Themes: Energy Conservation, Green Living, Neighbors, Differences
Opening: Sheila lives next door. She’s friends with my little sister, Tina. Sheila asks lots of questions. She hangs over the back fence when we peg clothes on the line. “Why Don’t you drop those in the dryer? Did it break? Sheila asks.”“This is our solar dryer, Sheila. The clothes get dry without using any electricity.”
Synopsis: Sheila follows her neighbors through the seasons when they plant a garden and grow their own food, mow the lawn with a push mower, brew sun tea, ride bicycles to the farmer’s market to buy local food, mulch trees and plants with leaves, and use a wood burning stove to warm the house. She finds their lifestyle interesting, but unfamiliar and weird. But, Sheila enjoys the home-grown meals made with fresh vegetables and playing with Tina in front of the fire. Perhaps they are weird in a good way.
Why I like this book: What a great way to introduce kids to energy conservation! Ruth Ann Smalley, is a holistic educator that writes about green living. She won a Moonbeam Bronze Award for Picture Books for her book. Living green can be a tough subject for kids who are used to modern conveniences. But, it is important. And Smalley has tackled the subject in a fun way.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Themes: Autism Spectrum, Sibling Relationships, Family Support, Differences
Opening: “Russell is a kid with special differences. He has autism. This means his behaviors can be surprising in three big ways. He likes to be alone…He can’t talk…He doesn’t play the way other kids do.”
Synopsis: Russell is nine years old and has a form of autism which makes it hard for him to talk and learn. He hums, babbles, giggles and screams. He has two younger brothers, Benjamin and Gregory, who love Russell and play with him when he’s willing. They also know when they need to leave Russell alone. When his brothers have friends over, Russell leaves the room. Benjamin and Gregory are important in helping Russell copy things they do through repetition. Russell attends school where he learns sign language, manners and playing with other children. But, there are times that Russell puts his relationship with his brothers to the test when he breaks their toys or throws tantrums during the night. Unlike many children with autism, Russell, loves hugs and tickles. He is happy boy with brothers who support him.
Why I like this book: This story is a heart warming look into a family living with a child with autism. It is written by Russell’s father, a doctor, who uses very simple language to help children understand autism. The story is told through a collage of photographs of Russell and his brothers accompanied by colorful illustrations that create a background. Very clever. Throughout the story Dr. Amenta shares a situation, and then helps kids understand Russell’s response. He’s also quick to point out that even though Russell may be nonverbal, other kids with autism do talk, have an easier time learning and have special talents. He explains to kids that autism affects each child differently. I feel that parents of an autistic child would find this book useful in helping siblings understand the differences.
Since the book was first published in 1992, Russell and his brothers are now adults. Russell runs a small envelope stuffing business and has a deep love of music. Benjamin is a pianist and Gregory is a mathematician/physicist and percussionist. Music is a very strong bond for this family.
Resources: There is extensive back matter in the book for parents. In using the book with children, ask them what is alike and what is different in Russell’s world compared to their own. Siblings of kids with autism may see both similarities and differences between Russell and their brother/sister.
This book has been provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review of the work.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Themes: Friendship, Interpersonal relations in children, Life Skills
Opening/Synopsis: “My name is Brown. I spend a lot of time in a pencil box with a bunch of other colors. We are all different. Some of us are sharper than others. Some of us are long and others are short.” Brown is the tallest pencil in the box. This means he is the least used pencil in the box. And he doesn’t feel like he fits in very well with the others. ”I don’t have much to smile about. I am Brown, tall geeky and lonely…that’s me!” Brown envies Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Purple who color and play together. Blue gives hugs. Orangelikes to have fun. Green is honest. White keeps the peace. Pinklistens. And everyone loves Red. When Brown talks to Blueand Green, he learns that if wants good friends, he has to be a good friend. So he asks all the other pencils why they don’t like him and learns a lot of surprising things about himself. It is Black who points out that ”when all the colors are mixed together they make Brown.” He has all the colors inside him. Will he be able to use all the other colors to like himself, recognize his own strengths and be a better friend?
Why I like this book: Julia Cook has written a humorous fun and colorful book that all kids will identify with. What better way to teach kids about differences than through art. There are tall kids, short kids, popular kids, shy kids, happy kids and sad kids in every classroom. Differences add to the dynamics of the classroom. This book really focuses on helping children building interpersonal relationships with other children. Bridget Barnes’ illustrations are bright, lively and expressive. This title is the first in a new series of Julia Cook’s books focusing on relationship-building skills for children. It is perfect for the classroom.
Resources: There is a backpage at the back of the book with constructive tips for parents, teachers and counselors to work with kids in building the life skills they require to be a good friend. In the classroom, ask each child to pick the color of a pencil he/she feels they could identify with most and why. This will make for an interesting classroom discussion. Visit Julia Cook’s website, to view the many books she has written.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Themes: Feeling left out, Behavior, Self-acceptance, Self-esteem
Opening/Synopsis: “Millie was too short to be tall, too quiet to be loud, and to plain to be fancy. When she spoke at show-and-tell, hardly anyone listened. When she walked into a room hardly anyone looked up.” One day Millie is drawing a flower with chalk on the sidewalk, when three girls from her school walk over her flower until nothing is left but a big smudge. “I’m not a smudge,” she said. Millie is tired of not being noticed and comes up with a plan. She frizzes her hair, sharpens her nails, stomps, and growls. Her behavior becomes obnoxious and wild so people will notice her. She paints the dog’s face blue, scratches the blackboard with her nails, pulls the buds off her neighbor’s flowers, and dumps jelly beans all over the classroom floor. The kids at school notice Millie now, but she doesn’t receive the reaction she hoped for. Millie wishes she were invisible again. Perhaps being fierce isn’t the best way to get noticed.
What I like about this book: You can’t help but love Millie and feel her pain. What child hasn’t felt invisible and left out. No child wants to feel like a smudge. Jane Manning has written a fun and important story about how far a little girl will go to get attention. This is a great lesson that will stay with children for a long time. Being mean doesn’t mean kids will like you. Kids will definitely identify with Millie. Although Millie’s behavior is extreme, it’s a very funny book because of her creative and outrageous character. It also teaches without preaching. Manning’s illustrations are vibrant and colorful and capture Millie’s expressive behavior to a tee. Manning says that ”Millie Fierce must have been rattling around inside me for a long time.” “I remember feeling like Millie on many different occasions when I was a kid – like I wasn’t being seen, or heard, or considered.” She has illustrated dozens of books.
Resources: Great discussion book for the classroom. Ask kids if they ever feel like Millie and to share situations when they have felt invisible and left out. Do they feel sad, hurt or mad? How did they handle the situation? What advice would they give Millie? Have kids write a letter to Millie, or draw an exaggerated self-portrait of themselves that shows their sad, angry or wild side.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Opening: “I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an XBox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary, I guess. And, I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever they go.”
Synopsis: August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a rare facial deformity. He has undergone many surgeries in his young life. He has dealt with people staring at him and rushing away in horror his 10 young years. His mother has homeschooled August to protect him, but he’s about to start fifth grade, His parents have taken a bold step and have enrolled him in Beecher Prep. Although Auggie has learned to brace himself, he’s not happy about going to middle school. It’s hard enough to be the new kid on the block. But facing your classmates knowing there will be rejection, ridicule and cruelty is a lot to ask of any child. The principal asks three students to be friends with Auggie and show him the ropes. Among the three, Jack is the only true friend who really enjoys being with Auggie. There are a few other kids who gather around to support Auggie. Only Julian, the popular kid and class bully, turns the rest of the class against Auggie and Jack. But Jack and Auggie will have their day when friendship and kindness rule.
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What I like about this book: Palacio has written a gripping story that is both heartbreaking and funny. The chapters are short and are told in first-person from the viewpoint of each child who interacts with Auggie – which is very raw and revealing. The author has done an excellent job of getting into the mind of each of his characters and letting readers experience their feelings and reactions. We also see how Auggie grows and builds inner strength and courage. Wonder is an excellent book to use in the classroom and encourage kids to talk about differences – visible or invisible. Wonder has been named the by the New York Times as one of the Top Ten Notable Children’s Books for 2012.
Opening/Synopsis: “When Horatio Humble read words out loud/There were snorts and giggles from the classroom crowd./The teacher would frown and say, “‘Tut, tut!’ And Horatio’s mouth would close –tight and shut.” Horatio is a bright student. He gets A’s in Math and in History. English and reading are a challenge. He wants to read books, “But something was wonky within his poor head, so words in his books stayed a mystery instead.” He and his parents meet with the teacher and Horatio learns he has dyslexia. Horatio is told that he will attend a special class. He is upset! “Special class is for nitwits,” he whined. “Every one of my friends will think that I’m dumb!” After working with a teacher things begin to look brighter for Horatio.
Why I like this book: First of all, Margot Finke beautifully wrote this book in rhyme. The book is simple, compassionate and packed with hope. Ellen Gurak’s bold and colorful illustrations are engaging and show Horatio overcoming adversity. This book should be in every school library. It is fun and upbeat. You can visit Margot Finke by clicking on her website. She wrote a grade school rhyming book for dyslexic children
Resources: There is a helpful parent-teacher guide included at the end. Margot Finke also wrote a grade school rhyming book for dyslexic children. If dyslexia is caught early it can be overcome according to the Mayo Clinic. Did you know that Oprah, Bill Gates and Daniel Radcliffe had dyslexia? To learn more about dyslexia contact the International Dyslexia Association and The Dyslexia Foundation.
To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World
Sy Montgomery, Author
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Biography, Apr. 3, 2012
Suitable for: Ages 9 and up, Middle Grade
Themes: Austism Spectrum, Differences are gifts, Revolutionizing livestock industry
Sy Montgomery’s captivating children’s biography about Temple Grandin, speaks to children, especially to those who feel different. It is beautifully crafted and has all the ingredients for a good book with simple chapters, a lot of photographs, informative inserts, and advice for kids with autism. We meet her mother, her lifelong school friends, and teachers. (Depending on the child’s age, parents may want to review the graphic details about the cruelty to animals.) This book belongs in school libraries, as it helps all children understand that abilities may be the result of differences.
For years, Temple, couldn’t speak a word. Loud noise hurt, ordinary sensations were torture, human voices made little sense and the certain odors prevented her from concentrating. Sometimes the only way she could communicate was by crying or throwing a tantrum. Her father wanted to institutionalize her, but her mother refused. It would be years before she was diagnosed with autism, as she was born in 1947, and little was known. But her mother found special schools for Temple with teachers and psychologists who knew how to bring her out. This was surprising, knowing she attended school in the 1950s and 1960s.
Temple saw the world visually — in pictures –much like animals do. And it was animals that eventually saved Temple and helped her learn to calm herself as a teenager. While visiting her aunt’s cattle farm, she would go out into the middle of a spacious pasture, lie down and wait for the thousand-pound steers, to curiously circle around her motionless body. They would walk up and lick Temples face — she was at peace. She was introduced to a cattle chute where calves were vaccinated. The calves heads stick out a hole in the gate head, the operator pulls a rope to press side panel against the animal’s side. It horrified Temple at first, but she observed this squeeze chute calmed the animal. She decided to try it on herself with her aunt helping, and she suddenly felt calm, secure and peaceful. She built a squeeze machine for herself when she returned to school, so she could calm herself. The school psychologist was not happy, but her favorite science teacher supported her. He suggested they build a better squeeze machine and conduct scientific experiments on other students to see it if helped them relax. Success!
These early discoveries and a love for animals were the beginning of a long career studying animal-behavior in college and graduate school, that would open the door to her life work of advocating for more the humane treatment of cattle in the livestock industry. Her breakthrough designs for cruelty-free cattle-handling facilities are used worldwide. These designs have benefited the cattle, ranchers and slaughterhouses. And it was her autism that gave her the special insights and skills to make that difference.
I hope parents with children see possibility in Temple Grandin. She is a strong advocate for autism and works with many young people. Although she has learned coping skills, she has autism like many famous inventors and scientists who changed the world. Temple doesn’t want a brain like most other people have. “A lot of normal people are fuzzy in their thinking,” she says. “I like the way I think. Autism is part of who I am.” Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make. You see beauty in her autism.
Today, she is a scientist, professor, lecturer, and author of many books. She now focuses on the humane treatment facilities for pigs, sheep, goats and chickens. In 2010, HBO made a TV movie of her life, starring Claire Danes. It won an Emmy.
Sensory World, Imprint of Future Horizons, 2011, Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 4 and up
Theme: Processing sensory messages, neurological disability, teamwork with the family, therapist and school
Opening/Synopsis: “With her unevenly cut brown hair, bare feet, and loud, munchkin-like singing voice, Ellie Bean spun wildly in circles in her backyard. As the wind blew harder against her face, Elli Bean laughed and sang longer…and louder…and louder. Her spinning became faster…and faster!” Ellie’s mother yells for her to slow down. When she suddenly stops spinning very fast, she doesn’t seem wobbly. She takes off running after a butterfly. She spots a bee and runs screaming into the house sobbing. Her mother quietly asks her what is wrong. But, Ellie is not able “to put her fear into words.” Many things upset Ellie like the smell and taste of toothpaste, the flushing the toilet, getting a hair cut. For Ellie, everything is “too loud, too scratchy, too painful, too tight, too smelly, too ouchy and too squishy,” all of which send her into a meltdown. Some people think she’s drama queen.
Ellie and her parents visit a specialist and learn that she has a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). An occupational therapist works with Ellie and her parents to discover what things make her feel better and calm her down, like swinging, spinning, jumping on a trampoline, brushing her arms and legs with a soft brush and wrapping her tightly in a blanket. After her parents start using these exercises with her, Ellie begins to use words to tell her mom what is bothering her.
Why I like this book: Jennie Harding uses drama and a lot of action to show how SPD affects the quality of life for children. She is the parent of a child with sensory-processing difficulties and a special educator. SPD is a term used to cover a variety of neurological disabilities, not just one. Some children with autism have SPD. David Padgett has created a very colorful and lively illustrations that beautifully compliment the story. Harding says it is important the parents educate themselves and seek help. An Occupational Therapist will know what tools can be used to ease the discomfort for a child, who has difficulty processing information that is received in the brain. It is also important to train the child to listen to his/her own body. Please read the Author Information about SPD at the back of the book. She gives an overview and provides important resources and web sites for parents.
Resources: Visit the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation , which is establishing an on-line SPD University, The Sensory and Motor Integration Website of the University of Texas at Austin, and the Sensory Integration Global Network for more information. This is a book that could be used in the classroom to discuss sensory issues with students. A lot of kids find things that are too ouchy, too itchy, too noisy, and too smelly. This would help children better understand kids with SPD. You could also have children draw pictures about what bothers them most. This could lead to a lively discussion about similarities.
To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
Clarabelle van Niekerk & Liezl Venter, MA, CCC-SLP, Authors
Clarabelle van Niekerk, Illustrator
Skeezel Press, Fiction, 2006
Suitable for: Preschool to Grade 2
Awards: 2010 Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, and the 2009 Mom’ Choice Award.
Themes: Understanding a child with Asperger Syndrome, Helping the child succeed at home and at school, Teamwork
Opening: “Sam loved to giggle. He would close his eyes, throw back his head, and just giggle. This would make everyone else giggle. Sam was a happy boy but he was a little different. He did not like loud noises. He did not like to rough and tumble with other boys. Making friends was hard for Sam.” This is an endearing story about Sam, who acts differently. He lives with his parents, his sister and his dog. Sam doesn’t like his pancakes to touch each other on the plate. He doesn’t like to wear new clothes because they feel funny. He builds puzzles by himself at school and the kids tease him. A fair comes to town and Sam’s father takes him to ride on the Ferris wheel. Sam loves the feeling of going round and round so much that he slips out of the house later that night and returns to the Ferris wheel. That’s when his parents realize it’s time to see a doctor.
Why I like this book: The authors give a realistic portrayal of child with Asperger Syndrome in an upbeat and happy way. The illustrations are colorful and beautifully support the positive mood of the story. They show how important it is for the doctors, therapists, family, teacher and students to work together as a team to understand and help Sam. Over the months Sam learns to interact with the other students and they include him in their activities. And, Sam is given his moment to shine at a school event where he shares a very special gift.
Activities: At the end of the book, the authors have a special discussion guide for students, family and friends. They offer 10 very helpful tips for kids who have friends who may seem a little different. These tips will promote a thoughtful and lively classroom or family conversation.
To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
In Jesse’s Shoes: Appreciating Kids With Special Needs
Beverly Lewis, Author
Laura Nikiel, Illustrator
Bethany House Publishers, Fiction, 2007
Suitable for: Ages 4 and up
Themes: Appreciating a sibling with special needs, embarrassment, teasing, acceptance, friendship.
Opening/Synopsis: Every day I walk my brother to his bus at the corner. It’s not far, but it takes a long time because Jesse gets distracted by things like rain puddles, honeysuckle blossoms, and even ladybugs — which bugs me a lot.” Allie walks with her older brother, Jesse, to the school bus stop every morning and endures his distractions, and the teasing and giggling of the other kids waiting for the bus. She wonders to herself “Why didn’t I get a regular brother?” She loves Jesse, but is frustrated and tired of being embarrassed by him. Allie feels terrible about her feelings. One day Jesse meets Allie and tells her to put on his large shoes and instructs her to “do what Jesse does.” Allie follows Jessie and discovers the wonders of his world that she has not noticed. That day changes Alli forever.
Why I like this book: Beverly Lewis has written a story with a powerful message about acceptance for children. I like that she told the story from Allie’s viewpoint. Laura Nikiel’s illustrations are bright, colorful and filled with expression. There are many children who have a sibling with a special need. Like Allie, siblings deal with emotions ranging from love to embarrassment. It’s important that they have a way to express how they feel to someone who will listen. Beverly Lewis comes up with a very creative way of helping Allie see life as Jesse does. This is a good book for home or at school. Activity: Have students discuss what it means to “walk in someone else’s shoes” before you read the book. Encourage them think of examples of people to share. After you read the book, have each child write a letter to Jesse to tell him what they learned from his story.
For those who want more information about siblings and special needs families, please go to Sibshops. They have developed a flexible curriculum that provides much-needed peer support and a safe place for kids to talk about their feelings and experiences. The workshops are always a good balance of fun, friendship and support and help build a network of friendship and resources. The Sibshop curriculum is used throughout the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Guatemala, Turkey, and Argentina. Thank you Cathy Mealey for the information about this site.
To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
Sheila Says We’re Weird
