“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.
Storytime Standouts looks at an eco friendly picture book that promotes environmental awareness
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh Eco Friendly Picture Book published by Candlewick Press
Striking die-cuts and a fun format enhance to this delightful read-aloud. Big, bold illustrations – perfect for a group setting – show readers ten ways young children can help our world. With reminders to turn off the light when leaving a room, turn off the tap off when brushing teeth, put out a birdfeeder in the winter, draw on both sides of the paper and walk to school rather than drive, youngsters will feel empowered to make a difference by this eco friendly picture book.
Additional notes such as Every time you do this, you save eighteen glasses of water. and Turning off lights and using more efficient lightbulbs saves valuable energy. will engage and inspire older readers.
Made from 100% recycled material 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World’s eco-friendly tips are great for preschool and kindergarten. For older children, 10 Things I Can Do demonstrates creative ways to deliver important messages using eye-catching illustrations, factual information and word art.
Possible extension activities could include identifying and illustrating five or ten more ways to “help” (at school or on the playground) using like techniques.
Jack the Bear – written and illustrated by Christina Leist Picture book that explores social responsibility published by Simply Read Books
When an unfamiliar bear appears in his forest, Nosy Fox is immediately curious. Nosy asks Brainy Owl about the stranger and is unimpressed when Nosy says that Jack the Bear is making the world a better place.
“I thought,” said Nosy Fox, twitching his tail, “that making the world a better place was a job for kings and queens and presidents and prime ministers.”
As Nosy and Brainy observe the stranger from a distance, Brainy answers the fox’s questions and encourages him to reconsider his assumptions about who can make a difference. The world is awfully big, after all, and there are many ways to make it better – some even involve honey!
“Exactly.” Brainy Owl beamed. “Little good deeds that everyone can do, like making somebody smile, turn the world into a better place.”
Nominated for a 2011 Blue Spruce Award, Jack the Bear is a very good starting point for discussions about social responsibility.
It is also worthwhile to note the inventive illustrations were created on recycled brown paper bags using chalk, watercolours, crayon, felt pen, and pencil.
Upcoming Social Responsibility Workshop for Richmond CCRR
Supporting Social Responsibility with Great Read-Alouds
In this professional development workshop, we will look at a variety of new picture books that support and encourage social responsibility. As well, we will explore ways to enhance the read-aloud experience with songs, games, and activities. Workshop attendees receive a multi-page summary of all important content and an extensive book list featuring cover art, title, author/illustrator, ISBN codes and tags.
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.”
Clara and the Bossy is one of three picture books about a guinea pig called Clara. She loves purple and triangles and tuna sandwiches. She is thrilled when another girls suggests that they should be best friends. Clara admires Madison and is excited to go to her house but when it is time to clean up Madison’s bedroom, Clara is disappointed when Madison directs Clara to take care of putting the toys away. The following day, Madison points out that Clara wears her favourite purple dress every day. Later in the week she comments on her tuna sandwiches and is unimpressed when they are cut into triangles rather than more exotic shapes.
When Madison turns her attention to one of Clara’s classmates and makes an unfriendly comment, Clara is prompted to take stock of the “friendship.” The following day, Clara returns to school and decides to be herself despite Madison’s scornful remarks. Clara discovers there many children at school who share her enthusiasm for tuna and triangles. Before long, Madison decides to join the fun.
An enjoyable story with a worthwhile anti bullying message, Clara and the Bossy could be used to encourage children to discuss friendship, conflict resolution and bullying.
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.
“Red was a hot head. He liked to pick on Blue, “Red is a great color,” he’d say. “Red is hot. Blue is not.” Then Blue would feel bad about being Blue.”
Red is a loud, brash bully while Blue is a quiet, introspective color. When Red relentlessly picks on him, Yellow, Green, Purple and Orange witness the unkind words and are sympathetic to Blue but they fail to act. The don’t tell Red to stop the abuse. When none of the colors speak up for their friend, Red is emboldened. He grows larger and larger until all of the colors are afraid of him. Thankfully, a newcomer appears, “with bold strokes and squared corners…One stood up straight like an arrow and said, “No.”
Featuring bold, dramatic illustrations and a deceptively simple storyline, One delivers a terrific anti-bullying message. A great read aloud, One offers many opportunities for discussion and the inspiring illustrations will encourage artists young and old.
I recently received an email from a mom. She was concerned about playground dynamics and she went on to explain that her daughter was having a tough time with another girl. Her daughter’s “friend” was dictating the play experience – deciding which children could be involved and each child’s “role.” I was absolutely delighted to have a book recommendation for her: You’re Mean, Lily Jean. Selected: First and Best by Toronto Public Libraries in 2009 and nominated for a Blue Spruce Award,
You’re Mean, Lily Jean tells the story of a new girl who moves into the neighbourhood. Lily Jean is the same age as Sandy and is domineering and a braggart. She joins Sandy and her younger sister Carly for a couple of playdates. Lily Jean does not want Carly to be a part of their imaginary games and each time the three girls play together, Lily Jean dictates what they will play and how they will play. She gives the younger sister, Carly, the less desirable “parts” in their imaginary world. Lily Jean and Sandy are the king and queen, Carly is told to be the dog. Lily and Sandy are cowgirls, Carly is told to be the cow. “She did not want to moo or eat grass, but Lily Jean said she had to if she wanted to play. So she did.”
Lily Jean’s smug appearance and Carly’s bitter disappointment are depicted beautifully by Ms. Denton. Readers will cheer for Carly when Sandy decides she would prefer to play with her younger sister than with an overbearing bully.
You’re Mean Lily Jean is best suited to children four and up. It offers many opportunities for children to consider each girl’s perspective and ways to resolve difficult social situations.
Sandy’s Incredible Shrinking Footprint written by Carole Carpenter and Femida Handy, illustrated by Adrianna Steel-Card
Sandy’s Incredible Shrinking Footprint tells the story of a young girl who, while visiting her grandpa, happily runs to a nearby beach. She loves to explore the seashore and is shocked to find a pile of garbage others left near a fire pit. She is disgusted by the waste and works to collect the candy wrappers, pop cans and mustard bottles. Before long, she meets an old woman who roams the beach and collects the litter others have left behind. The woman encourages the girl to consider, “The footprint of your life – the mark you leave on the world.”
This breezy, empowering picture book includes colourful collage illustrations made from natural and recycled materials. Suitable for children aged six and up.
It is Christmas Eve and Fletcher Fox’s rabbit friends have moved into a new burrow. Fletcher suddenly realizes that Santa won’t know about the rabbits’ new home. Together with his forest friends, Fletcher uses sticks to leave a trail of arrows for Santa to follow through the woodland. Unfortunately, a snowfall on December 24th conceals the signs the animals left for Santa. What happens next is truly magical…
Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas uses rich description and evocative, pastel illustrations to tell a heartwarming story of friendship. A great addition to your holiday bookshelf. A highly recommended Christmas picture book for children aged four and up.
Having finished reading The Alchemist’s Dream, I decided to take a look at some chapter books for younger readers. this week I read three books and enjoyed them all. Let’s begin with…
Wasim One-Star written by Chris Ashley, illustrated by Kate Pankhurst Chapter book for primary to middle grade readers published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Wasim can hardly wait to pass a school swimming test and become a One-Star swimmer. Unfortunately, on the day of the test, Wasim finds himself in trouble. His concern for a new classmate whose English is not good causes him to speak more loudly than he should. Wasim is heartbroken when he is sent (untested) to the pool changing room because of his loud voice.
Wasim’s concern that Wayne’s poor English could cause him to get into difficulty is justified. Fortunately, Wasim is watching and responds quickly when Wayne gets in over his head.
Wasim is a great character – in fact, I’d call him a ‘rising star.’ His desire to pass the swimming test and his concern for a classmate are both genuine and admirable. I particularly liked the dynamics between the students, the swim instructor and the teachers. Recommended for boys and girls, aged 6 and up.
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My Secret Bully written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Abigail Marble
eco-friendly tips are great for preschool and kindergarten. For older children, 10 Things I Can Do demonstrates creative ways to deliver important messages using eye-catching illustrations, factual information and word art. 
is a very good starting point for discussions about social responsibility. 
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.
could be used to encourage children to discuss friendship, conflict resolution and bullying.
is part of the Dragon Safety Series. Other books in the series provide suggestions regarding fire safety, water safety and stranger safety.
delivers a terrific anti-bullying message. A great read aloud, One offers many opportunities for discussion and the inspiring illustrations will encourage artists young and old.
. Selected: 
tells the story of a young girl who, while visiting her grandpa, happily runs to a nearby beach. She loves to explore the seashore and is shocked to find a pile of garbage others left near a fire pit. She is disgusted by the waste and works to collect the candy wrappers, pop cans and mustard bottles. Before long, she meets an old woman who roams the beach and collects the litter others have left behind. The woman encourages the girl to consider, “The footprint of your life – the mark you leave on the world.”
