Around the world, families come together to share meals, make music, celebrate joys and shoulder sorrows. “Rice and Rocks” written uses food as a common element that bridges cultures..
“Have you ever thought about inventing something of your own? You’re never too young to try.” Parents can paraphrase that quote and say, “You’re never too old to try.” Viewing failure as the stepping stone to success is one foundational theme of the book as reflected in this Edison quote: “I know several thousand things that won’t work.” He learned from failure instead of allowing it to end his dreams. Timeless Thomas conveys this essential life lesson well.
Over the next few weeks, children across America will return to school. Though many will complain loudly, by summer’s end, most children look forward to the return of a steady routine, being with friends and learning new things. But. Not. All. For some children school is a trial.
The emotional struggles portrayed rings true for both Oksana and her adoptive parents. Self-doubt, grief, loss is experienced by the entire family, not just the child. It affects the way they relate to one another. It factors into their thoughts, beliefs and expectations.
Each is shaped by both their history and their dream of becoming a family. This is an honest, memorable book that fulfills its ambition to raise awareness of adoption and the complexities inherent in it.
Returning to school is exciting & challenging for both children & parents allaround the world. These fun stories help ease fears and amplify curiosity.
Our daily lives consists of interactions with others plus conversations within ourselves about who we are, what we value and how that governs the actions we choose. Emotions influence us and shape what we think and how we act. The way
Yearning for acceptance, apprehension about difference, the search for common ground…Here are three books which tackle these big concepts with humor and emotion. They open perspectives and minds while entertaining. GReat selections for readers of ANY age.
Unless we are Native American all of our family lines began elsewhere. We are grafted into the dream of this country. Each of us yearns for the fruits of education, opportunity, upward mobility, and religious freedom. “In spite of where we come from…We are all Americans.”
Some essential life lessons we must teach kids:
Treat others with respect, compassion, empathy.
Disagree without hate
Advocate without demonizing other points of view.
As adults, we must work to ensure our country lives up to its promise to provide “liberty and justice for all.” We must ensure our kids understand they are part of the solution and then we show them how to stand up for themselves without stepping on others. We must encourage them to be a force for good and to speak up for others instead of sitting in silence,or even worse–bullying or intimidating others.
Thoughts and feelings entwine to shape our experiences. These entertaining picture books help kids think about thinking (!) and emotions and shows how both influence persistence. Fun and strategic!