Book Review: Being Frank

Author: Donna Earnhardt
Illustrator: Andrea Castellani
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: "Honesty is the best policy." That's Frank's motto. He tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But Frank's overly frank comments tend to annoy his friends, his teachers, and even his mother - and now Frank is honestly unhappy. 

He decides to visit his confidant and pal, Grandpa Ernest, who has a history of frankness himself. A few outrageous hats, a spicy jar of relish, and some grandfatherly wisdom help Frank realize that the truth is best served with more sugar and less pepper.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "I really love the book you just read." This was a comment I received from a teacher after reading Being Frank to her second grade class. When I get good teacher feedback, I know I've got a great one on my shelf. This is a social skills WINNER. Being Frank teaches kids the importance of THINKING before they speak. Your words can either build people up or break them down. Frank had a big impact on our students. I used the metaphor from the book about how our words are either like sugar or pepper. They can leave a person with either a sweet or bitter feeling. This book has breathed new life into some of my social skills lessons. It is a MUST.

A Link to This Book:

 

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 Reviews: New Ones on Impulse Control

The Busy Beaver
Author/Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland
Interest Level: Ages 3-7 

From the Book Jacket: There once was a beaver who was so busy that he didn't always think things through. After finding himself on the wrong side of a falling tree one day, the beaver begins to see the error of his careless ways. He's eager to set things right, but will his friends and neighbors believe he's truly changed behavior?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When working with the littles, I don't know how many times I have heard myself say, "Whoa. I need another book on self-control." The kiddos can never get enough coaching in this area. We've got high standards for students and if you have kids who are challenged with impulse control - it's so important to build positive language with them. This one introduced the words "think things through." We had fun figuring out what that means and how it applies to a kid's life. Just like the old saying 'think before you speak' - we also need to Think Before We Act!

Did you know this book is part of a series? I don't own the other two but they look pretty darn cute with good messages for children.

Making the Moose Out of Life 
A story about learning to live life to the fullest.

Big Bear Hug

A story about the awesome power of a hug!

OH, No, George!
Author/Illustrator: Chris Haughton
Interest Level:  Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: George is a dog with all the best intentions. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake...What will George do? Chris Haughton's fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages - and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book is seriously cute. I haven't developed a huge lesson out of it yet but I've been reading it to K-2 grades. I've brought along my impulsive puppy puppet for discussion. He is a fan favorite. George has some serious self-control issues when his owner leaves the house. It's a fun story and the students got a kick out of it. We also talked about what an, "Oh No" moment is in our lives and how we can be in control of our behavior especially when adults are not looking! So it's also a story about doing the right thing. Love.

A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

Kindergators!!!!!!!!!!

Kindergators: Hands Off, Harry! will be released 

on June 21, 2011! Yippee Skippee!!

Review From Publishers Weekly:

This first book in the Kindergators series, which tackles socialization issues, focuses on a familiar figure: the kid who has personal space issues. Harry pokes, pushes, and tackles; he startles one classmate so badly that the victim spills poster paints all over his new clothes (and to add insult to injury, "Benjamin's cubby outfit didn't fit anymore"). Despite repeated admonitions from the firm yet supportive Miss Harmony, Harry seems like a lost cause--until his peers call an "emergency session" of circle time and devise a clever yet compassionate way to teach Harry how to keep a more civil distance. Wells (the Max and Ruby books) takes her time solving the problem that is Harry, and her approach may initially strike some readers as slow and pedantic. But step-by-step, she builds a sense of drama while showing that she knows kindergarten inside and out. Kids will appreciate her faith in their inventiveness and sense of community--and they'll also enjoy the genial, neatly framed collaged images, which use textured materials to convey the alligators' bumpy skin and vibrant wardrobe. Ages 3–6.

Book Website: www.kindergators.com

I've already pre-ordered my copy! 

Can't wait. I see an alligator puppet in my future. 
My own personal review to come!

A Link to This Book:

Lively Elizabeth! What Happens When You Push

Author: Mara Bergman

Illustrated by Cassia Thomas
Interest Level: Ages 4-7

From the Book Jacket: Lively Elizabeth lives up to her name - in fact, she's a little bit of a handful! She doesn't mean to hurt anyone, but one day at school she finds out that one little push can lead to BIG problems!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Let me set the scene for you: It's recess. Children are playing joyfully. The recess bell rings. The students run towards their line and all of a sudden the joy is GONE. There are some kids crying, some on the ground holding scraped knees, others arguing and pointing at each other, and then I get to come over and sort it all out. 

ME: "What happened guys?" 
ANGRY STUDENT #1: "SHE PUSHED ME!!"
ANGRY STUDENT #2: "NAH AH! HE PUSHED ME!!!" 
ANGRY STUDENT #3: "I WAS HERE FIRST!"
SAD STUDENT #4: on the ground holding elbow and knee crying
ME: (lord help me)

Now granted this does not happen all of the time because we work really hard on having students line up safely - but these are kids - they are not perfect. My saving grace is always a social skills book. I've found a new one, Lively Elizabeth! What Happens When You Push, to help teach self-control and reinforce being safe in school.

Little Miss Lively Elizabeth is not in the same scenario at recess but she does decide to push another boy in class. Which causes a whole domino effect of kids falling into one another. Great illustrations showing cause and effect. 

She experiences the social consequences of kids being upset with her but is forgiven after making an apology for her behavior. Loved the making amends part. Although I've been reading it this Spring, I plan on re-reading it at the beginning of the school year next Fall. It's such a great addition to my library. I'm hoping it will help decrease my "Lord help me" moments at recess.


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

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: Katie Loves the Kittens

Author: John Himmelman
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Katie is just so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can't stop herself from howling "AROOOOOO!" She loves them so much! But Katie's enthusiasm frightens the kittens, and she's sad when they run away from her. Don't they know that she just wants to play?



Why It's On My Bookshelf: Katie Loves the Kittens is delightful, adorable, and even teaches an important social skill - self-control!! I can't even remember how I found this lovely little piece of kid-lit but the first time I read it I couldn't stop giggling! Katie the dog is having the hardest time controlling herself and can't stop howling at the kittens with absolute joy and excitement. The kittens want nothing to do with her and are a bit freaked out by her behavior. I've read this to all of our K-2 grades and the concept of self-control has been so EASY for me to teach thanks to Katie and her impulsive ways. I bring up the word self-control in the middle of the book and I have the kids repeat it. They are total pros now on the concept of controlling oneself and why it's so important. I love the ending to this story. Katie wakes up with the kittens fast asleep and they are snuggled up to her. The picture of her trying to keep it together and not start howling is so cute. I also love how the illustrations show her getting revved up with the wagging of her tail. I ask the kids, "Why isn't Katie howling?" And they say, "Self-control!"

I wanted to add a little more to this post and introduce two puppets I use to help kids master self-control. Meet Impulsive Puppy and Slow Down Snail! (And yes, that is the ghetto fabulous chair in my office) They come to all the K-1 grades with me the first month of school. Impulsive Puppy is my model for not using self-control. I have him bark at me and interrupt my lessons, roll around on the carpet, and bug kids. And then I talk to Impulsive Puppy in front of the kids asking him to please use self-control like Katie. I tell the kids he is learning to be a student and we need to help him by being good models. I don't know why but this mind judo works every time! I see major behavior improvement in kids immediately just by bringing this type of visual to their attention.

Impulsive Puppy

Slow Down Snail is Puppy's buddy and he reinforces the learning behaviors I'm trying to teach. I have to tell you....they are hits. (it also doesn't hurt that I am part dramatic actress) I've got K-1 kids running up to me at recess asking me how Impulsive Puppy's behavior is and if he's getting better. HA HA! I love it. If you want to get these two guys in your puppet collection, just google them.....

Impulsive Puppy and Slow Down Snail

Just got this workbook over the summer......it rocks.

Drawing Together to Develop Self-Control
Author: Marge Eaton Heegaard
For Ages 5-12

This is a new workbook I'm using this year. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! Good stuff for individual, group, or classroom use.




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

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.

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

Book Review: Personal Space Camp With Activity and Idea Book

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrated by Carrie Hartman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Louis is back! And this time, he's learning all about personal space. Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal's office to attend personal space camp. Eager to learn more about lunar landings, space suits, and other cosmic concepts, Louis soon discovers that he has much to learn about personal space right here on earth. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, Personal Space Camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person's physical boundaries. Told from Louis' perspective, this story is a must-have resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

About The Supplementary Guide: This is the perfect companion to Personal Space Camp. This teacher's guide will further help you teach your students how to recognize and respect the personal space zones of others. Through interactive discussion questions and exercises, you'll be able to teach children the concept of personal space and help them realize the value of respecting other's feelings by giving them the "room" they need.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Julia Cook's books are an absolute hit with our students. I was ecstatic when I found Personal Space Camp. I'd already been using My Mouth Is A Volcano to reinforce school skills like raising your hand and waiting your turn to talk. But what about when kids are in each others space during "carpet time" or pushing and shoving in the cafeteria line? These behaviors can make instruction difficult and cause a lot of teacher angst. I don't know how many times I've had to say, "Please, keep your hands to yourself." Personal Space Camp is a life saver book. Angst will be decreased!

Okay, so in defense of the kids - developmentally it's really difficult to sometimes be in control of yourself. Kids need to move and wiggle around. However, they need extra guidance building awareness of themselves and those around them before the wiggling offends another student. When there are 20 some bodies in a classroom - we have to learn to work and live together. And newsflash - negative reinforcement doesn't build awareness - it just makes kiddos feel bad. I use Personal Space Camp as a social awareness teaching tool because it makes kids feel GOOD about themselves. They love learning about the concept of personal space and how it can affect others positively and negatively. Most importantly, the story is engaging and Louis is a VERY likeable character. We also copy Louis and use the same strategies in the book. The kids love being jammed into a hula hoop and reflection gets those light bulbs flashing about personal space. And here is the best part, author Julia Cook wrote a supplementary activity and idea book!! Activities galore! I got my hands on it this spring and started integrating the lessons in small groups. The main reason the guide rocks is because the activities provide cool visuals for the students. Yep, your lessons on personal space just got even MORE engaging! Educators, get this one on your shelf. When teaching classroom routines, make this part of your curriculum. 


Check out author Julia Cook's website for more great reads.

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

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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