Book Recommendations (September 2021)
Are you excited (for the kids) to get back to school? I don't know where this summer went and it feels like I hardly got anything done. Anyone else? I have lots of plans for September so I'm hoping to tick off at least one thing on my to-do list, and one of them is this month's book recommendations, so without further ado, here are this month's picks!
Success by Ruthie Godfrey (Author), Helen Ayle (Illustrator)
Book Description:
Age: 5-12
What makes you feel successful?
Explore this question through the beautifully illustrated children’s book touching on the themes of accomplishment, self-confidence, growth mindset, and identity. It’s a perfect book to promote conversations on value and worth. The fourth book in a series of stories that are perfect for every classroom library and home library alike. Best-selling author, Ruthie Godfrey, brings another modern-day classic sure to open the door to meaningful conversations for supporting today’s kids as they discover their own answer to the question, “What makes you feel successful?”
Why I like this book:
What a great lesson! This book teaches about what the meaning of success is and as the story unfolds, it shows that it means something different for different people. There is no right or wrong answer. Different passions and interests lead to different achievements and feelings of success. It may also change at different stages of your life or you may find different ways of achieving success. It's a great reminder for both children and adults.
Ninja School Rules by Kim Ann (Author), Nejla Shojaie (Illustrator)
Book Description:
Age: 2-10
He yearns to earn his first belt. But can this boy learn the moves and believe in himself?
Lucas can’t wait to start martial arts classes. And he longs to be a skillful ninja, just like his dad. But the moment he steps through the door on his first day, all his excitement turns to doubt!
Struggling to follow the teacher’s instructions, he starts to worry all the other kids will succeed while he fails. But with cool friendships about to be made, Lucas learns the four rules that could help him break through his nerves…
Can the determined young boy find his mojo in the dojo?
Ninja School Rules is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book that helps instill respect, focus, confidence, and kindness in youngsters. If you or your child like fun activities, learning to feel strong inside, and believing in what’s possible, then you’ll love Kim Ann’s board-breaking tale of success.
Why I like this book:
I was one of the backers for the Kickstarter campaign for this book. I love the concept of ninjas and couldn't resist! And these are such adorable ninjas too! The book is super inspiring for young ninjas in training. It teaches about the rules of being a good ninja, which can really translate to other lessons and passions in life. It also teaches about respecting your teachers and instructors, which is really lacking in a lot of school curriculum these days. This is a great book to teach kids about how to succeed. Read the book to find out what the rules are!
The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing (Author), Deborah Zemke (Illustrator)
Book Description:
Ages: 4 to 8
It's the night before the Big Day—first grade. Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers—as well as the “heroine” of the story—and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own back-to-school jitters.
Why I like this book:
This rhyming book is perfect for back to school! I love the storyline about two friends starting first grade and realising they would not be in the same class. They were sad and nervous at first but they were able to make new friends and still have a great first day of school. It's a great story to help kids ease back into school and remind them that everything will be ok even if things are not what they expect.
The Life of Ideas by Gahmya Drummond-Bey (Author), Sidney Lander (Illustrator)