7 Days of Books, Day 4 Social Emotional Learning

Welcome Back! The celebration continues today with books that touch on social-emotional learning. 

Given how feelings and experiences can be new and unique for every child navigating our world while growing up, these types of books are invaluable in helping kids understand or cope with different situations. 

Roger Williams Park Zoo, Rhode Island

I hope there is something for everyone on this list of books as we move through a holiday season. Soon we'll be jumping into a new year, which almost seems hard to believe.  But believe, we must. If you're not ready to look that far ahead, then simply believe in this: there are 5 giveaways with this post! Be sure to follow the guidelines for nabbing your entries. Good luck! 

Also, if you missed any of the previous days in this book event, those raffles are still open. Be sure to visit those blog posts and rafflecopters, as well.

From Boys and Girls Club of America "Teaching Kids Kindness through the Holidays and Beyond" https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/2022/December/teaching-kids-kindness-through-the-holidays-and-beyond

Becoming Blue by Ellen Tarlow, illustrated by Julien Chung (Beach Lane Books 2022). 

This very important story is not only about discovering how to be true to oneself, but also about discovering how to celebrate friendship with others and ultimately celebrate the harmony that can be discovered in doing new things together. This new favorite is for all readers.

Brave Like Mom by Monica Acker, illustrated by Paran Kim (Beaming Books 2022). 

In this touching story a young girl learns that she is strong, brave, and fierce, just like her mom who is battling a serious illness. What I most love about this book is that young readers will hear that being strong doesn't mean you can't cry, being brave doesn't mean you can't be scared, and being fierce involves pushing through hard times toward hope of good stuff to come. A wonderful book on so many levels for is a perfect fit for all readers. 

Lulu and Zoey. A Sister Story by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brittany Jackson (Running Press Kids). 

This adorable and heart-warming book explores the relationship between an older and younger sister, who sometimes get along and sometimes don't. Told in rhyme that flows perfectly toward an ending with a twist that will please everyone, I predict this book will be well-read with repeated readings. It's sure to be a favorite with any sister.

A Costume for Charly by C. K. Malone, illustrated by Alejandra Barajas (Beaming Books 2022).  

When a nonbinary child decides to find the perfect costume that speaks to both their male and female sides, persistence and creativity win out in finding a way to dress for the holiday that feels 100% Charly. This meaningful story with a positive message about embracing identity is an important story for building empathy and understanding in young readers at any time of year.

Little Medusa's Hair Do-Lemma by Jennifer Buchet, illustrated by Cassie Chancy (Clear Fork Publishing 2021). 

This adorable and unique picture book finds its heart in a familiar and beloved theme of fitting in. Based on Greek mythology, Little Medusa who is growing into a head topped off with snakes, grows increasing disconcerted about having traditional gorgon hair until she finds a style that works for both worlds - that with her non-gorgon school friends and that with her family. Perfect for providing an example of creative problem-solving.

How to Draw a Happy Cat by Ethan T. Berlin, illustrated by Jimbo Matison (Hippo Park, Astra Publishing 2022). 

Mix a bit of simple instruction on how to draw with prompts on how to keep a cat happy, along with ideas for adventure, . . . and you've got a hit! Sure to boost confidence in drawing and stir discussions of emotions, this book offers a unique combination in engaging a child's interest on multiple levels. 

Quacks Like a Duck by Stephanie Campisi, illustrated by Maria Lebedeva (Familius 2022). 

In this story about fitting in and welcoming others who are new and different, a platypus arrives at a costume party, but dressed as herself. The sleuthing begins to make sense of what appears to be an animal outside the norm until the quirks of all in attendance are celebrated. The hint into evolutionary biology makes this science teacher's heart sing.

Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light by Apryl Stott (Paula Wiseman Books 2020). 

I absolutely love the message of this book on how our own actions can make the world around us more wonderful and accepting. The warmth that emanates from each illustration is captivating and perfectly matches the words that flow from the page.

I'm a Feel O'Saur by Lezlie Evans, illustrated by Kate Chappell (Welbeck Childrens 2021). 

What do you get when you combine dinosaurs with feelings experienced by every child? A winner! Especially when the the book is told in an upbeat kid-friendly rhyme. This reassuring book will connect with any young reader.

Brilliantly Dyslexic by Liz Trudeau (2022). 

This book is a must-have for any classroom and for any kid who is dealing with the struggles of dyslexia. There is so much to love here. From the short biographies of people who have found success while living with dyslexia, to the inspirational quotes, to the insights shared from those on how they felt after learning they had dyslexia, to the wonderful illustrations provided by different illustrators. Hands down, I highly recommend this book for families, libraries, and communities.

And now for the RAFFLE for today's Giveaway Prizes! 

1) A 20-minute Ask-Me-Anything with author Ellen Tarlow

2) A 20-minute Ask-Me-Anything with author Carrie Finison

3) A 20-minute Ask-Me-Anything with author Monica Acker

4) A signed copy of A Costume for Charly, plus a PB query critique package from author C. K. Malone to US address

5) Winner's choice: A copy of Little Medusa's Hair Doo-Lemma to US address PB manuscript/query critique from author Jennifer Buchet

To earn an entry, comment on the blog post below (perhaps on a favorite SEL book)

 

and then enter the rafflecopter here.

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7 Days of Books for Children, Day 6 Family Relationships, Culture, and Traditions

Welcome back to Day 6 with children's books that share stories of Family Relationships, Culture, and Traditions.

In today's list, I see one common thread that rings clear: family relationships are all about creating cherished memories together and caring for one another. Given that this is both a singular and universal experience that all humans hold, it's my hope that sharing these types of stories with young readers plants a seed for mutual understanding and respectful curiosity for what lies at the root of all of our planet's diverse families: Love. 

Believing that we can all recognize similarities in each other, in a sea of numerous traditions and upbringings, is certainly something to be celebrated.

As we ease into Day 6, here is a quote that resonates with me.

    "Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life." - Albert Einstein

    Happy reading, Happy requesting, Happy sharing!

Below you'll find 3 giveaways from authors Valerie Bolling, Helen Wu, and Amanda Esch-Cormier

Together We Ride written by Valerie Bolling, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita (Chronicle Books 2022). 

Once again Valerie Bolling has created another wonderful book that tells a story in sparse, rhyming text, which Kaylani pulls together in joyful illustrations. 

The story in this case is of a bicycle ride that is shared between a father and daughter, and then afterward, with the whole family. The words and pictures work seamlessly together. The simple rhyming text lends itself to building confidence in beginning readers. This book is one that will be enjoyed again and again. 

Tofu Takes Time written by Helen Wu, illustrated by (Yeehoo Press 2022). 

This story offers a tender exploration of a child's and grandmother's special relationship with tofu as they prepare it from scratch together. The impatience and perspective of the child is spot-on, along the patience and love from the grandmother. I was especially drawn to the child-like imaginings and lyrical prose that connected the steps of the recipe with elements of the natural world. 

All in all, this story will satisfy any young reader and spark a curiosity about what might be explored in their own kitchens, as well as those of others.

Wild and Beautiful written by Amanda Esch-Cormier, edited by Sarah Fabiny, illustrated by Naya Kirichenko (Little Adventures Press 2021). 

This tender story reads as a love letter from mother to child as memories are reminisced and hopes for the future are shared. The artwork in this book is absolutely stunning, and the loving and lyrical message rings from the pages like a song. It's a perfectly comforting book to share with a child at anytime of day.

When Lola Visits written by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Aaron Asis (Katherine Tegen Books 2021). 

This story, told through a bounty of similes and metaphors, a young child sets scenes of how she enjoys summer when her Lola visits from the Philippines. Steeped with lyrical language that soaks joy into each activity they share, this book will pull at the heart strings in all readers--young and old alike--and leave them longing to make memories of their own with each other. 

We Wait for the Sun written by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie McCabe, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa (Roaring Brook Press 2021). 

This picture book is based on a story that Dovey Johnson Roundtree liked to tell about nighttime walks she took with her grandmother to pick blackberries in the forest, and how when the picking was over, they waited to enjoy the dawn together. 

Dovey Johnson Roundtree was born in Charlotte, NC, in 1914 and grew up to become a legendary civil rights attorney, which makes this lyrical story all the more wonderous and beautiful. 

Fishing with Grandpa and Skye written by Candace Spizzirri, illustrated by Beverly Love Warren (Spork Publishing 2022). 

Like the girl in this story, I also created special memories while fishing with my grandfather on a lake in Minnesota. With our time in the boat, there was always the joke of the big one that got away, the waiting and anticipation for a bite on the hook, and then the thrill of reeling one in. This lovely story captures all that. 

Readers will be inspired to make their own special memories together with a grandparent or parent, and speaking from experience like that of the author's, hopefully that will be on a lake in summer time!

Powwow Day written by Traci Sorrel, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Charlesbridge 2022). 

The combination of the lyrical language, sounds, and illustrations work together in this book to create an absolutely amazing reading experience for young children as they connect with River, a native American child who is working on recovering from illness. However, as she prepares to attend the celebratory Powwow day, she's anxious over whether she will be able to join in the dances and participate as she has done in the past. 

One of the many layers of this tender story involves discovering how we can both connect to and care for each other. Which in itself, is a beautiful thing.

Goodnight Ganesha written by Nadia Soloman, illustrated by Poonam Mistry (Viking Books for Young Readers 2021). 

One word to describe this story of nighttime routine for two children visiting their grandparents in India is this: STUNNING. 

The lyrical text, the gorgeous illustrations, the loving bonds and sentiments that come through on the pages amount to a wonderful bedtime experience. This book will evoke warm-hearted emotions in any child before being tucked in at night, no matter the cultural routines. Most certainly it will ignite a spark for special bedtime routines to be added to families that connect over stories at the end of the day.

I Dream of Popo written by Livia Blackburne, illustrated by Julio Kuo (Roaring Brook Press 2021).

"She whispers to me in a voice soft as bird song." 

This tender tale of the special bond between a Taiwanese girl and her grandmother and how it changes when the young girl's family moves away to San Francisco is for any reader who has experienced the feelings of separation. The beautiful similes and emotions found in this book shouldn't be missed. You'll want to share this story with your young readers. 

The Whole World Inside Nan's Soup written by Hunter Liguore, illustrated by Vikki Zhang (Yeehoo Press 2021). 

I could have put this book with the nature category, but it landed here to remind readers of the special bonds that can be formed in the kitchen through the stories and experiences that can be shared from parents and grandparents to children. In this story the interconnectedness of living things--from seeds to gardeners to the sun to the delivery systems and more are explored as a grandmother recounts all the numerous things that went into the pot of soup she is cooking on the store. This book is a wonderful example of the power of story and the spirit of childhood imagination, as well as the most important thing that is shared between a grandparent and child.

Today, we have 3 amazing giveaways! Follow the guidelines in the Rafflecopter below.

1) A copy of Together We Ride or a phone/book chat from author Valerie Bolling.

2) A copy of Wild and Beautiful from author Amanda Esch-Cormier

3) A copy of Tofu Takes Time from author Helen Wu.

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7 Days of Books for Children, Day 3 Persistence, Resilience, and Inspirational Titles

Welcome back to Day 3 of #7DaysOfBooks with children's books that share stories of persistence and resilience, and can serve as spring boards for inspiration.

With both new titles and older ones, I hope today's list directs you toward some that you weren't yet aware of but are drawn to sharing with the young readers in your life. 

Perhaps what impresses me most with these titles is that the resilience and inspiration in most of them first found roots in the heart of a child. Hearts made strong with hope, courage, and the belief for a better way of living, or a belief for following one's dream, along with a sense of self-worth. Three ideas that I hope are consistently nurtured by society today rather than being squelched or extinguished.

I'll share two quotes that spoke to me for this category of books. Perhaps you'll share one of your own.

"My barn having burned down, I can now see the moon." - Mazuta Masahide

"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou

As for giveaways with Day 3, there are 2 that follow below. Happy reading, shopping, and requesting at your libraries!

When Water Makes Mud, A Story of Refugee Children, written by Janie Reinart, illustrated by Morgan Taylor (Blue Whale Press 2021). 

When two young girls arrive at a refugee camp with nothing but their dreams, how many things can made from nothing? In this lyrical, achingly touching, and inspiring story, an older sister makes gifts from nothing--from a stick, a pebble, a bag, cardboard, and mud--in order to see a smile from her little sister. 

The book is dedicated to the thousands of children at the Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda. The publisher's profits from the sale of this book are donated to UNICEF, which is a wonderful cause to become part of!

Up and Adam, written by Debbie Zapata, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang (Kids Can Press 2022). 

A boy who sets out to help his community clean up after a storm not only lifts the hearts of his neighbors, but also will lift the hearts of all those who read it at story time. Because this book focuses on tasks that a young child is able to do, it models how even the youngest members of communities can be helpful--especially when that help is based in a shared smile. 

In addition, the authors note on the real Adam, a boy with Down's syndrome, gives room to further the discussion on abilities, as opposed to limitations that might be perceived in disabilities.  

Survivor Tree written by Marcie Colleen, illustrated by Aaron Becker (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2021). 

Stories that come out of the darkest moments in history have the power to resonate and instill an understanding of resilience and strength in ourselves. A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the World Trade Center Memorial site, and I believe that this book sensitively captures the events of 9/11 by sharing the story of the tree that survived it all to become a symbol of hope in a beautiful and powerful way. 

I highly recommend this story to share the idea that we as a people can do hard things. That all beings--are capable of doing hard things, with proper attention and care. As we move forward facing the need for social and environmental change, this book can be part of those stories that help lay the foundation for doing what needs to be done.

Be the Change. A Grandfather Ghandi Story written by Arun Ghandi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk (Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2016). 

As important now as it was when it was first published, this story's heart pivots on a simple, yet difficult concept--the importance of not being wasteful. Growing up as the grandson of Mahatma Ghandi, a peacemaker known for effecting change without the use of violence, Arun struggled to understand a lesson that his grandfather wanted him to understand--the idea that wastefulness and violence are connected to each other. When Arun throws away the nub of a pencil (a simple example that small children will be able to relate to), eventually after he retrieves it, the connection becomes clear. The difference between passive and physical violence, and how neither can be ignored, is also shown in the story. In a world where conservative use of resources is becoming more important in order to maintain peace and harmony among nations, this book is a must-read and must-share. I'm so grateful for the connection that formed between Arun Ghandi, Bethany Hegedus and Evan Turk in allowing this story to be created. This book is one of many that should be in every elementary classroom and on every family book shelf.

Gibberish written and illustrated by Young Vo (Levine Querido 2022). 

Dat is going to school for the first time in a new country, and everything he hears and reads sounds like gibberish. Feeling alone and embarrassed, he almost gives up, but is lifted to a sense of hope through a patient and caring friend. 

Based on my own experience as a teacher to students from other countries and having discussed their feelings and perceptions about their situation, I love the illustrations, which begin with depictions of Dat's new surroundings as being strangely cartoonish (i.e, different from him). To me, this representation makes sense, because my immigrant students described everything as being strange and weird. Since Young Vo created this story from his own experience, I feel like I've taken first steps on a bridge toward understanding based on his illustrations. With the increasing number of non-English speaking students in schools, this book could help foster empathy, understanding, patience, and acceptance in the school community.

Making a Difference, An Inspirational Book About Kids Changing the World! Young Change Makers Series written by Stacy C. Bauer, illustrated by Emanuela Ntamack (Hop Off the Press 2022). 

In a world where role models are sought to serve as examples for inspiring children, this book is it. Here, the role models are real kids themselves who have worked toward making a difference for causes they believe in. With kid-friendly text, each spotlighted child includes a fun photo of the "change-maker," some fun facts, inspirational quotes, and the story of what each kid has accomplished. 

This book also could serve as an idea-board for community-based classroom projects. I highly recommend it for all ages--for both independent reading and story times, because each spotlight is short, easy to read, and supported with colorful graphics.

I Color Myself Different written by Colin Kaepernick, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson (Scholastic, Inc 2022). 

Told in the first person from Colin's point of view, he shares his experience of having to explain why his hand-drawn family picture shows him as the only one with brown skin. This story does a wonderful way of sharing Colin's story of adoption, while Colin's voice effuses with self-confidence and self-love for how he looks and how he feels as a person, (which is unique and different from everyone else--they way we hope all kids feel). 

This book would be a great introduction to share in the classroom for those days when students are guided through sharing a little of who they are in pictures and/or words. Like the other titles here, I highly recommend it.

Freedom Bird. A Tale of Hope and Courage written by Jerdine Nolan, illustrated by James E Ransome (Simon & Schuster 2020). 

This historical fiction story about two children born into slavery and who find their way to freedom is told through the embedded metaphor of getting help from a large, injured, and mysterious heron-like bird that they help to protect and heal. With roots in the tradition of American black folktales, this lyrical and emotionally powerful story is a good one for sharing insight on the effect of slavery on children, families, community, and a nation.

Float written and illustrated by Daniel Miyares (Simon & Schuster 2015). 

This wordless picture book is about a boy who builds a paper boat from newspaper. In the rainy day adventure they take, resilience and imagination rise from disappointment and apparent disaster in order to create a new and different adventure to be enjoyed. The use of limited colors of grays, white, yellow, pale red and pale blue bring the reader into a world of belief where anything is possible, even when faced with obstacles.

The Oldest Student. How Mary Walker Learned to Read, written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora (Anne Schwartz Books 2020). 

This book could have been placed in the history or nonfiction categories, but I'm placing it with these other inspiring titles because I am blown away with profound admiration for Mary Walker's achievements. Born into slavery, and having survived it, as well as endured the hardships she faced after emancipation--Mary Walker was the epitome of hard work, selflessness, love, and determination. Author Rita Hubbard's narrative and Oge Mora's illustrations weave together a wonderful tale that I hope all young learners will be motivated and empowered by for whatever personal struggles they face in their own lives.

Exquisite. The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, written by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Abrams Books for Young Readers 2020). 

This Robert Sibert Honor Book tells the story of the first black woman to win the Pulitzer prize for poetry. What I love about this book is the powerful message it shares in the importance of following your passion and not giving up on your dreams, made especially impactful since Gwendolyn started writing poetry when she was seven years old and saw her first poems published in a local newspaper when she was eleven. What a wonderful and inspiring story to share with young readers! 

It begs reconsideration of the oft-asked question, What do you want to be when you grow up? Because honestly, why put off going for one's dreams, when really, the roots can start growing deep while young?

Emmanuel's Dream. The true story of Emanuel Ofosu Yeboah written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Schwartz & Wade 2015). 

There is so much to admire in this true story of a boy who not only was born with one good leg and one deformed one, but who also was raised by a single mother and by age 13 had to start working to support his family after his mother became ill. Overcoming all odds stacked against him, Emmanuel went on to bike around his country--traveling over 400 miles with only one good leg--in order to show that being disabled does not make a person unable. 

A powerful and inspirational addition for any book collection  that shows change can start with just one person.

And now for the giveaways! They are awesome!

Follow the Rafflecopter to make your entries. You'll see both giveaways with the side-arrows in the copter.

1) A 20-minute zoom Q&A about writing or 1 classroom visit with author Janie Reinart

2) A 20-minute zoom Q&A about writing or 1 classroom with author Debbie Zapata

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