I’m a Great Little Kid series
Today I’m sharing three books of the new I’m a Great Little Kid series, co-published by Second Story Press and BOOST Child Abuse Prevention & Intervention. Never Give Up, Reptile Flu and Fifteen Dollars and Thirty-Five Cents, are the first of six planned picture books for kids aged 5-8 to teach important lessons about communication, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Many of the same characters appear in each book. Written by Kathryn Cole with colorful illustrations by Quin Leng, the series will have a Facilitator’s Guide, which will be published with the final book in the series. This is an important series that can be used to teach character education in the classroom.
Never Give Up: A Story about Self-esteem
April 2015
Synopsis: Nadia looks on as her friend, Shaun, struggles to ride his bicycle in the park — with training wheels. A group of kids laugh and tease Shaun about riding his “tricycle” and watch him take a spill. Shaun picks up his bike and tries again and again, each time crashing. Nadia feels badly that she isn’t a good friend and doesn’t stand up to the taunting, but she offers to help him. Determined to not to give up, Shaun manages to impress his friends, win their respect and feel like a king.
Reptile Flu: A Story about Communication
May 2015
Synopsis: Kamal is studying reptiles at school. His teacher announces a surprise class trip to visit a reptile show at the museum. Everyone cheers, except Kamal. He’s terrified of live reptiles, especially snakes. But he’s even more afraid of admitting his fear to anyone, including his teacher. What if his friends tease him? He unsuccessfully tries to get out of the trip by telling his parents and sister about his fear, but they are too busy to listen. At the last-minute Kamal finds a way communicate his fear with surprising results.
Fifteen Dollars and Thirty-Five Cents: A Story about Choices
September 8, 2015
Synopsis: Joseph and Devon are good friends at school. Joseph spots money on the playground and yells to Devon, “I’m rich!” Joseph wants to keep the money, “finder keepers.” Devon thinks someone may have lost the money and wants to take it to the office and help find its owner. They spot Claire and Lin searching the playground; Lin was crying because she lost her money. During class, the teacher asks why Lin is so sad. Joseph shoots Devon a look to not tell. Will Devon be able to convince Joseph to do the right thing?
Kathryn Cole has spent a forty-five-year career in children’s books as an illustrator, art director, editor, designer, and publisher at Scholastic, OUP, Stoddart Kids and Tundra Books. Her experience along with 13 years of volunteering for BOOST give her a strong understanding of the issues children face every day. She is co-managing editor at Second Story Press in Toronto.
Qin Leng has illustrated a number of children’s books. She was born in Shanghai, China and lived in France before moving to Montreal. She always loved to illustrate the innocence of children and has developed a passion for children’s books. She has created art for many award-nominated picture books.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a super series! Just right for that age group.
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I went and reviewed this series in August, because I think it is a great series for teachers focused on character development in their classrooms.
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What a wonderful series! I’m seriously snake phobic so Reptile Flu would have been a book I could have used as a kid. Great review, Pat!
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I am with you. I had a snake phobia as a child, still do. I could have used this book as a kid too!
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Thanks so much for introducing us to this series, Patricia! The titles and reviews themselves sound so enticing. I am putting these on hold for my ESOL student. We go over easy reader books for her to read to her small children and these sound perfect!! 🙂
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I am glad you are going to share them with you ESOL student. Perfect books for young children that encourage issues like self-esteem and choices.
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Thanks for bringing this series to our attention, Pat.
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Glad you like the series! There will be three more books that will complete the series.
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Great lessons. Secret fear is always my favorite. I was that kind of kid – afraid and afraid to tell anybody.
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I was that kind of kid to. But, I romped through corn fields, and played in creeks and was oblivious to what was lurking near me. But, if a kid had a snake in his/her hands, I’d fall backward over myself trying to get away.
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The synopses sound really good, and not at all preachy. These will be great tools for the classroom!
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No, it’s not preachy! It’s about kids learning to solve their own problems, sometimes with the help of an adult.
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I know that in the publishing world, they seem to frown on having adults solve problems but that is so unrealistic. I don’t mind reading about adults helping out at all, even as a kid. 🙂
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I agree. But, in this case the teacher/parent notices a problem, hints at a solution or a child asks a question of an adult. The child is the one who actually decides how to solve the problem. It’s handled very nicely and the stories are centered on the child and building self-confidence and self-esteem.
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Really sounds like great books; I hope all schools can carry them.
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This sounds like a great book series! 🙂
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It is a great series for teachers to use in the classroom. Parents will love it too.
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Always a pleasure to visit your site, Patricia. You find such treasures. This looks like a wonderful series.
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Thank you Niamh! I thought it was a series I wanted to promote while teachers are preparing for school! Great books for parents and children too.
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