“It all started a few months ago, during school recess. I noticed Katie whispering to a group of girls and looking at me. I went up to them and asked Katie what they were talking about. She said, “Oh nothing, Mon-ICK-a. I’ll tell you later.” then some of the other girls giggled like it really was something, and that made me feel bad.”….
“Things didn’t get any better after a while. in fact, they got worse. Much worse. It got to the point where no one would play with me at recess.”
My Secret Bully explores “relational aggression” or “emotional bullying.” In this instance, the relational aggression includes exclusion, humiliation and manipulation. Katie bullies Monica until no one is willing to play with her at recess. Monica is bewildered by her ‘friend’s’ behaviour and worries that something is wrong with her. When she finally confides to her mom, she says, “She’s really nice to me when we’re playing alone, but really mean to me when we’re around other people.”
Monica’s mom is a great listener. She acknowledges that this will be a difficult problem to overcome and then she suggests some role-playing. Monica practices some ways to respond to Katie and is ready when faced with Katie’s whispers. Resisting a fairy tale ending, My Secret Bully provides a reasonable resolution that empowers Monica to find new friends and to enjoy her time with them.
Suitable for children five and up, My Secret Bully offers all sorts of extra materials including a forward by Susan Wellman, founder of The Ophelia Project, notes for parents and teachers, suggestions for what to do if you are a target, discussion points, additional resources, websites, recommended readings and a list of ten ways to be a better friend.
The Three Silly Billies – written by Margie Palatini, Illustrated by Barry Moser Picture book published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Here is an altogether new and modern take on the Three Billy Goats Gruff. When the three Silly Billies can’t put together enough change to pay the $1.00 toll to the grumpy stumpy troll at the Trollgate Plaza, they decide to form a rather unconventional ‘car pool.’ Enter a family of three bears, a boy named Jack and young girl carrying a basket and wearing a red hood. Mama Bear fretted. “What ever will we do? If we don’t get home soon, our porridge will be cold.”…. “Why not add your money to our money?” blurted out Billy Bob. “Join our car pool so we can cross the bridge together.” “Makes a lot of cents (sic) to me, ” said Baby Bear.
Lots of fun wordplay, delicious language and vivid, clever watercolor illustrations make The Three Silly Billies well worth a careful look especially for students in the primary grades who are familiar with The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. The illustrations include “inside” jokes for readers to discover including Jack’s “Giant Buster” ax and the “Wolfbanextra” in Red’s basket. Be sure to follow the link (above) to Ms. Palatini’s website. You will find all sorts of treats for young readers.
The King’s Taster – written by Kenneth Oppel, paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher Picture book published by Harper Collins
Max is the king’s tester and the cook’s dog. Life is mighty fine until a new and very young king refuses the cook’s gourmet fare. “The cook went straight to work on the coronation feast. He chopped, he topped, and he tailed; he sliced, he stirred and he whisked.” Despite the cook’s valiant efforts, the obstinate young king refuses to eat. The cook is desperate – he must find new recipes to satisfy an extremely picky and powerful sovereign. After travelling the world and experimenting with all sorts of exotic culinary treats, the cook finally uncovers the truth: the New King is devouring candy, cookies and other sweet treats rather than the delicious and nutritious food prepared by the cook. To avoid having his mother hear the truth, the young king decides to make better choices. He soon rediscovers his appetite and relishes meals that are truly ‘fit for a king.’ The King’s Taster serves up a banquet of delicious language and fascinating collage illustrations.
Tackling all sorts of missteps and awkward social situations, Oh, How Sylvester Can Pester!: And Other Poems More or Less About Manners offers twenty poetic suggestions for demonstrating good manners for children. Covering topics as diverse as picky eating and tardiness, talking during a movie and sneezing in public, this book of poetry and good manners has been illustrated cheerfully with a diverse cast of ill-mannered characters.
Probably best suited to a classroom or library, readers will appreciate the lighthearted approach –
When someone is speaking- a grown-up, let’s say-
can you interrupt? In general, no way.
There’re exceptions to that, but they’re rare.
They occur in those instances where lightning is flashing its bolts from the sky
and they’d land on your friend, or at least land nearby.”
I recently responded to an inquiry from a teacher. She was looking for a fictional look at a farm. She needed the farm to be modern and she needed a book that would appeal to children in the primary grades. I suggested farming picture book Farm by Elisha Cooper
Farm is a detailed tribute to farming and the people who do it. Best-suited to children six and up, the descriptions include interesting details and description, “Everything grows in May. The corn shoots up, high as the girl’s knees. The rows look like wet hair just after it’s combed. The farmer combs the rows with the tractor, spraying fertilizer and pesticide. Then the rows grow together and the fields become an ocean of green. The farms are like islands on the ocean. The tractors are like boats.” From tilling the soil to harvesting the corn, we move through spring, summer, and fall and observe how the crops, jobs, equipment, weather, and chores change.
Additional materials in this farming picture book include a glossary of farm terminology
Did you know Storytime Standouts offers more than two hundred early childhood literacy downloads? You may be interested in some of our free printables to go along with this farming picture book.
Five Little Farmers
Use Five Little Farmers as a fingerplay or a felt board story in preschool, homeschool or kindergarten.
Salmon Creek written by Annette LeBox and illustrated by Karen Reczuch
Picture books published by Groundwood Books
A wonderful resource for children interested in our natural world and students studying Pacific salmon, Salmon Creek is a beautifully illustrated picture book about one Coho salmon: Sumi. Beginning when Sumi first feels and hears the creek around her, “Sumi was blind, but she could hear the wind whispering through the cedars. She could hear the creek stones lifting and falling as the salmon mothers built their nests. And if she pressed against the curve of her egg, she could hear her salmon mother singing. Home is the scent of cedar and creek. Home is the journey’s end.” Richly detailed illustrations show us the wildlife that frequents the banks of the stream (bears, raccoons, heron, ducks, and eagles) and Sumi’s growth and travels from alevin to fry, smolt and finally a fully grown fish, ready to spawn.
The afterward includes illustrations of and information about the life cycle of the Coho salmon, a commentary regarding threats to wild salmon, additional resources, a glossary and suggestions for how kids can help.
Best suited for children aged five and up, this is a thoughtful, thorough treatment of a difficult problem; bullying. Dragon and his young friend get together for an enjoyable day of imaginative play. When they meet up with other children, the dragon is told he is not welcome:
“A dragon!” He smirked. “We’ve told you before,
You’re too big, tall and green to play knights anymore!”
“Let’s chase him away!” he cried, raising his shield.
“We’ll vanquish that dragon! We’ll make that beast yield!”
The dragon’s friend responds by standing up for his buddy and, when that does not solve the problem, seeking help from nearby adults. The adults respond promptly and effectively: while one adult talks quietly with the bully’s victim, the other adult chats with the bully and his friends.
The King asked us, “What does it mean to belong?
Was treating the dragon that way right or wrong?”
“Have you ever felt picked on?” I asked. “Have you felt small?
Have you felt like there’s no one who likes you at all?”
Endnotes for the book provide anti bulying information for children as well as ways we can all help to stop bullying.
Lessons From Mother Earth
Written by Elaine McLeod and illustrated by Colleen Wood Lessons from Mother Earth tells the story of a young girl who learns from her grandmother. They leave a small cabin and, with her grandmother’s guidance, the young girl discovers the bounty of fresh food provided by Mother Earth. Lamb’s-quarters, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, rosehips, dandelions and mushrooms are all part of the bounty.
The Paint Box – written by Maxine Trottier and illustrated by Stella East
Set in Venice, The Paint Box is the story of Marietta and her friend Piero. Both children are fascinated with creating art. Because she is a girl, Marietta must disguise herself when she works with her father and studies to be a painter. Piero is a slave, who longs to return to his family and freedom. He shares Marietta’s love of art. Beautifully illustrated and written, this picture book provides insight into Renaissance life and will surely inspire young artists.
32 pages, Ages 6+
Shortlisted by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre for their Our Choice Award in 2005
Bag in the Wind written by Ted Kooser and illustrated by Barry Root Picture book for older readers published by Candlewick Press
Best suited to children in elementary school, Bag in the Wind is a thought-provoking story about an empty plastic bag. Although still usable, it has been discarded. It is subsequently unearthed at a landfill and is blown back into a world of plants, animals and people.
Beautifully written and illustrated it is a picture book that will challenge older readers to think about ways to reuse resources. Bag in the Wind at Amazon.com
Z is for Zamboni – A Hockey Alphabet Written by Matt Napier and illustrated by Melanie Rose Hockey alphabet book published by Sleeping Bear Press
If hockey plays a part in your household, this enticing hockey alphabet book will appeal to the entire family. Young children will enjoy the simple rhymes while older children and adults will appreciate the more detailed information bordering the charming illustrations.
The Hockey Card Written by Jack Siemiatycki & Avi Slodovnick Illustrated by Doris Barrette Hockey picture book published by Lobster Press
When Uncle Jack shares the story of the best hockey card he ever had, we take pleasure in a glimpse of the great Maurice Richard and a schoolyard duel against a tough hockey card shark. This is a book that made a lasting impression in our household – my youngest son is now a 13 year old bantam hockey player and just noticed me working on this post. He remarked, “Now that was a good book.” The Hockey Card at Amazon.com
Storytime Standouts writes about two picture books written by Judy Sierra. Both books are fantastic and present a wonderful opportunity for readers to make connections with other classic stories.
When B.B. Wolf is invited to the local library’s Storybook Tea, he reviews proper etiquette, dons a dapper jacket and promises good behavior. After three cups of tea, a gurgling tummy threatens but Mr. Wolf remembers to say, ‘Excuse me,’ and is congratulated for his extraordinarily good manners. This picture book is a delight and I rank it among “The Best of the Best.” Youngsters are sure to enjoy spotting familiar fairy tale characters including Little Red Riding Hood, the Gingerbread Boy and the Three Little Pigs in addition to the Big Bad Wolf. It is indeed a treat to discover that Mr. Wolf has retired to Villain Villa and that using good manners can lead to happy endings.
But wait, there’s more… Tell the Truth, B.B. Wolf is an equally delightful tale featuring our “favourite” fairy tale villain! When invited to give his version of very familiar events, his credibility is soon called into question. Bold, retro illustrations compliment both stories beautifully.
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My Secret Bully written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Abigail Marble
well worth a careful look especially for students in the primary grades who are familiar with The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. The illustrations include “inside” jokes for readers to discover including Jack’s “Giant Buster” ax and the “Wolfbanextra” in Red’s basket. Be sure to follow the link (above) to Ms. Palatini’s website. You will find all sorts of treats for young readers.
serves up a banquet of delicious language and fascinating collage illustrations. 
offers twenty poetic suggestions for demonstrating good manners for children. Covering topics as diverse as picky eating and tardiness, talking during a movie and sneezing in public, this book of poetry and good manners has been illustrated cheerfully with a diverse cast of ill-mannered characters.
by 
is a beautifully illustrated picture book about one Coho salmon: Sumi. Beginning when Sumi first feels and hears the creek around her, “Sumi was blind, but she could hear the wind whispering through the cedars. She could hear the creek stones lifting and falling as the salmon mothers built their nests. And if she pressed against the curve of her egg, she could hear her salmon mother singing. Home is the scent of cedar and creek. Home is the journey’s end.” Richly detailed illustrations show us the wildlife that frequents the banks of the stream (bears, raccoons, heron, ducks, and eagles) and Sumi’s growth and travels from alevin to fry, smolt and finally a fully grown fish, ready to spawn. 
is part of the Dragon Safety Series. Other books in the series provide suggestions regarding fire safety, water safety and stranger safety.
tells the story of a young girl who learns from her grandmother. They leave a small cabin and, with her grandmother’s guidance, the young girl discovers the bounty of fresh food provided by Mother Earth. Lamb’s-quarters, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, rosehips, dandelions and mushrooms are all part of the bounty.
is the story of Marietta and her friend Piero. Both children are fascinated with creating art. Because she is a girl, Marietta must disguise herself when she works with her father and studies to be a painter. Piero is a slave, who longs to return to his family and freedom. He shares Marietta’s love of art. Beautifully illustrated and written, this picture book provides insight into Renaissance life and will surely inspire young artists.
