The Traveling Book Goes to School: A Little Free Library Book
Written by Charissa Bates
Illustrated by Nadja Bullis
Personally, I love little free libraries and was delighted to find this book!
Twisty is one of the books included in one of these new libraries. The house is unveiled at a local school. Soon the children are choosing books. One of these, named Twisty, gets its pages torn by a careless student. Twisty is afraid of not being chosen.
But soon Twisty is making the rounds of eager readers. Still, the book remains apprehensive of chances to continue his travels. Where will Twisty end up?
This book conveys many valuable messages. Each person is important just as each book contains valuable ideas. It teaches children this message as well as the need to take care of our belongings. The book also shows how teachers carefully transmit knowledge through these shared books.
I hope readers will take advantage of little free libraries in their communities and encourage our children to do the same.
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Theodore is a sloth born with two toes instead of three. That is not the most unusual characteristic of the protagonist in this charming, rhyming picture book.
Theodore has a dream. He wants to be the fastest and a racing champion. Unfortunately, speed is not valued by his fellow sloths. No one wants to race. When he finally finds a racing partner, he feels cheated.
All that changes one day, when he finally meets a sloth who shares his need for speed. Theodore learns about the importance of proper physical training to success. This is one of the messages of the book which celebrates the importance of individuality and being true to oneself as well as the necessity of good preparation for success.
I especially enjoyed the author including facts about sloths, the animal kingdom, and a glossary to tackle unfamiliar words.
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This is the first in a series of articles dedicated to helping parents raise happy, confident and successful children.
5 tips to help tweens and teens resist peer pressure.
Talking to children about resisting peer pressure is crucial for helping them develop strong self-esteem and decision-making skills. Here are five tips that can guide parents in these important conversations:
1.Foster Open Communication:
Create an environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences with you. Start conversations about their day, their friends, and any concerns they have. Encourage them to express themselves freely without fear of judgment. This open line of communication can make it easier for them to come to you when they’re facing peer pressure.
2.Role-Play Scenarios:
Help your child prepare for potential peer pressure situations through role-playing. Discuss different scenarios they might encounter, such as being offered drugs, being encouraged to skip class, or facing pressure to bully someone. Practice how they can respond assertively. For example, they can learn to say “No, thanks, I’m not interested” or “I’d rather not do that, let’s do something else instead.” This rehearsal can make them feel more confident in real situations.
3.Discuss the Importance of Individuality:
Emphasize the value of being true to oneself. Talk about the importance of having personal values and sticking to them, even when it’s hard. Share stories of people, possibly even from your own life, who stood up for what they believed in. Highlight how respecting their own feelings and thoughts above others’ expectations is a sign of strength and maturity.
4.Teach Critical Thinking Skills:
Encourage your child to think critically about the motives behind peer pressure and the potential consequences of giving in. Ask them questions like, “Why do you think they’re pressuring you to do this?” and “What could happen if you follow along?” This can help them assess situations more effectively and make decisions that are in their best interest.
5.Build Their Self-Esteem:
Children with high self-esteem are more likely to resist peer pressure because they value their own opinions over fitting in with the crowd. Celebrate their achievements, encourage their interests, and support them through challenges. Make sure they know they’re loved and valued for who they are, not for conforming to what others think they should be.
Remember, resisting peer pressure is a skill that needs to be nurtured over time. By using these tips, you can equip your child with the tools they need to stand up for themselves and make choices that are right for them.
Bobby and His Hobby: Elephant kids book. children book on empathy and kindness in the kindergarten for ages 3-6
Written by Sholmo Goldman
Illustrated by Tanja Russita
Bobby, the Elephant, has a nasty hobby. He likes to call all his classmates nicknames that are not too flattering.
One day, a huge elephant comes to visit the class. Bobby promptly calls his friend, Reggie, a scaredy-cat. The other students finally realize they can no longer put up with Bobby’s insensitivity. Will Bobby give up his hobby?
The rhyming book is a fun read-aloud with an important message about bullying and empathy. Recommended for readers ages three through six.
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Ella doesn’t leave the house without her favorite stuffed, toy, a bunny named Lola. They have shared many adventures. One day, after riding on a bus, Lola gets separated from Ella.
As the story evolves, readers experience the emotions seen from each of their perspectives. Will the best buddies be reunited? Read the beautifully illustrated watercolor picture book for primary grade readers to find out the lessons each learned.
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Tomorrow’s Trailblazer: A Story of Change and Growth (Trailblazers)
Written by Carolyn Watkins
Illustrated by Remesh Ram
Charlotte is intrigued when she finds her mom reading so many books! Her mother explains that she is returning to school to become a veterinarian.
At first, Charlotte worries, but her mother assures her that she will still be a “mom.” Change can be a good thing as our brain continues to expand and grow. Charlotte is excited to share her news with classmates.
Mother and child learn that it is okay to be unsure when trying out new things, but the reward is well worth the effort. This expressive, multicultural picture book encourages preschool and elementary readers to push the boundaries and explore new passions. Recommended especially for ages three through six.
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This book is the second in the Save the Earth series.
The picture book targets children in the early elementary grades. It centers around the plight of a polar bear named Nanu. He is hungry because the Arctic is warming and many of his food sources have become scarce.
Nanu meets a Beluga whale named Toklo who introduces him to Ahnah who lives in a local village. They join together to employ conservation measures to conserve energy and increase food resources.
A good introduction to the subject of climate change and conservation for young children.
Santa Claus and YOU!: A Heartwarming Christmas Rhyming Book For Children (Mark Watson Children’s Books)
Written by Mark Watson
A modern version rhyming picture book of Santa’s Christmas eve journey.
Watson has captured the charm of the night before Christmas and combined it with modern elements like GPS and elves on jet packs assisting Santa with his deliveries.
The author uses second person to transform the story into an interactive, personal experience. The little boy who narrates brings the reader into the story as an adventurous time traveler. Illustrations are colorful and expressive; rhymes are crisp and fun to read aloud.
Recommended as a holiday treat for children ages four through eight.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Felix and Harry, two best friends, are super excited to go away for the summer to Camp Horizon, a sleepaway camp in the woods of New Hampshire. There, they can bike, hike, and ride canoes on Lake Omigosh. But something mysterious lurks in the depths of the lake.
For many years, people have claimed to have spotted a mysterious creature drifting on the surface of Lake Omigosh. One day, when Felix and Harry decide to go canoeing, a bad storm arrives, putting the two in real danger. Who will come to their rescue when their canoe flips over and the boys are left stranded in the middle of the lake? Fuel your imagination with Adventures at Lake Omigosh.
Having worked as an investment banker in the municipal securities industry for decades, Scott Sollers created this and other nighttime stories for his daughter, Stephanie, when she was a youngster. Originally, he handwrote and illustrated these stories and finally had the inspiration to get them published. Scott still works, is an avid golfer, and leads a not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children. He currently resides in San Mateo, California, with his cat, Charlie.
DANGER AFOOT Adventures at Lake Omigosh Written by Scott Sollers Illustrated by Brian Janky
Felix and Harry look forward to fun and adventure at summer camp every year when they visit Lake Omigosh in New Hampshire. How did it get such a strange name? For years, people have reported a strange creature resembling a large turtle swimming on the lake. Blurting out, Oh my gosh! Became a common reaction. The lake became associated with the name.
When Harry and Felix decide to take a rowboat out on the lake during their free time, they ignore one of the cardinal rules, to take lifejackets aboard. When an unexpected storm arises, they tumble out into the waters. Will they survive? Enter the strange legend. Read this beautifully illustrated multicultural picture book to find out.
Recommended as a bedtime story or read aloud for adventure story enthusiasts ages four through eight.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a hardcover copy of Adventures at Lake Omigosh and a notebook.
How to Train Your Amygdala Written by Anna Housley Juster Illustrated by Cynthia Cliff
Most kids have never heard of the Amygdala, but it plays a vital role in keeping them safe. The author uses creative imagery to explain in simple language how it works. Sometimes worrying about what might happen can make the Amygdala work overtime so it is important to train it not to set off false alarms.
Juster provides children with strategies and techniques to relax and remain calm. Examples include deep breathing, relaxing, and connecting with favorite people. The interactive part of this book provides step by step directions for children and an accompanying guide for adults working with children.
Kudos to the author for writing this guide in simple, easily understandable language with large text and appealing illustrations. Recommended for children from preschool through primary grades and the caretakers who love and support them.
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January 5, 2025
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