Not Like Every Day -- Book Review to Help Kids Cope with Lockdown Drills & News of School Shootings

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It happened again. I was glued to the television last Thursday. UMass Boston had evacuated two buildings due to a 911 call saying there was an active shooter. Now we hear about school shootings almost daily it seems which is so wrong, but this one was different for me. It was personal. I immediately texted my friend asking if her son was home. Her son who I taught for several years and who is a freshman at UMass Boston. He wasn't home and in fact he was in one of the buildings evacuated. A police officer told him it was a confirmed active shooter. Luckily her son called his mom, and she talked him through the entire "escape" and even more luckily it was a false alarm. However, for about an hour or so it was really scary. My mind flashbacked to April 1999--the Columbine shooting. That was not

Mikey and the Dragons -- Picture Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Does your child have lots of fears? Fears can be crippling especially to our young ones. It can be hard to help little ones overcome their fears or at least face them. Often we find work arounds like nightlights for kids who are afraid of the dark. Today we get to share a picture book about a young boy who has many fears and how he learns to face them. The book is Mikey and the Dragons by Jocko Willink and illustrated by Jon Bozak. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6. 

Books for Back to School

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When does/did school start where you are? My school starts back today. On Friday we dropped Hazel off at her new boarding school for the arts. Steve and I have officially become empty nesters. A new school year can bring many different feelings for kids (and teachers). There is the excitement of what is to come and there is the fear of what is to come. Whether it is a new school or just a new class and teacher, most people experience some anxiety this time of year. And it isn't just the students and the teachers. I remember all too well the stress of leaving Hazel at school when she was younger. So, I thought in honor of my first day back with the students, I would share three picture books that have messages about controlling anxiety, overcoming fears, being true to oneself and also accepting differences. The first book I will share is How to Train Your Amygdala by Anna Housley Juster and illustrated by Cynthia Cliff. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8, although I know some high school students it might be good to share it with.

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Alysson Foti Bourque to bring you this post and giveaway.

Do you ever get worried on Sunday about the week ahead? I know as a teacher I often have trouble sleeping Sunday nights. I'm also known to have my teacher nightmares on Sunday nights. Today I am sharing a book about the Sunday scaries as well as other fears and a group of friends who help each other overcome fears. The book is Alycat and the Sunday Scaries by Alysson Foti Bourque and illustrated by Chiiara Civati. This is part of the Alycat series, which I have reviewed a couple of books from previously. 

New Picture Book that Teaches Fears Can Be All in Our Minds

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

When Hazel was young, she had many fears including the dark. We have spent quite a bit of time dealing with her anxieties. Today I'm sharing a wonderful book that helps kids who are afraid of the dark. It reminds me a bit of the Halloween book, The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. Today's book is not Halloween or even fall specific. It is Barnaby Is Not Afraid of Anything by Gilles Bizouerne and illustrated by Beatrice Rodriquez. 

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey -- Book Review

 

Disclosure: I am working with The Children's Book Review and Harper Collins Publishers to participate in this blog tour. I was sent a copy of this book and will receive a small compensation for my review. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday we kicked off our celebration of Asian-American Heritage Month. Today's book features a young Filipino-American girl so it is perfect for this month. The book is Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly. Today is the release day of this book!! The book is recommended for ages 7 to 12 but I think the sweet spot is for 6 to 9. This is definitely an emerging reader novel thanks to the pictures throughout and larger print size. 

Books for Younger Readers

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am giving you a round-up of books for your younger readers. These books range in ages from 4 to 12 although one is suggested for 0 months and above. One book is about fears and seems perfect for this week with Halloween. Hazel has had high fears in the month of October especially when she was younger. She still does not like to see the Halloween decorations in the stores or on people's yards. Do you know any child like this? If you do this first book is perfect for him or her. It is Frankie's Scared of EVERYTHING by tattoo artist, Mathew Franklin. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Board Book Round-Up

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Today I am sharing some six board books for through preschool. These books range in what they cover from fun stories to educational to Halloween. Plus one of our favorite bedtime stories from when Hazel was young. The first book is for babies. It is Look! Babies Head to Toe by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Anoosha Syed. 

The Night Knights -- a new picture book for the kids who are scared at night

Disclosure: Abrams Books sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Do you have a child who is afraid of the dark or of going to bed? Does he or she think there might be monsters in his or her room? Hazel was this child. She often got afraid to be alone at night and was very afraid of the dark. She has grown out of it mostly, but there are still times when it comes back. However for the younger kids today I am sharing a wonderful new book to help. It is The Night Knights by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Cory Godbey. 

Books to Find Calm and Peace in our Crazy World -- Mommy Time Review

Disclosure: I was sent these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My focus this year is on taking care of myself. I need to lose weight to be healthier. I want to take the time I need to connect with God. I need to focus on my needs and not always on my family's because that is the only way I will successfully take care of their needs. Today I am going to share with you two amazing book that help me meet these goals. They are life changing!! The first book is Hello Mornings by Kat Lee. 

Oh Susannah! Things that Go Bump -- Facing Ones Fears

Disclosure: The Children's Book Review and Carole P. Roman sent me a copy of this book and is paying me a small stipend for this review. All opinions are my own.

What is your child afraid of? Is he or she like Hazel with many fears? The second book in Carole P. Roman's Oh Susannah series is perfect for new readers who have fears. We shared the first book in the series here. The second book is Oh Susannah: Things that Go Bump by Carole P. Roman and illustrated by Mateya Arkova.