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: 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: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell & David Catrow

Molly Lou Melon is too short, her teeth are too big, and her voice is not like everyone else’s. The good news is she lives with her Grandma who always reminds her to stand tall, smile big, and sing loudly. But, what happens when Molly Lou Melon must move and switch schools? What will her new classmates think of her? Molly Lou Melon learns that she has to use her differences to her advantage as they differentiate her from everyone else. This award-winning book is a super reminder to show off what you have and that it is okay to look different compared to your peers. The artwork is very well done adding perspective to this heartwarming story. Great for the reader who is self conscious, worried, or might may look or sound different than others and are concerned about what others might think. A great reminder to love yourself for who you are!

Resources:

A lesson plan provided by Scholastic for teachers or parents to use along with this book. https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon-lesson-plan/

Interviews with Patty Lovell & David Catrow. http://www.judynewmanatscholastic.com/blog/2021/02/author-interview-video-patty-lovell-david-catrow/

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