story will prove a welcome resource for any parent, teacher, or counselor.

My official review is coming on this one soon....but it already gets an A+.........
I was excited to receive Better Than You in the mail today by one of my favorite authors - Trudy Ludwig. I believe some of my comments after reading it were....."awesome" "love it" "right on Trudy!" I'm excited about it. It's really gonna change kids - for the better of course! So I'm going to do another review on this book after I read it to the kiddos at school. But I'm letting you know about this new one now because you're going to want to order it and get it in your Trudy Ludwig collection of books. And if you don't have a collection - get ALL of her books. They're great!
 

Book Review: Wiener Wolf

Author/Illustrator: Jeff Crosby

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Wiener dog has a cushy life - an arm lap, plenty of chew toys and treats, and all the TV he can watch. But there's something missing. And Wiener Dog must strike out on his own to find it. Even if it means shedding his cozy sweater. Even if it means leaving Granny behind. But is being a lone Wiener Wolf all it's cracked up to be?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I saw this book last week at Barnes and Noble and when I went out to the parking lot I KNEW I needed it. You see I am always telling (preaching) to our students the importance of finding a friend you can be your self around. The type of friend where you don't have to change who you are or throw out your values. You know it's the right friend fit when you feel good about how you're acting and feeling. Enter WIENER WOLF!!!!!

Oh gosh, I loved this story. Wiener dog wants to run with the wolves and become their buddies. But he comes to realize it's just not working out trying to be friends with the wild wolves. Their behavior is not a good fit for him. He has to be true to himself and go back home. This is the part of the story where I always like to ask the kids, "Have you ever had that feeling? Like something doesn't feel right in your heart? That you are going against what you know is right?" Wiener Wolf is going to help me deliver this message. Friendship is a yearlong journey for kids so I am always sneaking in great books to help be a support.  

Wiener dog meets the wolves......



Wiener dog goes home and meets friends who are more his fit......

So obviously I went back and purchased Wiener Wolf. I love adding NEW ones to my shelf for the fall. The students will love the story and message in this one. It's simple and the illustrations are so well done the kids are not going to want me to turn the pages too fast. Also, how can you not love a book about a wiener dog!?

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Book Review: Willoughby and The Lion

Author/Illustrator: Greg Foley
Interest Level: Ages 6-8

From the Book Jacket: This is the story of Willoughby, whose new house feels too small and very lonely. It's also the story of an enchanted lion and spectacular wishes come true: of roller coasters, and fast, fast shoes, and enormous crowds of people. But most of all, it's the story of one important question: What is the most wonderful thing of all?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A teacher at my school shared this really special story with me. Willoughby is a lonely boy who meets a lion who is able to grant him wishes....so he starts wishing for material things which are all granted. I know....you are already loving this book since we are surrounded by material mania. And how many times have you gone out shopping to fill a void? Guilty. Sharing this message with kids is a must...the internal vs external needs. In the end the boy is faced with a decision where he must choose between the two. If we choose the external stuff then we miss out on the really important things in life. I really enjoyed explaining this and giving real life examples to kids. What's really more important? A toy? Or how we make each other feel and what we can do to help one another? You'll love this book. I'd love to see more with this message.


PS. Make sure to ask the kids to guess what they think the gold coin says in the end of the story.


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Book Review: Big Wolf and LIttle Wolf: Such A Beautiful Orange

Author: Nadine Brun-Cosme
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books

From the Book Jacket: Visually stunning, this third Big Wolf and Little Wolf title involves an orange, a disappearing Little Wolf, and a Big Wolf who wants nothing more than to find his buddy. 

The final title in the acclaimed Big Wolf and Little Wolf series, Big Wolf and Little Wolf, Such A Beautiful Orange! brings the wolves full circle, and then some. Here, as in the first book, Little Wolf disappears, but this time big Wolf doesn't swallow his sorrow and simply hope for him to return. Rather, he sets out to look for Little Wolf and in the process Big Wolf journeys through an alien jungle and comes to realize just how much he loves HIS Little Wolf. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This series is all heart. Here are a few beautiful lines from the book....

As he went on, Big Wolf felt as though he was plunging further into darkness. Gathering up all his strength he howled as no wolf had ever howled before, because no wolf had ever loved a little wolf as much.  

Some friendships are just meant to be. So take care of that friendship, cherish it, and hold it dear. This was my message to the students through the eyes and hearts of these two wolves. The whole series reminds me of the test of friendship and how important it is to do our best for each other. These sweet friends are very endearing and HIGHLY loved by kids. I can't talk enough about friendship as a school counselor - the kids just soak these lessons up thanks to the perfect book. Kinda hoping there is a fourth one!


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Book Review: Noni Says No

Author: Heather Hartt-Sussman
Illustrated by Genevieve Cote
Publisher: Tundra Books
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Noni can do all sorts of things: tie her own shoelaces, recite the alphabet backwards, even walk to her friend Susie's house all by herself. But what Noni can't do is say no. When she finally finds her voice, the consequences are not what she - or the reader - expects. Many children will root for Noni as she learns that you can stand up for yourself and still be a good friend.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Lots of kids put up with bad behavior in their friendships because they are afraid if they say "no" they will hurt the other person's feelings and lose them as a friend. As we read, a student pointed out, "Well, if they don't want to be your friend anymore because of that - they weren't your true friend in the first place." Ahhh....music to my ears!

Noni can't say no to Susie because she fears there will be a confrontation or maybe it will end the friendship. Susie on the other hand has no problem saying no. In fact, maybe she needs to learn to be a little more balanced and say yes. It even gets to the point where Noni allows Susie to cut off all of her hair! I kind of appreciated the extreme example. If you don't say no, you can be putting yourself in an awful situation. But Noni finally reaches her limit and has to say no. Before I turned the page to show Susie's reaction we talked about how a good friend should respond when they are told no. So do Noni's fears come true? No, they don't. Susie simply says, "Okay." Just like a good friend should.

This will be in my personal home library as well as at school. It's important to me to raise a kind child, but I worry that in the process some kids can become pushovers. A well balanced child should be empowered to say yes and no in social situations.

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

Book Review: You're Mean, Lily Jean!

Author: Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Publisher: Albert Whitman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: When Lily Jean moves in next door, sisters Carly and Sandy are happy to have a new friend join their game. But Lily Jean changes everything. She decides they'll play house and orders Carly to be the baby. When they play king and queen, King Lily Jean tells Carly to be the royal dog! Tired of being bossed around, Carly comes up with a way to teach Lily Jean a lesson. With Sandy's help, can she turn a bully into a friend?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Well, my 2011 favorites list just grew again! I am very passionate about the name of my blog because of books just like this one. I spend hours hunting for the ones with teachable moments that help children learn important social skills. Every K-3 class I read this to benefited in their friendships, sibling relationships, and helped curb bullying behavior.

There is a whole lot of bossing around going on in the story. Lily Jean is on a power trip and her behavior got a ton of disapproval from students. Carly is picked on because she is the little sister and Lily Jean wants to have Sandy all to herself. But what blessed my heart was how sweet and caring big sister Sandy is to Carly. She sticks up for her. It was a great stopping point to talk about how we need to look out for our siblings and make sure they are being treated with kindness. Carly sticks up for herself too and lets Lily Jean know she can hang with her and Sandy if she is nice. That's their friendship rule for Lily Jean. Stop being bossy and start being nice or go play alone. Lots of kids need to hear this truth. It's okay to say NO to bad behavior. Looking forward to reading this one to my own kiddo.  


Pictures of the inside of this book will be posted tomorrow. Technical difficulties are preventing the pictures from popping up in the blog post,

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