Maria goes live every other week, taking turns between her author Facebook page and her private Empowering Kids with Character Facebook group. On August 1st, Maria opened the month by giving us a great list of back-to-school books. You can watch the video here.
I love the list of books Maria shared with us in this video. Normally, back-to-school books are all about “So-and-so goes to school”. However, Maria focused on giving our children some books with lessons in them – lessons on character, feelings and different situations they may have. LOVE this! Are you ready? Here you go!
- Kindergarten Rocks! By Katie Davis- this one is great for kindergarteners (obviously, right?).
- Bear’s Big Day by Salina Yoon- not really realistic fiction, but who doesn’t love a cute bear?
- My Teacher’s My Friend by P.K. Hallinan- great for children going to preschool, maybe having separation anxiety and learning that they can trust their teacher.
- Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia- This one is a little bit longer so might be better for older children. It’s about paying attention to your body’s clues and alarms (if your heart is racing, you might be nervous, or your eyes are watering you might be ready to cry).
- The Fruit Salad Friend by Maria Dismondy- very similar to the book listed above. The main character listens to the cues her body gives and she does some self-regulation (humming, deep-breathing) to calm down.
- Birdie’s First Day of School by Sujean Rim- another one about emotions and what it feels like to leave mom and/or dad.
- How to Be a Friend: A Book about Friendship by Molly Wigand- great book for children who might be shy and not sure how to make or be a friend.
- Willow Finds a Way by Lana Button – a beautiful story about a girl who stands tall about believing we have to be kind to one another.
- Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell – a story about a girl who is true to herself, no matter what.
- How Do You Hug A Porcupine? by Laurie Isop – talks about how some friends are tricky friends, they’re not as easy to get along with and talks about how you can get along with them.
- Unique Monique by Maria Rousaki – a book about being yourself and confident in who you are, with a female character.
- Dazzling Travis by Hannah Carmona Dias – a book about being yourself and confident in who you are, but with a male character.
- The Potato Chip Champ by Maria Dismondy – this is a book about empathy, being able to tolerate and accept others who are different than yourself.
- Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller – talks about manners!
- A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan – about friendship.
- Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus – this is for all parents to read! You can read it to your children but also take note that all our children develop at their own pace, and are on their own path! Celebrate them just as they are, where they are, every step of the way. ?
What books can you think of that would be perfect for back-to-school? We’d love to hear – be sure to comment on the Facebook video!
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Remember that Maria alternates these videos between her author page and the private Empowering Kids with Character page, which provides more ideas on the monthly theme and also support from fellow parents and educators!
Don’t forget to add the Empowering Kids With Character Flash Briefing on your Amazon Alexa app or Google Play!
Transcribed by Mandy Bush, Executive Assistant