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32 pp.
| Simon
| September, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5344-3908-5$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5344-3910-8
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Júlia Sardà.
Ed's bad mood escalates from a tiny whirlwind into something sentient that "swept over him in a raging storm and stuck." The digital art, showing Ed sweeping leaves into piles that grow exponentially and dominate his town, are particularly evocative of a mind overwhelmed. Eventually, a new wind from another direction changes the situation--and Ed's mood. Useful for exploring with readers who struggle to manage intense emotions.
Reviewer: Julie Roach
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2019
32 pp.
| Abrams/Appleseed
| July, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-3322-2$7.99 New ed. (2014)
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
Zachariah OHora.
In this successful board-book adaptation, one member of a dinosaur classroom has a self-control issue: "Apatosaurus colors. Pteranodon inspects. Velociraptor glitters. Tyrannosaurus...WRECKS!" Naively drawn dinosaurs with bold outlines and flat, digitally added colors pop from the pages. A spare text (primarily simple subjects and verbs) builds tension until the students band together to reform the disruptive dino. A satisfyingly high-energy read-aloud.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2014
40 pp.
| Simon/Beach Lane
| October, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-4971-7$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-4972-4
(3)
PS
This simple, straightforward story perfectly captures a toddler's struggle with emotional regulation when life feels unfair. After expressing his anger, Bear takes deep breaths, slows down, and naps, and then he can go back to playing. The pattern of his tantrum will be familiar--and reassuring--to children and parents. Gee's understated, colorful illustrations show the world from Bear's perspective.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
When kindhearted second-grader Ellie May tries to distinguish herself, her less-than-optimal impulse control frequently causes her to misstep. In these first two entries, her quest for the funniest April Fool's joke misfires, as do her attempts to act presidential. Numerous grayscale illustrations highlight the diverse cast of characters, while subtle life lessons and Ellie May's antics should appeal to Clementine fans. Review covers these titles: Ellie May on April Fools' Day and Ellie May on Presidents' Day.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
When kindhearted second-grader Ellie May tries to distinguish herself, her less-than-optimal impulse control frequently causes her to misstep. In these first two entries, her quest for the funniest April Fool's joke misfires, as do her attempts to act presidential. Numerous grayscale illustrations highlight the diverse cast of characters, while subtle life lessons and Ellie May's antics should appeal to Clementine fans. Review covers these titles: Ellie May on April Fools' Day and Ellie May on Presidents' Day.
61 pp.
| Kane Press
| April, 2017
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-57565-846-9$22.65
|
PaperISBN 978-1-57565-850-6$6.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-57565-854-4
(3)
1-3
How to Be an Earthling series.
Illustrated by
Jessica Warrick.
Lovable third-grade alien Spork is back in the continuation of this character-education series. Here Spork and classmates Trixie, Adam, Piper, and Jack learn about citizenship (May the Votes), kindness (No Place), perseverance (Alien), and self-control (Money). This funny series delivers character-building lessons without being trite or too didactic. Back matter contains a personal characteristic quiz and a space-related word problem or activity. Review covers these How to Be an Earthling titles: May the Votes Be with You, No Place like Space, Alien in the Outfield, and Money Doesn't Grow on Mars.
(4)
K-3
Making Good Choices series.
Illustrated by
Victoria Assanelli.
In each Choose Your Own Adventure–style lesson book, readers determine a focal character's behavior in a challenging situation: Does Kendra come inside when her father asks, or does she whine and cry (Angry)? The opportunity to make choices seems empowering, but the parental lectures that characters receive ruin the fun. The culturally diverse cast of protagonists often look frozen in place. Reflection questions are appended. Review covers these Making Good Choices titles: You Can Control Your Voice, You Can Handle Conflict, You Can Listen to Directions, You Can Stay in Control, You're Angry, and You're in Trouble.
(4)
K-3
Making Good Choices series.
Illustrated by
Victoria Assanelli.
In each Choose Your Own Adventure–style lesson book, readers determine a focal character's behavior in a challenging situation: Does Kendra come inside when her father asks, or does she whine and cry (Angry)? The opportunity to make choices seems empowering, but the parental lectures that characters receive ruin the fun. The culturally diverse cast of protagonists often look frozen in place. Reflection questions are appended. Review covers these Making Good Choices titles: You Can Control Your Voice, You Can Handle Conflict, You Can Listen to Directions, You Can Stay in Control, You're Angry, and You're in Trouble.
32 pp.
| Abrams
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-1035-3$14.95
(2)
PS
Illustrated by
Zachariah OHora.
All is harmony in the dinosaur classroom, except for one member with a self-control issue: "Apatosaurus colors. Pteranodon inspects. Velociraptor glitters. Tyrannosaurus...WRECKS!" Naively drawn dinosaurs with bold outlines and flat, digitally added colors pop from white pages. A text consisting primarily of simple subjects and verbs builds tension until the students band together to reform the disruptive dino. A satisfyingly high-energy, primal read-aloud.
Reviewer: Julie Roach
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2014
(4)
4-6
Fred Bowen Sports Story series.
Isaac is focused on pitching a perfect game--so much so that he loses focus on everything else. Then he's encouraged to help with the Special Olympics. Previously using words like "retarded" and "weird," he has a lot to learn, but soon gets a new perspective on what perfect means. The character development is predictable, but the book's lesson is laudable.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| March, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5546-4$15.99
(4)
K-3
"Will you be good, George?" Harry asks his dog as he leaves. George says yes, but when tantalized by cake and a cat and some dirt... The cliffhanger ending feels like a cop-out, but George realizing that he's his own worst enemy is both funny and improbably heart-tugging. Emotive, rough-edged pencil and digital illustrations mirror the misbehavior--and the eventual obedience.
281 pp.
| Atheneum
| August, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4424-0690-2$16.99
(3)
YA
After stealing a car to run away, troubled Taylor is stuck in "therapeutic boarding school" Sunny Meadows. Despite forging friendships with her glamorous peer mentor, Margo, and enigmatic male patient A.J., Taylor is desperate to get out. Readers will fear how low Taylor might plummet before facing her demons in this candid story of hope, redemption, and opening one's heart.
360 pp.
| Greenwillow
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-196873-0$16.99
(2)
4-6
Delly, eleven, is constantly in trouble for her impulsive and pugnacious behavior. Mysterious new classmate Ferris Boyd--skittish and mute--helps Delly learn to restrain herself as they slowly build a friendship. Hannigan's strengths are in a richly conveyed setting, with much of the novel taking place outdoors, and in her ability to depict with tremendous compassion a potentially unappealing main character.
276 pp.
| Little/Poppy
| September, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-17556-2$17.99
(4)
YA
In this story very loosely based on the Aristophanes play Lysistrata, intense rivalry between Hamilton High's football and soccer teams is the catalyst for the players' girlfriends staging a sex strike until the teams make peace. Some honest conversations and confessions about relationships ensue, but lack of character development and some weak plotting hinder this otherwise provocative battle-of-the-sexes story.
265 pp.
| Dutton
| June, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-525-42134-4$16.99
(4)
YA
After discovering her Greek goddess heritage in Oh. My. Gods., Phoebe finally has a grasp on her new life--stepfamily, running, boyfriend. Her powers, however, are a different story, and to harness them, Phoebe must learn to trust others. Though the plot is a bit busy, likable characters and an engaging premise make for an enjoyable read.
91 pp.
| Holiday
| May, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2073-5$15.95
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Steve Björkman.
Fran gets her way by using her loud voice. After upsetting a kindergartner, she realizes she's a bully. The lure of playing the princess in the school play plus watching her dog in puppy kindergarten give her the keys to better behavior. Fran, whose outsize personality comes through in the black-and-white line art, learns her lesson in a believable way.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-06580-1$16.99
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
Molly Bang.
When Leo shouts, "I hate you!" mother and son are both upset. Mom explains that words can be hurtful, then reassures Leo that she still loves him. With the help of a little humor, peace is restored. Harris offers a sensitive, realistic portrayal of family life. Bang's digital cut-paper and collage illustrations, complete with dramatic lettering, skillfully reflect the emotions involved.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Kevin O'Malley.
Simon, the largest kid in his class, has trouble being unobtrusive. When he joins his parents on an African safari, he's bigger and noisier than almost all the animals. But when he discovers elephants enjoying their big noisiness and later becoming breathtakingly silent, Simon finds new role models. Amusing if sometimes garish pictures illustrate this far-fetched story.
24 pp.
| Bridgestone
| January, 2000
|
LibraryISBN 0-7368-0511-7$$15.93
(4)
K-3
Character Education series.
Each book comprises nine two-page "chapters" featuring a concise main paragraph and a full-page color photograph of kids exhibiting the virtue being discussed, plus a "Hands On" activity that reinforces that quality. The strengths of the series are its spare prose, civic-mindedness, and vivid, immediate images; its weakness is its sanctimonious tone, which might repel kids who learn lessons better from stories than from lectures. Bib., glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| March, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-8075-4581-3$$14.95
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Kathy Parkinson.
Homey watercolor and ink illustrations depict a preschool rabbit as he gradually gives up his pacifier by limiting the places where he can use it (first only in the house, then only in his room, etc.). Little Bunny's plan goes unbelievably smoothly--he never falls off the wagon or gets overly upset--but his story nevertheless offers an engaging map for relinquishing the binky.