Bucket Fillosophy, Bucket Fillers, Inc, 2015 (10th Anniversary Edition: revised & updated) Reviewed copy: from my resource shelf at work Back of book: This heartwarming book encourages positive behaviour by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show children how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love by "filling buckets." Updated and revised, this 10th anniversary edition will help readers better understand that "bucket dipping" is a negative behaviour not a permanent label.It also explains that it's possible to fill or dip into our own buckets. See below for more about this book...
Meet Elliot, the noisy elephant with the noisy behind! Written by Steve Smallman Illustrated by Adria Meserve Scholastic Children's Books 2013 Reviewed copy: from resource shelf at work Back of Book Elliot Elephant used to be...RUDE! He guzzled his drink and he gobbled his food. And when he would trumpet, as elephants do, He'd trumpety-trump from his bottom end too! But Elliot soon learns that if you care for others they'll care about you. Missus B says..................
Editorial: Cassie Mayer & Charlotte Guillain Illustrations: Mark Beech Curious Fox/ Capstone Global Library 2008 Back of book: Books in this series introduce children to the character values that embody citizenship. In 'Making Friends', children view various situations that demonstrate responsible behaviour. Playful, engaging illustrations are used to reinforce understanding of the concepts. Other titles include Following Rules Being Fair Being Responsible More from Missus B In Making Friends, readers hear what it is to be a friend, ways to make friends and ways to be a good friend.
Simple sentences and straight forward text, give the reader ten examples of friendship.
A diverse group of characters demonstrate friendship skills in various settings. 'Making Friends' is a simple,short picture book and a useful tool in prompting discussion about social skills. In the final pages, the readers are asked 'How can you be a good friend?' and then to consider how a story character is acting in a friendly manner.
This is a handy book to use within the PSHE/SPHE curriculum. Happy Reading, Missus B Book available at the below affiliate links.
You may be interested in other books I have listed on this page : 'Social Skills' Click HERE to buy at The Book Depository
Published by: Curious Fox/Capstone Global Library 2008
ISBN 978 1 782 02298 5 Library Copy
Other books in the Citizenship series:
Being Honest
Being Responsible
Being Fair
Making Friends
Book Description
Back of Book-‘Why is following the rules important? Read this book and find out! Books in this series introduce children to the character values that embody citizenship. In Following Rules, children view various situations that demonstrate the importance of following rules. Playful, engaging illustrations are used to reinforce understanding of the concepts.’
As described in it’s blurb, this book shows children in various group settings demonstrating how to follow the rules. There is an explanation of what it means to follow the rules: Following rules means doing things the right way. Following rules makes it fair for everyone.
Citizenship: Following Rules
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
There are seven brightly illustrated examples of 'following rules’ and in the final pages the question 'How do you follow the rules?’ is asked. Following this is an 'Activity’ page which includes an illustration of a group of children with the question- 'How are these children following the rules?’
My thoughts on this book:
A useful book for opening up discussions about social behaviour, personal responsibility and self reflection. The messages are simple and the book talks directly to the child reader, giving clear examples of how to follow the rules e.g. 'When you think about road safety....you are following the rules.'
Illustrations show children participating in typical activities such raising a hand before talking in class, walking quietly in the corridor, asking a parent/adult for permission to do something. The pages show how rules are an important part of life in various settings- while playing with peers, in school, at home or out and about in the community.
Text is large and clear and each page spread gives one example or makes one point- a suitable page layout for younger children allowing them to absorb one idea at a time.
Citizenship: Following Rules
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
The book delivers a short reading time experience and the examples of rules are pretty straight froward and obvious. However, this book could be used as an introduction to group discussion at circle time. It is a handy resource in the classroom, offering opportunities to explore social thinking. and to encourage children to agree on rules and expectations within their particular setting.
'Activity'-having a discussion about rules
Citizenship: Following Rules
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
This series of books support the Social, Personal and Health Education Curriculum.
Happy reading, Missus B Get the book at the below affiliate links.
You may be interested in other books I have listed on this page : 'Social Skills'
A book to help reinforce understanding of fair behaviour.
Book Details
Author: Cassie Mayer
Editorial: Cassie Mayer& Charlotte Guillain.
Illustrations: Mark Beech
Published by: Curious Fox/Capstone Global Library 2008
ISBN 978 1 1 782 02295 4
Book Description Back of Book-‘How can you be fair? Read this book and find out! Books in this series introduce children to the character values that embody citizenship. In Being Fair, children view various situations that demonstrate the importance of being fair. Playful, engaging illustrations are used to reinforce understanding of the concepts.’
As described in it’s blurb, this book shows children in various group settings acting in fair ways.
There are nine brightly illustrated examples of 'being fair’ and in the final pages the question 'How can you be fair?’ is asked. Following this is an 'Activity’ page which includes an illustration of a group of children and the question- 'How is this child being fair?’
Other books in the Citizenship series:
Being Honest
Being Responsible
Following Rules
Making Friends
My thoughts on this book:
A useful book for opening up discussions about social behaviour, personal responsibility and self reflection. The messages are simple and the book talks directly to the child reader, pointing out how certain actions show fair behaviour e.g. 'When you ask other children to join in…. you are being fair.’ Later, the book asks the child reader to think about how they as readers can be fair, and to comment on a picture which demonstrates fairness.
Illustrations show children participating in typical activities such as waiting to take turns during hopscotch, giving others a go on the swings or sharing snacks. The pages show children in various community settings, highlighting how fairness is an important characteristic in all parts of our lives.
Text is large and clear and each page spread gives one example or makes one point- a suitable page layout for younger children allowing them to absorb one idea at a time.
The book delivers a short reading time experience, however, it offers opportunities for further discussions about what it is to be fair. This is a lovely book to read at circle time and a handy classroom resource an a tool for exploring social thinking.
This series of books supports the Social Personal and Health Education Curriculum at the early years level. Happy reading, Missus B Get the book at these affiliate links:
A beautiful story about imaginative play and making new friends Written by Linda Sarah Illustrated by Benji Davies Simon and Schuster 2014 ISBN: 978-1-4711-1928-6 (HB) ISBN: 978-1-4711-1929-3 (PB) Library Copy Back of the Book Birt and Etho are best friends. They spend hours together playing on Sudden Hill. Then one day a new boy arrives. He wants to join them.Can two become three? A timeless, poignant and heartfelt book from the internationally acclaimed illustrator of The Storm Whale. The Story Birt and Etho have a special friendship and they spend their days playing on their beloved Sudden Hill. With two large cardboard boxes, they can be anything-pirates, kings, soldiers or astronauts. Then one day, a boy called Shu arrives with another cardboard box and suddenly, two becomes three. Birt is not so keen to begin with..... More from Missus B A grassy hill, some cardboard boxes, two friends, some sunshine, a whole lot of imagination...... and we have the perfect recipe for childhood nostalgia. It really is difficult to read this story without feeling wistful for those endless summer days of fun, freedom and make-believe play.
My most treasured childhood memories, are those of making dens in fields, building huts with hay bails and using odds and ends of household rubbish to create something of my own. This book took me right back and had me wanting to sit up there on Sudden Hill with Etho, Birt, Shu and their cardboard boxes.
On the title page, we see a country farmyard scene and two young boys venturing over a gate into a field. In the background, we see the lovely Sudden Hill with it's leaning tree, waiting to offer shade, a climb or a swing. Birt and Etho trundle up the hill with their giant cardboard boxes and through poetic text, we read of their play adventures... Sometimes they're kings, soldiers, astronauts. Sometimes they're pirates sailing wild seas and skies. But always, always they're Big Friends. We see them flying paper planes, gathering sticks, collecting frogs in jars...two friends enjoying the freedom to play in nature.... ..watching small movements in the valley and feeling big as Giant Kings.
These boys have a 'two-by-two rhythm'
The beautiful illustrations include large page-filled scenes as well as smaller vignettes.There is much to be admired-small details like the buttercups, swallows and flying insects and background characters like the curious bunny rabbit, the toy robot or the farmyard hens.
To me, what appeals most about the illustrations is, the sense of living nature on every page- the grass on Sudden Hill appears to be swishing in a breeze, the clouds roll across the sky, while the colours and hues perfectly capture the changing light of morning, evening and night.
The characters of Birt, Etho and Shu are simply drawn yet expressive- at times when their faces lack expression (sometimes they don't even have mouths), their body language and movements perfectly share their emotions. Through the author's poetic style, this story describes a social situation which many children will be familiar with. As far as Birt is concerned, he and Etho are two peas in a pod...but then Shu arrives and life changes for Birt. Etho welcomes a new friend, but Birt begins to distance himself.
'Birt feels a bit strange' He doesn't say anything and keeps himself to himself .His smile is
gone- in fact, he has no mouth at all.
Etho and Shu call round sometimes. Birt avoids them. Instead he stays at home mostly drawing pictures of two boxes, side-by-side. But he misses Etho. He misses their cardboard castles on Sudden Hill.
Many emotions are captured between the illustrations and the text-comfort, joy, caution, jealousy and in particular, loneliness. It's hard not to empathise with Birt and this tricky situation. Thankfully though, Etho and Shu are determined to have Birt back on Sudden Hill. With their cardboard boxes, they create 'An incredible Monster Creature Box Thing!' They arrive at Birt's doorstep and he just cannot resist- this fantastic creation has WHEELS!
So, after a day of supersonic rocket blasting and other imaginative adventures, Birt adjusts himself to a new 'three-by-three rhythm' and learns to love 'their Etho-Shu-Birt-iness'.
Three friends and their 'incredible Monster Creature Box Thing!'
In short Oh, this book is like a snuggly pair of slippers-it just gives you that toasty, familiar feeling. As an adult reader, I love that 'On Sudden Hill' transports me back to warm, sunny fields and carefree play in the countryside. As an adult reader sharing this book with a child, I have no doubt that listeners will connect with the play, social interactions and friendship messages within this story. Eloquently written, beautifully illustrated, 'On Sudden Hill' is a charming and timeless story. A book-for-keeps, this is one that deserves generations of love and cherishing. Happy reading, Missus B Get the book at these affiliate links:
If you're like me, this book will probably inspire you to take out some cardboard boxes and sticky tape! Check out this lovely Pinterest Board of Cardboard box fun from The Garden House Preschool.
An introduction to dyslexia along with important messages about individual learning styles & unique talents. Title: Tom's Special Talent : A story About Dyslexia (Special Stories)
Author: Kate Gaynor
Illustrator: Eva Byrne
Published: 2009 by Special Stories Publishing
Reviewed copy from my local library.
Book Description
Back of Book:Tom isn't sure if he really has any talents at all when he sees how good his friends are at writing and reading. But a school competition helps him to find his own very 'special talent.'
The Story:
Tom is the narrator, and aged maybe 7 or 8, he fondly describes his school life - his lovely teacher, Miss Jolly, and fun activities including singing, music and art.
Tom struggles with literacy lessons though....anxious about reading, he worries that he's not as good as his peers.
The kind Miss Jolly is there to support him however, explaining that, we all learn differently, each of us having special or unique talents. Tom explains a little about dyslexia, reassuring readers that,it doesn't mean you're not clever, 'it just means you have to practice a bit harder at the things you find difficult to do.' While Tom finds reading difficult, he really enjoys singing songs, playing games and art time..Tom's 'special talent' is painting pictures.
More from Missus B:
With bright and cheerful illustrations, this book celebrates diversity, mutual respect and individuality.
Many readers may relate to the challenges Tom faces.'The only part of the school day I don't really like is when we practice our reading and writing' . We see the glum faced Tom standing in front of his peers with the word 'Help' framing his face.
'I feel worried and afraid that I might get the words wrong. I am not as good at reading as some of my friends.'
We all have special talents that are unique to us Miss Jolly reassures Tom.
Tom describes Dyslexia in simple terms, and highlights how, while writing and spelling is hard for him, there are many things that he does easily. This is a simple message for the child with dyslexia, or any child who may struggle with some parts of learning. Within the story, we hear about several students who may struggle in one area, while being skilled in another.
The book gives a brief explanation about dyslexia.At the rear of the book,
there is a 'Notes for Grown Up's '
section which provides further info about this learning difficulty
On closing the story, Tom asks the reader to think about their own special talent and a page at the rear is left blank for the child to colour or write about this. When I shared this book with my nieces and nephews, it led to a lovely discussion about the talents of each family member, with the children discussing and acknowledging their positive attributes - a nice change from the usual sibling rivalry!
The back inside cover has 'Notes for Grown Up's' as well as contact information for a dyslexia support agency.
In short
This book gives a positive message about learning styles, talents and unique characteristics. It gives a brief explanation about dyslexia and for the young or a recently diagnosed child, it is a positive and reassuring read. All children will relate to it's core message-we each have strengths and weaknesses.
While the book's cover has 'A Story About Dyslexia' in small print, the information is on the brief side-it may not satisfy the child with more questions. If you as a parent or professional need more information in a child friendly format- here is another excellent resource which I have used in my work : kidshealth.org - Dyslexia:information for kids
Child reviews the book:
A Missus B video review:
An excellent child friendly web page to help children learn more about dyslexia:Kids Health: Dyslexia Are you a parent in need of more information about dyslexia? Here is a helpful page-KidsHealth:Understanding Dyslexia Happy reading, Missus B Get the book at these affiliate links:
A friendship story..... Written & illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann Walker Books Ltd 2014 Reviewed copy-library book Back: AT GINGER'S PARTY, her classmates spoil all the games and hardly even touch the silver-and-gold birthday cake.Poor Ginger! But then the best present of all comes from a quite unexpected direction..... The story: Ginger has BIG plans for her birthday- a silver-and-gold birthday cake, party games and invitations for ALL the girls in her class...except Lyla Browning. ... 'Lyla Browning was weird:she smelled like old leaves, she didn't talk much, and she even brought a tarantula in a pickle jar for Show-and-Tell. But Ginger's mum said she had to invite all the girls in her class- or none of them.' The party day arrives- but, oh fiddlesticks, things just don't go to plan! Lyla arrives WAY to early, no-one eats the fab cake and everyone ignores Ginger when she tries to make the rules during the party games! This book has bright, colourful illustrations and a heartwarming message about accepting difference and finding friendship in unexpected places. More from Missus B: This is a nice read to help develop discussion about friendship & social behaviour. Lyla doesn't seem to be part of a social circle. As Ginger and her buddies group together, we see Lyla in the background, chasing down insects with her magnifying glass. When Lyla presents her 'curly hair tarantula' at Show-and-Tell, the children recoil in collective disgust. The independent Lyla doesn't care though, she appears un-phased by the groaning and teasing from her class mates (or, maybe it bothers her but she doesn't show it?) During Ginger's party, we see Lyla in the background busily watching a ladybug. Is Lyla simply not bothered with the party games? Is she happy playing by herself? Is she lonely? Does she feel left out? Is she shy?
Poor Lyla,no-one wants to know about the 'curly-hair tarantula' she brought for Show-and-Tell :(
Lyla seems to be on the edge- when the girls compliment each other about their dresses and hairbands, the brown-clad Lyla doesn't participate in the niceties, but stays in the background, playing with her magnifying glass.
'You're finally here!' says Ginger with excitement when her friends arrive. Lyla was there first-but it seems she doesn't count as much
There are lots of feelings represented in the book-mainly from Ginger. We see her disappointed, glum, face when her Mum rightly says EVERYONE must come to the party-including Lyla. While she is giddy and excited early in the day, later she's frustrated and angry when her friends dont play as she'd like. In sharing this story, there's plenty to discuss about the interactions and feelings in the group setting. Children can reflect on peer relationships and consider points of view. How does it feel when your birthday party doesn't go the way you'd like it?! "You're spoiling all the games!" yelled Ginger. But the girls had already started the three-legged-race. Of course, there's also Lyla. Mainly playing by herself, how might she feel during the party activities? When she spots Ginger feeling grumpy, she reaches out to her with the little ladybug she's found.
And a new friendship begins...
By the end of the story, Ginger has learns that, 'weird' might actually be quirky, interesting and fun. I love this story and it's sweet message about friendship- it offers a great opportunity to reflect on and discuss friendships and all its complexities.
Happy Reading, Missus B Get the book at these affiliate links:
