Today I'm delighted because I'm on my way to a happy place, Camp Lone Star, to help lead their annual women's retreat and I can't wait. Let the renewing begin! Before I go, I have heaps of happy news {and a book} to share.
First things first, congratulations to CR Metz whose name came out of the Gruener Generator to receive the Valise of Maurice's tales. As always, thanks to all of my readers for connecting and sharing. We are celebrating the blessing of a million visitors to the Corner and anticipating with enthusiasm the next million views.
Secondly, check out this heartwarming interaction
with a high school PAL yesterday ...
that begs the question: Who makes you a better you?
Third tidbit, I joined a group of authors on the Right Road Kids radio show Sunday; click {here} to add some new tools to your literacy arsenal!
And our fourth morsel of happiness, The Alliance for Student Activities put out this amazing post and resource round-up ~ Shaping Students of Character ~ that you won't want to miss.
And now ... drum roll please ... it's time for today's PPBF pick.
Title: Eden and Her Happy
Author & Illustrator: Tracy Schlepphorst
Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
Date: November 25, 2015
Suitable for ages: 4 - 8
Realistic Fiction
Themes: emotions, feelings, happiness,
Brief Synopsis: Walk through a day with Eden, who struggles to find her happy only to find that it was with her all along.
Opening page: Eden woke up and thought her happy was gone.
Hear what the author has to say on You Tube:
Adapt this Heroes v. Villains idea from Marissa at Elementary School Counseling as a follow-up after reading the book aloud. That's what we did with some girls and look at how adorable they turned out:
Add some meaningful movement to seal the deal
by dancing along with Pharrel's Happy song, minion-style,
or Life's A Happy Song from the Muppet Movie.
Why I like this book: Written by a former school counselor, this little gem is simply powerful to help grow emotional literacy. Who among us hasn't felt like Eden, a young girl wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, not feeling herself and thinking her happy is gone! As she stomps through her day, she's unable to hear that still, small voice of her happy that's trying to reassure her that it is, indeed, in there, possibly just tucked away or moved over for safe keeping. Such a rich metaphor for those days when we feel lost, unsafe or alone or those days when we feel frustrated, angry or embarrassed. Use this treasure to mine all sorts of feelings from deep within your superheroes' hearts.
And my favorite line? The mom's words to normalize, reassure, and validate:
It's silly to expect to feel happy all of the time.
It's silly to expect to feel happy all of the time.
Check out this book; I think you'll be happy you did!
Then check out today's other PPBF titles at Susanna's blog.
And as we March into Spring, don't forget that if you're in a Daylight Savings Time zone, you'll spring those clocks forward an hour tomorrow night. Happy weekend!
That Mom's line is gold. We all need that message. Great choice, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanna. It always makes me smile when you drop by!
DeleteI enjoyed your entire post. Everything thing you mentioned went together. The book is a gem. And, like you and Joanna, I love the Mom's comment. Also enjoyed the post on Shaping Student Character. It would be so nice to see a emphasis on character education over the core curriculum and testing. I was encouraged to see middle and high schools mentioned and examples of what is being done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat. I was really glad they asked me what older kids can do because character education isn't just for our littles! In fact, I'd love to see it extend into curriculum during the college years because that's the time frame right before our future enters the workforce and really needs for those virtues and skills to be sharpened!
DeleteThe whole post is treasure filled! Thanks a bunch Ms Gruener!!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Rhythm and Mom Person; thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI love the concept of this story and the activity that goes with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found us. I love the challenge of pairing a good book with rich follow-up activity ideas!
DeleteBeautiful simple message. Love how the illustrations go so well with the text. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt really is simple but powerful! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteHope you're having a wonderful weekend at your getaway. Thanks for sharing another smile inducing book with me.
ReplyDeleteThis one will make your heart smile, Wendy! And yes, the retreat was restorative!!
DeleteWhat a cool idea for a book. I know when I was grumpy, my mom would say I'd woken up on the wrong side of the bed (and my thought: how could I? one side was connected to the wall - so there was only one side....) I like the idea of finding your "happy". And that it's been there all along; we just weren't looking with our eyes open.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Eden searching for her happy. Books that help kids articulate their emotions are always so helpful - it's hard enough for us a grown-ups, never mind for the kids! Thanks so much for adding this one to our list, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteYour high school friend is very wise. I just love what he said!
ReplyDeleteGrade ONEderful
Barbara Leyne Designs