Tag Archives: emotions

I Feel Teal

Posted on by

This is a sweet book about a child who “feels” a wide range of colors over the course of her day. Illustrations are single colors on each two page spread until the end when the author writes that “you are all the colors” and “they make you you”. The illustrations are colorful at this point. This book would be great to share with students and determine together what emotions are illustrated. The illustrations do a fine job of hinting at the emotions through the faces and body language of those pictured. And, attributing colors to those emotions might be helpful when working with younger children, who could use those colors to help them describe their feelings at any given time.

Nobody Hugs a Cactus

Posted on by

Hank was the epitome of a prickly cactus. He was grumpy, mean and wanted to be alone. He grumps at all manner of possible friends, from tumbleweed to coyote, until a cowboy strolls by and says “Nobody hugs a cactus”. It is at that moment that Hank wonders if a hug might be a nice thing to have. He goes from grumpy and mean to sad and lonely. One day, a cup flies by in the breeze and gets stuck on his face and he can’t get it off. Fortunately, Rosie the tumbleweed tumbles by and knocks it off. Her act of kindness kindles a yearning for friendship and reciprocity. So, Hank grows a lovely little flower to thank Rosie. When she next tumbles by he reaches out to give it her and she hugs him. Oops, he’s a cactus and can’t let go of Rosie! But, Hank decides that “…it’s better to be stuck in a hug than stuck all alone”.

This pictures in this lovely book are done in earth tones with water color. The characters are typical of a desert – cactus, tumbleweed, tortoise, hare, coyote and cowboy. Interestingly, one can see (and believe) the emotions playing out on the cactus’ face as he transforms from a grumpy guy to a friendly hug-lover. Students will enjoy his change of heart and hope that the other characters come back for hugs, too!

Binky: License to Scratch

Posted on by

Binky the cat and Gordie the dog are panicked as their humans pack suitcases for a trip.  Suitcases can only mean one thing – their humans are leaving them behind!  They are told not to worry, that they’ll be in a pet hotel and their friend Gracie the cat will be with them.  But, horror of horrors,  the pet hotel turns out to be boarding at the vet clinic!   The trio hatch a plan of escape only to tumble into trouble with Professor Tuffy – a cat who has a grudge against humans and a plan to get even with them.

This graphic novel is drawn in muted tones, is easy for young readers to follow the sequence of panels and is a fun read. The addition of many different sound effects will have readers giggling as they read and the story line will make them read without wanting to put this book down.

This is book five in the Binky Adventure series.  Spires nails the cat-titude that every cat lover will be able to identify with.

Year of the Jungle: Memories From the Home Front

Posted on by

Collins bases this story on her own experiences as a child.

Set during the summer of 68/69, Suzy’s father is sent to Viet Nam.  She is told he will be gone for one year. But these statements, while simple to an adult, are very difficult for a young child to comprehend.  What does her Dad’s going away mean exactly?  What and where is Viet Nam?  Why does he have to go there? How long is a year?

As the story unfolds we follow Suzy to the start of first grade and throughout the year. We follow along too, with postcards that Dad sends to Suzy. Holidays come and go as Suzy wonders how much longer Dad will be gone.  Confusion sets in and worry mounts as the postcards become few and fewer, to the point that months pass without word from Dad.  Will her father come back at all?

Collins examines the feelings that young children go through when a parent deploys. The happy ending helps alleviate tension that does build when reading this book. The cartoon like images also help soften the edge on an otherwise difficult situation and topic.

This would be a good book to facilitate discussion for military children during large, extended deployments; although, I would tend to choose select portions of it to foster discussion.  I wouldn’t want to needlessly build any extra fears in young ones’ thoughts.  That being said, reading after deployment, and a safe return, would be a good use of this story as well.

Written for grades K – 3, I feel this book would work well for grades 2 – 4.