This is a warm (no pun intended!) story of people - that is, "people only need people, and nothing else." Even bullying rears its ugly head in this taThis is a warm (no pun intended!) story of people - that is, "people only need people, and nothing else." Even bullying rears its ugly head in this tale, but we can use it to stress to our children the idea that we all need to come together and help each other, not alienate those who may be different. ...more
Great pictures, and a story of a Japanese folktale that emphasizes kindness, compassion, and standing up for what is right. The final line leaves us wGreat pictures, and a story of a Japanese folktale that emphasizes kindness, compassion, and standing up for what is right. The final line leaves us with another important lesson: that is, "trouble can always be borne when it is shared."...more
The story itself is, in the author's own words, "about seventy-eight percent true." and deals with so many issues prevalent in today's world, includinThe story itself is, in the author's own words, "about seventy-eight percent true." and deals with so many issues prevalent in today's world, including alcohol, death, racism, and many of the problems that we face while growing up. Perhaps the idea that stuck to me more than any was the idea of being a 'race traitor', and what that term entails. ...more
This story (a Caldecott Honor winner) is based on an African folktale, and stresses the importance of kindness, love, and generosity, along with treatThis story (a Caldecott Honor winner) is based on an African folktale, and stresses the importance of kindness, love, and generosity, along with treating everyone you meet with respect. ...more
A nice little spin on the original The Little Red Hen book - this time with a happier ending (for the other animals, at least!). Great for teaching shA nice little spin on the original The Little Red Hen book - this time with a happier ending (for the other animals, at least!). Great for teaching sharing, cooperation, and even how to bake a pizza (the most important lesson of all)....more
I love books that don't have words and rely on pictures alone, causing us and our students to offer up our own thoughts and conclusions as the story pI love books that don't have words and rely on pictures alone, causing us and our students to offer up our own thoughts and conclusions as the story progresses. This story is actually from Aesop's fables - and it shows us that by showing others kindness and compassion, we may someday see it repaid tenfold (and that even the smallest of us can do great things!). ...more
Quite a different take on the Cinderella story, this fairy tale came over 1000 years earlier, from China. With it, we can see differences between the Quite a different take on the Cinderella story, this fairy tale came over 1000 years earlier, from China. With it, we can see differences between the two cultures that spawned these stories, along with the same lessons that Cinderella holds....more
Seems like we've all read this at one point in our lives; this is a story that teaches us about friendship (and how it can come from the unlikeliest oSeems like we've all read this at one point in our lives; this is a story that teaches us about friendship (and how it can come from the unlikeliest of places!), coming to grips with death, and learning how to not judge a book by its cover....more
Although I'm supposed to avoid saying it in my reviews, this book is unbelievably warm and sweet, to the point where I had to say it. It shows us thatAlthough I'm supposed to avoid saying it in my reviews, this book is unbelievably warm and sweet, to the point where I had to say it. It shows us that friendship is sometimes the best medicine of all - and that being kind to others will see that kindness repaid in full (and more!) when you most need it....more
Heartwarming - extremely so! There's nothing like a story of a girl, her loving grandparents, and the magical Hello, Goodbye Window; it shows us and oHeartwarming - extremely so! There's nothing like a story of a girl, her loving grandparents, and the magical Hello, Goodbye Window; it shows us and our students family values, kindness, and encourages just a little bit of a healthy imagination, as well.
Remember not to touch anything under the sink....more
Probably not the best book for a quick read to younger children, but it teaches them what many of the woodland animals do when winter is coming - fromProbably not the best book for a quick read to younger children, but it teaches them what many of the woodland animals do when winter is coming - from the honking geese flying south, to the family of raccoons living in the willow tree. Perhaps a good story to share when teaching about the seasons (especially winter) and Groundhog Day, along with how we, as humans, can help our animal friends....more
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