More than 30 years have passed since my own elementary school experience and the memories still linger when I walk my own children to their classes. School is underway now and is a big part of children's lives.
The books below are geared to school-age children but have a message that everybody can relate to. I thoroughly enjoyed them and I hope you do, too.
My neighbour loaned me this first book, which was given to her by a friend, and suggests that you don't have to be a child to absorb something from a children's story book.
Courage by Bernard Waber: In this simple yet entertaining story, author and artist Bernard Waber looks at various ways in which kids, and the occasional grown-up, display bravery. "There are many kinds of courage," the narrative begins, "Awesome kinds everyday kinds." Waber's humour infuses many of the pages, including one from a dog's viewpoint: A "Beware of Dog" sign adorns the front lawn of a house while, inside, a pooch quakes listening to eerie sounds "Courage is it's your job to check out the night noises in the house." A good read-aloud to encourage conversation about what courage is and isn't, and the many forms it takes.
Willow's Whispers by Lana Button: A story about a little girl named Willow whom no one hears because she speaks so quietly. With a good idea, Willow finally learns to solve her own whisper problem. In the story, everyone cheers when Willow is successful and this is a great message for young children. Simple cartoon illustrations capture the child's emotions as she struggles to be heard.
One by Kathryn Otoshi: This is another great and simply told story about colours and counting that turns into a lesson on bullying. A very smart, well designed story that ends up including everyone in its game and in the end emphasizes: "Sometimes it just takes One."
Incredible You!: 10 ways to Let your Greatness Shine Through and Unstoppable Me!: 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by Wayne Dyer: Both have vibrant, colourful illustrations and many positive messages for children. The author drives home the importance of being yourself and not just trying to fit in.
Noni says No by Heather Hartt-Sussman: Noni can do many things: She can give her baby brother his bottle, she can help her mother in the kitchen and she can even walk over to her friend Susie's house. But Noni just can't say "No." When Noni finally finds her voice, the consequences are not what she - or the reader - expects. This story is an exploration of friendship and of the importance of trusting one's own judgment. Many children (as well as many adults) will root for Noni as she learns that you can stand up for yourself and still be a good friend.
I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting off a Little Self-esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis: Told in alternating points of view, a girl's and a boy's, Curtis celebrates the key to feeling good, which is liking yourself because you are you. The zany and lively artwork go well with the text. Curtis' other books are well worth a look as well.
Check with your local library for read-aloud books for your family to enjoy. Everyone loves a good story.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Helena Ashcroft-Loberg is a library technician at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.
