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: Leave Me Alone

Author: Kes Gray
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
Interest Level: K -3

A Note From the Publisher: A little boy is feeling sad because every day he has to face a bully. But this story’s little boy also has friends. A frog, a cat, a rabbit, a cow, and other animal friends insist on helping him, even after he tells them: “There’s nothing you can do for me/ There’s nothing you can say.” Fortunately, he is mistaken, because the next time the bully approaches, they all join with him and shout, “LEAVE HIM ALONE!” And it works! The bully turns around and goes away. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Originally I saw this book posted on Pinterest and thought how did I miss this book? This might seem like a really quick read but there is a lot of power behind the story. It empowers the victim and the bystanders when a mean situation is going down. I think a lot of kids will relate to the feeling of being powerless. Hate having to write that but it's true. There are some kids in my school who just "put up with it." But I have a whole lot of kids who are witnessing it and can PROTECT that child. In the story, there are animals who represent the bystanders. I'm thinking I'll have fun with this book and bring in LOTS of stuffed animals for kids to use in role plays.

Side Note: I loaned this book to another school counselor in my district and she mentioned to me how much she loves the book. Love that feedback.

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Books About Alzheimer's

I have discovered two absolutely fabulous books explaining Alzheimer's in a very empathetic way to children. The books are not only educational but they are so full of heart. If Alzheimer's is impacting your family and your kids are confused as to what is happening to a family member - especially a grandparent, these are two books I highly recommend. As I finished reading both of these - I could immediately FEEL how comforting they will be for children trying to understand a very complicated and frustrating disease.

Grandpa's Music - A Story About Alzheimer's
Author: Alison Acheson
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Interest Level: Grades 1 and Up

Summary: Grandpa takes care of the garden, kneads bread, and makes music on the piano.  Everyone in Callie's family helps out around the house, now that Grandpa, who has Alzheimer's, lives with them.  The family becomes Grandpa's "home team," and Callie loves spending time with them. 

As months go by, Grandpa forgets more, and he can't do as much as he could before.  But he can still make music - his fingers remember the notes on the piano.  And when he can't recall the words to a favorite old song, Callie helps him come up with new things that they can sing about together. 

Alison Acheson's thoughtful storytelling and Bill Farnsworth's touching paintings portray a family that learns to adapt to the challenges of Alzheimer's disease while making the very best of their time together.

The Memory Box
Author: Mary Bahr
Illustrator: David Cunningham
Interest Level: Grades 1 and Up

Book Summary: Zach is excited - three weeks of fishing Gramp's lake and eating Gram's cooking. Their first day together is so good, Gramps call it a "Memory Box" day. But Zach isn't prepared, for the story about the memory box. It's a box to save the memories forever; and it's especially for Gramps because he has Alzheimer's disease. The three of them spend their days together filling the box, with new memories and old. And all three support each other, building strength to handle whatever comes. 


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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: Little Sweet Potato

Author: Amy Beth Bloom
Illustrated by Noah Z Jones
Interest Level: K and Up

From the Book Jacket: When Little Sweet Potato gets knocked out of his garden patch, he is forced to search for a new home. He stumbles upon some very mean and silly plants on his journey, and wonders if maybe he is too lumpy and bumpy to fit in anywhere. Will Little Sweet Potato ever find the perfect home?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I absolutely adore Little Sweet Potato! Author Amy Beth Bloom has written a GEM. The story encourages children to not judge or reject one another based on what's on the outside but to accept everyone because of their special uniqueness. Everyone has a place in their school. I still see some kids who feel like outsiders. Lets remind kids to treat each other with respect and appreciation. If you are looking for a story about acceptance, tolerance, diversity, differences, bullying, kindness....it's all here!

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Book Review: Freda Stops a Bully

Author/Illustrator: Stuart J Murphy
Book Website: I See I Learn
Interest Level: K-2

From the Book Jacket: Freda loves her new pink shoes. But when she wears them, a boy at school teases her. What can Freda do to make the bully stop?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: We are really trying to steer kids away from running straight to an adult when they are dealing with a put down. Instead we want them to first try and handle it themselves if it falls under the category of small stuff. We do a lot of teaching about the difference between a small and big problem. Freda Stops a Bully offers some great strategies for kids to shutdown the beginnings of a bully problem on their own. This book is DEFINITELY going to be a great tool to empower our kindergarten through second grade students. Check out the problem solving steps below. 

 

  

 

Check out the rest of the I See I Learn series HERE

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Book Review: Following Grandfather

Author: Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Christopher Denise
Interest Level: Ages 8 and Up
Chapter Book with illustrations

From the Book Jacket: When Jenny was little, Grandfather taught her how to button her buttons and how to write J  for her name. When she was a little older, Grandfather took her to try on the expensive dresses at the stylish Mouse Boutique, hidden deep in the ductwork of the Jordan Marsh department store. And during long summer afternoons at Revere Beach, Grandfather taught Jenny the names of seashells. 

But one day Grandfather was gone. Every mouse in Boston, including Jenny, went to his funeral high in the belfry of the cathedral. So how can it be that Jenny begins to spot Grandfather about town - turning a corner, sitting on a park bench? Could it really be that Grandfather is still out there somewhere, roaming the city he loved? Jenny can't help but run after the familiar silver whiskers, hoping...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: What a special find. So many children who have lost a grandparent will benefit from reading this book. Sometimes in my own life I will see something or even smell something that reminds me of my grandma. It makes me smile and is a reminder of how much I miss her. I have to admit this book even got me a little teary. Remembering a grandparent can make a child sad but also brings up all the wonderful happy times. Be prepared for lots of share outs and discussion. What an honor to read such a touching and healing story to children. I have a feeling this will be a heavily checked out book from my shelf.

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