For the past three years, my library system (Cuyhaoga County Public Library in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, aka CCPL) has reached out to school librarians, ELA staff, and school administrators through School Librarian Book Buzz. This event informs school staff of the services and materials CCPL has to offer, such as educator cards, databases, and more. In addition, library staff give book talks on topics pertinent to teachers—STEAM titles, diverse titles, and, this year, books that serve social-emotional needs.
I was honored to be chosen to discuss social-emotional books during this year’s online conference. This month, I’ll share titles for students in grades K-2. Next month, we’ll discuss middle grade books.
Onto my four picks for young students!
Grace Byers, author
Keturah A. Bobo, illustrator
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
ISBN: 9780062667137
Author Grace Byers believes that all children can achieve their goals. Featuring diversity of race, religion, and ability, I Believe I Can is short enough to read aloud to a group of young children who need to hear this empowering message. The final message is this quote: “My presence matters in this world. My Life is worthy; there’s a plan. I know I can do anything, if only I believe I can.”
Larissa Theule, author
Sara Palacios, illustrator
Publisher: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 9781681190396
Bashful Poppy Ann Fields prefers studying bugs to socializing with large crowds of people. At times, she literally blends in with the furniture, giving the book a mini “Where’s Waldo?” vibe. But her 100-year-old Grandma Phyllis understands: Poppy’s not a wallflower, she’s a wildflower who will discover her own way. And readers can discover too, with a glossary of Poppy’s bug friends in the back matter.
The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath: A Fairy Tale to Help You Feel Better
Susan Verde, author
Jay Fleck, illustrator
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781419741036
Most kids know the story of the Three Little Pigs. Verde uses this knowledge to investigate the reasons WHY the Big Bad Wolf is so big and bad. These pigs are yogis who aim to calm their canine friend through breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga poses. The wolf may have lost his “huff and puff,” but he has found his breath.
Stef Wade, author
Jennifer Davison, illustrator
Publisher: Capstone Editions
ISBN: 9781684461042
Lance Cottonwood is the very best student in his class. He exceled in budding, wind resistance and, according to his teacher, passed pigment changing with flying colors! However, his final exam, Falling, is a bit different. He wishes he could be like his neighbor, Doug Fir, who stays on his tree all winter. With help from a supportive teacher who acknowledges his fears and promises to help him through, Lance at last takes his final leap.
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did!
This post addresses the core competencies of IV. Knowledge, Curation, and Management of Materials.