By Kendra J. Barrett, Jacqueline B. Toner, and Claire A.B. Freeland
Illustrated by Violet Lemay
Theme: Overcoming disability; school inclusion;
Plot: How a happy first grader, in a wheelchair, can make friends and enjoy her days at school and participate in ordinary school activities;
Moral: This story teaches us to have a positive attitude towards the people with special needs; instead of excluding them from daily activities, we should find activities suited for their condition; instead of turning a blind eye and pretending they aren’t there, we should see them for who they are and help them with their goals.
The takeaway: When something doesn’t feel right we are always quick to blame others. Instead, we should take a hard look at ourselves because often time we are the ones causing the problem. And, sometimes, just by changing a little detail we make it right again. Continue reading Something Smells by Blake Liliane Hellman→
The takeaway : This is a very sweet story about a migrant family of Mennonites from Mexico and their live on the road, told through the eyes of a young girl. Continue reading Migrant by Maxine Trottier→
Dear Substitute by Liz Garton Scalon and Aydrey vernick
today’s children storybook summary is
Dear Substitute
By Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick
Illustrated by Chris Raschka
The takeaway: When teachers must miss a day at school, a substitute takes over. But the sub cannot replace the beloved teacher and the class grows anxious. This book shows exactly what children feel when their teacher is gone for the day and helps them get through the day and even enjoy it. Continue reading Dear Substitute by Liz Garton Scalon and Audrey Vernick→
The takeaway: Through the eyes of a child, a funeral is not an ordinary day. There are many unfamiliar places, people behavior is sober, and the whole day has an unexplained solemnity to it. But the best part of the day is when you get together with your family, thus make it comfortable and welcoming. Continue reading The Funeral by Matt James→
The takeaway: Make yourself known before asking for understanding and friendship from others. Show them that the rough side of you is nothing else then a shield for your protection. And they have nothing to fear. Continue reading Elmore by Holly Hobbie→
The takeaway: Sometimes is hard to keep doing the right thing especially when others push you in the wrong direction. But as hard at it may be and long as it may take, doing the right thing feels good and sooner or later others will follow. Continue reading A Hen for Izzy Pippik by Aubrey Davis→
The takeaway: There are no big hairy monsters under the bed, or in the closet, or up high and down below…just creatures you haven’t meet yet, and things you are still to find out about. That’s all there is! And once you realize what made you afraid, you’ll see you had the wrong idea altogether. This is a book about being scared of (nonexistent) monsters. Continue reading Albert’s Tree by Jenni Desmond→
Storyline: Wolf is a story about dealing with prejudice and exclusion, and learning from it. About trying to fit in and, ultimately, despite rejection, remaining positive.
Wolf is, as you may correctly think, a wolf. He has black fur, red eyes, gray teeth(?) and colored boots, one red, one yellow. He wants to make new friends Continue reading Wolf by Sara Fanelli→
what to do when you are sent to your room by ann stott
today’s children storybook summary is
What to Do When You Are Sent to Your Room
By Ann Stott
Illustration by Stephen Gilpin
Storyline: Ben has enough experience to write a self-help book about what to do when you are sent to your room. He has it mastered, a sign that he has done it a lot. He says that he gets sent to his room for feeding the dog his dinner but, from what we read, we pick at other reasons as well. Continue reading What to Do When You Are Sent to Your Room by Ann Stott→
Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack and Jerry Pinkney
today’s children storybook summary is
Goin’ Someplace Special
By Patricia C. McKissack
Illustration by Jerry Pinkney
Storyline: Mama Frances is in the kitchen, preparing vegetables for cooking when ‘Tricia Ann asks her if she can go Someplace Special all by herself. She’s all dressed up in a nice blue dress with a yellow ribbon, a hat, and a hand purse. ‘Tricia Ann is about 12 years old but as her grandmother, Mama Frances, says, “goin’ off alone is a mighty big step”. Continue reading Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack→
Storyline: This books Follows a boy and his pal as they read a children storybook. But wait, there is more to reading a story then just opening the first page and let your imagination take hold of the words on the paper…As a matter of fact, there is an instruction book for children, a do-it-yourself book, a self-help guide in ten steps. Continue reading How to Read a Story by Kate Messner→
Storyline: It was a hot summer day and the farmer was out, working on his land. He was an tall, old farmer, black boots, pants with suspenders, a large brim black hat and a long white beard. On the horizon, the circus train was just happening to pass by when something fell out. Continue reading The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee→