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: Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

Author: Christianne Jones
Illustrated by Richard Watson
Interest Level: K-3

About This Book: Lacey Walker loves to talk. She talks all day, and sometimes all night. But when she loses her voice, Lacey learns the importance of listening.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Even though the school year is wrapping up, I am already plotting and planning my lessons for the fall. I've got my great standby books ready to go but I also just got some new ones to teach beginning of the year school skills. Lacy Walker, Nonstop Talker (the title rocks) is going to be one of my new heavy hitters for teaching listening. We have some major nonstop talkers (can't wait to introduce those two words!) in some of our classrooms. I know you understand exactly what I am talking about. The kids who just won't stop the chatter. 

This is a unique story about listening because Lacey loses her voice. She realizes all her nonstop talking causes her to miss out on well....everything. Her silence forces her to be a listener. And what do you know....lots of positive stuff happens. Great lesson in this one. Can't wait for our chatter boxes to LISTEN to this book.

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Book Review: The Worst Day of My Life Ever! My Story About Listening and Following Instructions (...or not!)

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrated by Kelsey De Weerd
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Book Website: www.juliacookonline.com 

Publisher: Boys Town Press
Additional Resources: The Worst Day of My Life EVER! Activity Guide for Teachers; Poster Set

 

From the Book Jacket: RJ has had a rough day...he wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses recess because he's late to school, earns a zero on his math homework, kicks the ball into his own team's soccer goal, and messes up Mom's kitchen with his overflowing pancake batter! With his mother's help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn't listen or pay attention to directions from her, his school principal, teachers, or even his friends.

This book is the first in the BEST ME I Can BE! series to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful. Tips for parents and educators on how to reinforce the skills are included.

Children can also listen to the author's entertaining rendition of RJ's story on the accompanying CD. One track features the text only while a second track includes cues on when to turn the page for youngsters just learning to read.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: All of author Julia Cook's books are STAPLES in my academic skills curriculum. There's a very simple reason I re-read them over and over every year -  they WORK. The best way I know how to help kids overcome academic deficits is to practice these weaknesses. What better way to introduce skills then through an engaging story of a character going through the same struggle.

Some kids have no problem following directions, but other kids like RJ come to school everyday with the best intentions and leave feeling down on themselves. That really breaks my heart. As an educator it's my job to help those students find success. The whole reason I started this blog is because I am finding that success through books. If we want kids to follow directions - lets teach them in a loving and supportive way. 

I've already been using The Worst Day of My Life Ever! to do some re-teaching around following teacher instructions. It's going to make a WORLD of difference when we come back after summer break too. Can't wait to kick off some role plays around following directions with the reinforcement of Julia Cook's latest genius.

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Book Review: The LOUD Book

Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Renata Liwska 
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children 
Companion to the The Quiet Book 


From the Book Jacket: BANG! CRACKLE! BOO! Just as there are different kinds of quiet, there are also different kinds of loud: Good louds (HOORAY!). And bad louds (CRASH!). And accidental louds that make you the center of attention (BURP!). The Loud Book presents all of these kid-friendly noises in a way that is sure to make readers CHEER!  

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Don't you love it when you are a fan of an awesome book and then the author decides to do a cool companion to it!? I started to use The Quiet Book this year with my K-1 students to help support that concept in the classroom. A cute adorable read is always a nice way to help introduce the need for shhhhhh sometimes. But we aren't always required to be hush hush in school so I was so excited to see The Loud Book at my local bookstore. Another creative resource to add to my classroom management lessons! It can be pretty darn boring to hear your teacher instruct you on different voice levels - but not when you have two delightful books to help bring the message home.
 
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Book Review: It's Hard To Be A Verb!

Author: Julia Cook
illustrated by Carrie Hartman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Being a verb is hard...especially for Louis, who can't seem to control himself when he gets the urge to move at the wrong time and situation. Louis' mom comes to the rescue by teaching him techniques to help keep his inner itching, twitching and jumping to be a verb in check. A positive resource for anyone dealing with ADHD or challenged by someone who has ADHD.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I recently attended a parent/teacher conference for a little boy who is really struggling keeping his body focused. We definitely don't expect students to sit perfectly still during the school day. But this poor kiddo's body needs so much movement that it's getting in the way of his learning. This is when we step in and help those kids figure out how to redirect body energy so they can learn like everybody else. I immediately thought of the book It's Hard To Be A Verb. It is such a helpful and empowering resource.

Lots of things I like about this book. The use of the word verb is a perfect way to describe what's going on with Louis. It's sort of a nice and neutral way to explain ADHD symptoms without having to put a label on someone. The first part of the story explains how hard it is for Louis to be in control and someone is constantly on his case because of it. Kids who have these same challenges can absolutely relate to his struggle. But one day mom offers up some solutions. She shows him how to wiggle his wiggles, use a focus squishy, and makes a daily check list. Um, LOVE IT! This makes it easier to introduce my interventions. Also, dad makes a few comments about their strategies being strange. I like that author Julia Cook put this in the book. This is smart. Because it gives me a chance to rebuff that kind of thinking.

I'm so thankful to have a story like It's Hard To Be A Verb to sort of break the ice on what can be a tough topic to talk with kids about. I don't want them to feel put-down by their wiggles. Being a verb is tough! But there are ways to redirect those wiggles. Favorite part is the last page when mom shows her acceptance and appreciation of who Louis is....a wonderful verb.  


By the way: This isn't a book I read to a whole class. I use it in small group or individual. Also, I don't have the activity book yet but definitely plan on buying it. Check out the amazing author Julia Cook's website for even more amazing titles.  

Book Review: Some good ones on NOISE vs quiet

I love it when I find books on self-control, awareness, and being a social thinker. My school uses the Daily 5 model for literacy. Often times I will walk by a classroom and notice the silence (I refer to this as the groove of learning). Students are using a skill called Read to Self. This requires everyone to be quiet and respectful of others while they independently read. So anytime I can find a book to support this learning behavior, I read it to the kids. Of course I can't forget some of my other favorites like My Mouth is a Volcano, Interrupting Chicken, and Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen. Enjoy these new finds.....(I added in a popular board book for the littles).

Read to Tiger
Author: S.J. Fore
illustrated by R.W. Alley
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: A quiet evening, a cozy couch, and a favorite book - what more could a little boy need for a pleasant evening at home. Until... Grrrr! Choo Choo Choo! Hi-Yaaaa! Tooooot! ...how can anyone enjoy his book when there's an energetic, imaginative tiger behind the couch, just begging for attention? It starts to seem like there's no way a playful tiger who wants company and a little boy who just wants to read his book in peace can both be happy - until they discover a solution that will delight the heart of any book lover. 

By the way: Tiger refers to himself in the 3rd person which I didn't really care for - so I just changed it to 1st person. I also gave Tiger some more dialogue that included words like respect. A first grade teacher also read this to her class and used a tiny little stuffed tiger as a visual. Learning props rule!

The Quiet Book
Author: Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Renata Liwska
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: There are many kinds of quiet. Quiet can be delicate. Quiet can be thundering! Quiet can be sweet and cozy, and can most definitely help you fall asleep. This gentle picture book explores all the different quiets that can fill a child's day from morning to night.

Author Quote: The idea for this book came to me when I was waiting for a classical guitar concert to start. I noticed the expectant silence right before the guitarist started playing, and that made me think of other quiets. And yes, "before the concert starts quiet" made it into the book! 

Crash Bang Donkey!
Author: Jill Newton
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Description: Things are quiet at Peaceful Farm...until Donkey shows up! First he makes a racket with his great big drum and tootling trumpet. Farmer Gruff, of course, isn't pleased at all. But one day, everyone realizes that just as there's a time to be quiet, there's a time to be noisy, too!

Quiet LOUD  (Board Book)
Author: Leslie Patricelli
Interest Level: For the Littles

Description: Sniffles are quiet, but sneezes are loud. Amiably illustrated in a bright, graphic style, Leslie Patricelli’s spirited board book, QUIET LOUD, stars an obliging, bald, and very expressive toddler who acts out each pair of opposites with comically dramatic effect. Whether you read it quietly or loudly, learning about opposites has never been more fun - or funny - than with this winning board book.

Book Review: Interrupting Chicken

Author: David Ezra Stein
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: It's bedtime for the little red chicken, and Papa is going to read her a story. "You're not going to interrupt the story tonight, are you?" asks Papa. "Oh no, Papa. I'll be good," says the little red chicken. But she just can't help herself! Whether it's Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, or Chicken Little, as soon as the story gets going...out jumps the little red chicken - right into the story - saving the characters from danger and ending the story early. Will that chicken ever get to sleep?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Okay, I'm going to politely interrupt my schedule of reviews because I cannot contain my excitement over this new find. I was cruising through the bookstore not even planning on going in the children's section, but of course I could not help myself. And boy am I glad I cruised over there! Interrupting Chicken is my new social skills go to for listening, waiting your turn to talk, and learning to raise your hand. It's really difficult to find GOOD books teaching kids to be socially alert of their impulsive need to interrupt. This one is going to be a BLAST to read to kids. There are always going to be students who blurt out their words or decide to have a conversation while you're talking. Most kids interrupt because they haven't had proper guidance on how to be social thinkers. Interrupting Chicken will help students be better listeners and figure out when it's the appropriate time to use their words. It is an obvious addition to my toolbox. Plus it's cute, adorable, and funny.


Here's a cute highlight Videoof Interrupting Chicken. 

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Book Review: My Mouth is A Volcano Activity and Idea Book

Author: Julia Cook
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: The perfect companion to My Mouth Is A Volcano!, this supplementary teacher's guide will further help you teach your students how to manage their rambunctious thoughts and words. Through discussion questions and exercises to share with students, you'll be able to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: All of the students in my school know and ADORE My Mouth Is A Volcano!. It's seriously the bees knees. If you are an educator and tired of saying, "1 2 3....eyes on me!!" then you need to get a copy of this book. I've owned this title for a few years and been reading it to K-3 grades habitually. Self-awareness light bulbs go off as students learn how Louis gets his bad habit of interrupting everyone in his path under control. When I'm reading a book about school skills and notice how much it positively builds the kids up and they actually change their behavior (yes it can be done), I know I've got a winner on my hands.

Although I've been reading this book for a few years, I didn't exactly have the greatest activities put together to continue the lesson after we finished reading. We usually did some fun and engaging role plays about raising our hands but I needed more critical thinking activities. Enter My Mouth is A Volcano Activity and Idea Book! It has been an awesome resource in small and large group settings. It's all about visuals, art, and writing extension activities. Some of my favorites from the activity book: Button Up: A cool activity to teach kids to "Speak With Good Purpose;" Puzzle Erupt: It puts the students in a frustrating situation where they are interrupted; and I also love the writing extensions (those also helped me with my discussion when I was reading the book). Each lesson I've used has been a hit. If you are an elementary school counselor running small groups on school skills - make sure you have this as part of your curriculum. Not sure about you - but I've recycled all of my curriculums from the 70's and 80s and am updating them with current resources like this one.


Check out author Julia Cook's website for more of her amazing books.

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Book Review: Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrated by Susan Cornelison
Interest Level: Preschool - Age 7


About This Book: Meet Howard B. Wigglebottom, a curious rabbit who just doesn't listen! This new illustrated book, has been created to help children, ages 4-7, improve their listening skills and pay attention. Educators, parents, and children alike will laugh and learn as Howard B. Wigglebottom learns to listen.

Reviews

"...an excellent teaching tool for children on the importance of good listening habits." -- The National Association of Elementary School Principals

...An excellent teaching tool for a mini lesson on the importance of good listening habits. Thank you. -- Maureen O'Neill, teacher, PS 279 Bronx, New York

...an excellent teaching tool for children on the importance of good listening habits. --The National Association of Elementary School Principals

It is useful to see good listening in a number of different contexts. Congratulations on such a meaningful book. -- Dr. Victoria Barnes, Los Angeles Office of Education

It is useful to see good listening in a number of different contexts. Congratulations on such a meaningful book. --Dr. Victoria Barnes, Los Angeles Office of Education

Very useful; it helps children see the importance of listening and paying attention. -- Ivelisse Portuono, teacher, John Quincy Adams Elementary, Dallas, Texas

Very useful; it helps children see the importance of listening and paying attention. --Ivelisse Portuono, teacher, John Quincy Adams Elementary, Dallas, Texas
 
Why It's On My Bookshelf: It is very difficult to find engaging and fun books that teach school skills. At least that has been my experience. Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen is perfect for preschool - 1st grade. It is an excellent tool to teach listening skills. You can have a lot of fun with this book by using ideas from the author's website We Do Listen. I wish there were more books on the market like this to help teach listening to young children. If you are looking for more ways to teach school skills, get this on your bookshelf.
 
PS. To have even more fun with this book - wear bunny ears. The kids love it.

 

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Book Review: My Mouth Is A Volcano

Author: Julia Cook

illustrated by Carrie Hartman

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

About This Book: Louis always interrupts! All of his thoughts are very important to him and when he has something to say, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, they wiggle and jiggle on his tongue, and press firmly against his teeth, right before he ERUPTS ( or interrupts). His mouth is a volcano! But when others begin to interrupt Louis, he learns how to respectfully wait for his turn to talk.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Because it simply rocks!  Teaching kids to not interrupt is huge. We have many 'chronic blurters' (said with love) at our school. Dr. Laura A Jana, National Trainer for Reach Out and Read says it best, "Finally!...A book that deals with the universal challenge of teaching children the social nuances of polite conversation, not interrupting, and when to stop talking." You will have a lot of fun with this book. It's a gentle and smart way to teach children how to manage their thoughts and words without interrupting. Author's Website

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