Book Review: Thank You, World

Thank You, World
Author: Alice B. McGinty
Illustrator: Wendy Anderson Halperin
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: The joys of childhood are the same the whole world over. In this compelling book of celebratory rhyme and glowing pictures, eight very different kids, from eight different countries, all go about their day and experience the same moments of happiness: greeting the sun in the morning, swinging, on a swing, flying a kite, being tucked in by Mommy at bedtime. Uplifting and visually rich, this book reminds us that the world isn't as large as it seems, and that life's greatest pleasure are the simple ones.

A Library Find.......
Was at the library yesterday with my daughter and as we were leaving I spotted this beautiful book called Thank You, World......of course I had to stop and take a peek. I about teared up as I read! This is just the kind of book I'd like to start reading before bed with my girl. It's about being thankful and at the end of our day - that's what really counts. Falling asleep with gratitude in your heart - yep!
 
A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

 

Book Review: The Thankful Book

Author: Todd Parr
Interest Level: Kindergarten and Up

A Note From the Publisher: 
I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance.
I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play.
I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved.
 
The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments. The perfect book to treasure and share, around the holidays and throughout the year. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Best book to read to kids during Thanksgiving week ever!! First page of the book starts out: Every day I try to think about the things I am thankful for. Totally love that. It's a classic Todd Parr book with just the right amount of humor and goodness. If kids need help brainstorming what they are thankful for - grab this off your shelf and start reading! 

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my lovely little blog.

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Book Review: The Secret of Saying Thanks

Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrated by Greg Shed
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

About This Book: With a gentle, assured tone and graceful phrasing, Wood shares a life lesson sure to inspire: that true happiness lies in giving thanks and appreciating all there is to be thankful for. Addressing readers directly, the author suggests that everyone learns this secret in their own way and own time. "Maybe you'll first find the secret/ in your own home/ sitting around a table with people you love..."; "You might discover the secret at dawn,/ a morning like all other mornings." In this same fashion he creates a descriptive catalogue of many of the simple gifts to be treasured, from a warm hand to hold, to a cool breeze or singing bird. The spiritual notes rung here, and a brief mention of "your bedtime prayer," should prove applicable to a broad readership of many faith traditions. Shed's airy oil paintings depict a girl and her dog exploring and experiencing their outdoor surroundings on a sunny spring day in the country. The skillful play of light and shadow in his work adds depth to the soft-edged portraits. -Publishers Weekly

Why It's On My Bookshelf: After I had taken my first Yoga Calm class, I wanted to find a book to help students find their own inner calm and have positive thinking. Somehow I stumbled upon The Secret of Saying Thanks and I'm so glad I bumped into it. 

Read this little excerpt:

"The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, 

for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time. 

The more we say thanks, the more we find to be thankful for. 

And the more we find to be thankful for, the happier we become."  

Wow! Aren't those the types of words and thoughts we want filling our kids minds throughout the school day!?! It is so APPARENT to me when their minds are filled with goodness you see the results during their day. I see more smiles, cooperation, and kindness.

I sort of winged an activity and asked students to find a comfortable resting spot. I used the Hoberman Sphere to help students find their breathing. Introducing the concept of gratitude before I read also helped kids focus their thoughts on being thankful. I just knew if I had everyone in front of me sitting "criss cross apple sauce", I would lose them. When we re-gathered to talk about gratitude - there was a really good calm energy in the air. Words revolved around who and what they were thankful for. And they weren't thankful for material stuff, their gratitude was aimed at what really matters in life, each other. If you are looking for a book to help kids meditate, relax, and have positive thinking - try this one. I absolutely love The Secret of Saying Thanks.

Book Review: Milo Armadillo

Author: Jan Fearnley
Interest Level:  Ages 4-8

About This Book: All Tallulah wants is a pink fluffy rabbit - just like the ones her friends have. So for her birthday, Grandma knits her a pink fluffy...armadillo. Oops. 

Even though Milo Armadillo is athletic, talented, good at listening, and great for going on adventures with, Tallulah wishes Grandma had made her a rabbit instead. Milo tries hard to please Tallulah, but he finally accepts that, no matter what, he won't ever be the pink fluffy rabbit she wants. Maybe, he thinks, it would be better if he left...

Will Tallulah realize that she already has the perfect pink friend? Or will her friendship with Milo unravel before she's given him a chance? In this endearing picture book about learning to love things for what they are, author-illustrator Jan Fearnley knits a sweet story of an unlikely but utterly perfect friend. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Milo Armadillo, I heart you. Thank you for teaching kids about acceptance, seeking approval, friendship, rejection, putdowns, being grateful, and appreciation. Phew! Are you picking up what I'm putting down? Lots of teachable moments in this one! I've really focused on the rejection theme in this book with students. Milo Armadillo has helped kids understand the hurt it causes. Milo was knitted special for Tallulah. Her attitude towards him makes him feel anything but special. Towards the end of the story he wants to unravel himself - he does not want to exist anymore. Very sad! During this part of the story, there was a mix of compassion, sadness, empathy, and care from students. They saw the pain rejection causes and they didn't like it. Luckily, Tallulah gets a second chance. In the real world, not everyone does. Milo Armadillo will encourage kids to remember to treasure one another. Such a great story!