Review: A Child Is a Child by Brigitte Weninger & Eve Tharlet

Two young frogs are waiting for their Mommy and Daddy frogs to come back. Sadly, this never happens. Mr. Hedgehog, Mr. Mole, and Mrs. Blackbird speak of how they cannot be good parents for these children as they are too different. Along comes Mama Mouse with her children who states that she will take care of these children since “A child is a child. All children need a place to live and play, good food to eat and someone who loves them!”. This heartwarming tale does a beautifully simple job speaking of the fears of taking care of children who are not one’s biological children while recognizing the simplicity of all the children need in that moment. The use of animals allows for a more light hearted feel through a difficult subject, and an easier understanding of biological differences. This book is non specific on what happened to the parent frogs, and therefore can be read and interpreted by the child in whatever way is personal to them. This book is perfect for any young child who has experienced some sort of familial abandonment/loss and rehoming.

Resources:

Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brigitte-weninger/a-child-is-a-child/

Review & a place to buy this read: https://www.amazon.com/Child-Brigitte-Weninger/dp/0698400062

Review: The Little Things by Christian Trimmer & Kaylani Juanita

One day, a mighty storm causes many starfish to wash upon the beach. A young girl, who prefers three pigtails over two, begins to pick them up one by one. As she is doing so, an older man asks her what she is doing and states that she “can’t save them all” to which she acknowledges but replies “I can save this one”. This one small act of kindness inspires the man to pay it forward which ends in inspiring a community to do small acts of kindness that end up having a mighty effect. Throughout this journey of many kind acts, the book portrays characters of different ages, races, and levels of ability. The book does not emphasize on this, however it allows the reader to visualize characters both different and similar to them partaking in these kind actions. Along with this, the book mentions a unique fact about each character which allows for self-love to be portrayed through this story as well. Even if this was not the authors intended actions. It should be noted, that this book has an amount of text that may be too much for some of the youngest readers. This book is great for the young reader who is learning about the importance of kindness, no matter how small the action may seem.

Resources:

Christian Trimmer’s Website: http://www.christiantrimmer.com/the-little-things

Lesson plan: https://www.theworldasitcouldbe.org/curriculum-and-resource-guide-2/stories-activities-1stgrade/

Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Auggie was born with a facial deformity. He has gone through countless surgeries and is the center of his family. But now, after being home schooled his entire life must begin attending public school.What will people think of him? How will he make any friends? This book provides a very realistic image of what it is like to live with a chronic condition. Especially one that is visible and cannot be hidden. Wonder covers family dynamics, sibling rivalries, friendships, hardships, and bullying and so much more . It doesn’t shy away from the difficulties associated with a chronic condition, but also shows the beauty in our differences. This book is a must read for everyone. It helps someone without a chronic condition to gain a better understanding of what it is like for those who do have one and it allows for those children with a chronic condition to feel seen.

Resources:

R. J. Palacio discusses Wonder. https://youtu.be/Hh5qbE62IyY

A list of activities and lessons to go along with the book and/or movie. Great for teachers and parents who homeschool. https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/wonder-lesson-plans-book-movie/

Review: Bob, Not Bob by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick & Matthew Cordell

LLittle Louie is sick. His nose is stuffy and all he wants is his mom. He yells for his mom, but with his stuffiness it sounds like he is yelling “Bob!” Every time he yells, his dog Bob comes running and confusion is at an all time high with his sister struggling to understand him. This book helps to normalize the feeling of just wanting your mom. It uses humor to show that it is okay to not want to do anything and to just want your mom to comfort you. Even if you don’t always need your mom when you are feeling better, it is awfully nice when she is around. This book also pictures a black  family in the normal, everyday context of having a cold/being ill. The illustrations of this book matches the mood of the story perfectly and add a lot of feeling. The use of humor throughout this book makes it great for the young reader who is ill and wants their mom.

Resources:

This website gives lots of information about this book, it also includes teaching lessons and author interviews! https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=55632

Book-based teaching activities to use along with this book. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bob-Not-Bob-Activities-Lesson-Plans-Discussion-Questions-Writing-Worksheets-5133659?st=36e84bccd4b4f8179750e8f24b5ac3ac

Review: Always and Forever by Alan Durant & Debi Gliori

Otter, Mole, Fox and Hare lived together in a house in the woods. They all work together and love each other dearly. One day, Fox fell ill and died. His family talks about Fox, their favorite qualities about him, and remembers him. His house was consumed by deep sadness for a very long time. Their friend Squirrel comes to their house to help them through their grief.With Squirrels’ help, they learn healthier ways to grieve and cope while remembering Fox will always be with them. The usage of animals in this book makes it very appealing for its palatability. This book openly talks about sadness, grief, and loss. The story doesn’t shy away or sugar coat the feelings that loved ones feel after losing someone. But it also helps to remind you that life must go on and it is important to find ways to incorporate the lost loved one in daily life without being completely consumed by sadness. Great for the reader who has lost someone important in their life.

If you like this book you may like:

Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell

I’m Sad by Michael Ian Black

Invisible String by Patrice Karst

Review: Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright & Stephen Gilpin

Sneezy the Snowman has a cold and is always cold. His friends try to warm him up, but every time they get him too warm he melts. They try a hot tub, hot cocoa, and layers of clothes. They must figure out a way to keep him warm but not too warm and find the perfect balance of hot and cold. This book is very sweet and will melt your heart. This story uses cute drawings to pique your interest as you are questioning what the children will try next to save their friend.. Reading this book gets you excited for winter and has you feeling the child-like magic of the holiday season. This book is great for the reader who is just looking for a light, easy read with a laugh. This book is especially great for younger readers who still believe in the magic of winter and snowmen. 

Teaching Resources:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:sneezy%20the%20snowman

Kindergarten specific: https://www.kindergartenworks.com/kindergarten-teaching-ideas/sneezy-the-snowman-activities/