PPBF: Upside Down Friday

Today I'm excited because Mr. Quigley's Keys is here!


We've had some special deliveries this week.


My daughter created a bookplate for us; email me
if you'd like a signed sticker for your copy!


These sweet girls got a safety pin with antique key charms on it from their teacher, who caught them jingling the keys every time that our hero handyman, Mr. Quigley appears in the book. I'm told that her learners were also wearing them on their belt, which makes my heart so happy.


Today's PPBF will likely make your heart happy, too


Title: Upside Down Friday
Author: Lana Spasevski
Illustrator: Nicky Johnston
Publisher: EK Books
Birth Date: May 4, 2021
Suitable for: ages 4-9
Theme: anxiety, mindset, friendship
Brief synopsis: Hugo is anxious about Fridays at school, mostly because they're all mixed up. As his worries swirl through his heart, he's not sure how he will ever survive. That is, until a rather tall friend swoops down to his rescue and makes everything feel right again.

Opening page: Hugo didn't like Fridays. 

Fridays made him squeak like a mouse and scurry deep into his bed. 

"I don't want to go to school. It's Friday," he whispered to his blanket.

Resources: Read a review from the Kids Book Review {here}.
Watch the book trailer {here}.
Buy a signed copy from the illustrator {here}.

Why I like this book: This newcomer from EK Books is SO totally relatable; who among us hasn't felt a touch of anxiety or angst when we're knocked out of our rituals or routines? Hugo's worries about Friday, which so beautifully come to life by the illustrator's stunning renderings, feel larger than life itself. He doesn't like having his schedule turned topsy-turvy. But just as all seems lost and he's about to free-fall into the forest, in comes Maddie, a loving friend who seems to get it, to get him. She soothes his anxieties with, of all things, a red balloon, to catch his fall, to lift him up. Sigh. And swoon.

Pair it with the Balloon Breath activity.

Check out this beauty and prepare to fall in love with Hugo,
with Maddie, and with the soothing calm that comes
from the comfort of a companion who gets it.

Now head to Susanna's blog for today's other picks.
 







2 comments

  1. Yes, I'm a creature of habit and can completely relate, as can so many kids! Routine is important! But one must also be able to be flexible, too. Great rec!

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  2. This is a twist on the days of the week. Usually kids dread Mondays. What a fun way to help kids deal with anxiety about disrupting their routines. Great share!

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