I Believe in Me

I Believe in Me: A Book of Affirmations was written and illustrated by, Connie Bowen in 2007. The book is wonderful for preschool and up. This is an inspirational book of affirmations for children to enjoy. The drawing are captivating. The illustrations speak for themselves in a playful, but beautiful way. The illustrations are intriguing. The colors that the author/illustrator used are a mixture of both warm and cool colors. The drawings are gentle and appears as though the illustrator used a combination of pencil and ink. I Believe in Me is full of inspirational statements like, “I love and care for myself”, and “I am whole and perfect just the way I am” (Bowen).

 

This inspiring book will help to uplift the spirits of the young and old. I Believe in Me can be used as a great tool to increase the self-esteem of children. There is one positive message on each page that will help to build the confidence of our youth. This book of affirmations is so inspiring that it can stay in the minds of children for the rest of their lives. Teachers can use this book to help to build the confidence in students. This books teaches the message that children can do anything that they put their minds to.

 

Discussion Questions: 

Who/What inspires you?

What does it mean to love yourself?

What do you value in life?

What was your favorite affirmation in the book?

List five positive statements about someone you know.

 

Inspirational Activity (Self Image):

Letter to Self

Have each student address an envelope and write a letter to him/herself reflecting on their current situation and where they hope to be in six weeks, six months, or a year. Instructor should give the letters to the students at the end of the agreed upon time.

 

Other Works of the Author: 

I Turn to the Light: A Book of Healing Affirmations

The Sunbeam and the Wave

Yo Creo en Mi

 

Resources: 

Bowen, Connie. (2007). I Believe in Me: A Book of Affirmations. Unity; Wee Wisdom Book.

 

 

 

 

Fifty Cents and a Dream

Fifty Cents and a Dream is a juvenile (historical) nonfiction book written by, Jabari Asim and illustrated by, Bryan Collier for ages 3 to 6 years old. This enlightening story is about the life of young, Booker T. Washington. The book tells how Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery had a dream of reading and writing. He had a true desire to read. African Americans were not allowed to learn to read or right in this time period, so this was something that he dreamed about. Booker T. Washington had a very hard life after freedom. He didn’t get to enjoy a carefree life as a child because he had to work. The story leads up to his journey to the Hampton Institute with only a few coins in his pocket and a burning desire to learn. This is a great story to introduce to students in the classroom because it will help them better understand perseverance and motivation.

 

The illustrator uses watercolors in this historic story. The illustrations are almost like paintings with the appearance of brushstrokes throughout. The illustrator made the pages look a little discolored and old, giving the reader a better understanding of the time period. The illustrations are so captivating that readers are able to feel the emotions of Booker T. Washington.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

Can you imagine not being allowed to read?

Why do you think Booker T. Washington was so passionate about reading?

Do you have something that you’re passionate about?

Do you have a dream or goal that you would like to accomplish? If so, list them.

 

Dream Box Activity:

 

Collect items that represent something that you want to achieve or a goal that you might have. You can cut pictures out of a magazine or collect trinkets, awards, or articles having to do with your goals/dreams. Write a letter about your dreams and place the letter and the rest of the items in a box. Have fun chasing your dreams!

Other Books by Author: 

Whose Toes are Those?

Whose Knees are These?
Boy of Mine
Girl of Mine 

 

Resources:

Asim, Jabari. (2012). Fifty Cents and a Dream. Little Brown Books for Young Readers

 

 

Beautiful Oops

Beautiful Oops, is a picture book that was written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg. This is an interactive book for a younger audience, ages 3-5 years old, that shows them that it’s ok to make mistakes. Beautiful Oops encourages creativity in children. The author’s message to young children is that mistakes can become something beautiful. The author lets readers know that, “A mistake is an adventure in creativity, a portal of discovery” (Saltzberg). In this book, a spill becomes an animal. This heartwarming book reminds the audience to appreciate the creative minds of young children.  

 

The book’s illustrations are amazingly beautiful and full of spirit. The pictures look as though they were drawn by a child of preschool age. The lines that are used in the illustrations appeared pencil like. It almost looked like he drew lines throughout some of the drawings and then erased them. You can actually see the strokes of the paintbrush in the illustrations. He used a mixture of thin and thick lines in order to create the childlike nature of the drawings. The pages are full of smears, smudges, and splashes of paint. I am very pleased with this book and would recommend this book to parents and elementary schools.

 

Discussion Questions that enhance creativity:

 

What is your definition of creativity?  

How do you feel when you think that you have made a mistake? 

Can you make something beautiful out of splashes of paint, using only your hands?  

Do you like to pretend? If so, what do you like to pretend to be or do? 

How many things can you create using ripped up pieces of color construction paper?

 

Creative Activity (Make a bracelet or necklace out of straw):

 

 

 

 

Items Needed:

Different color straw

String/yarn 

Directions:

Cut up the straw in small pieces, about half inch wide. Pull the yarn/string through the straw pieces. Cut the string/yarn to desired size and tie a knot.

 

Others Books By the Author:

 

All Around The Seasons

I want A Dog

Kisses

Good Egg

Peakaboo Blueberry

 

Resources: 

Saltzberg, Barney. (2010). Beautiful Oops. Workman Publishing

My Brother Charlie

My Brother Charlie is a realistic fiction book for grades 2-5, written by, Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Peete, and illustrated by Shane Evans. This is an amazing story is about a boy named, Charlie. The story is told by Charlie’s sister Callie. Callie tells the story of what life is like in the shoes of her wonderful brother, Charlie, who has autism. Callie wants the world to know that although her brother may act differently than others that he is just like everyone else. Callie speaks about the similarities as well as the differences between the two of them. This book teaches children to respect one another by accepting their differences.

 

This story had attractive illustrations from the beginning until the end. The pictures help to tell the story of the love shared between the brother and sister. The style and tone of this story is definitely appropriate for its intended audience. The illustrations are like beautiful paintings where the appearance of brushstrokes are visible in each page. The illustrator uses a mixture of warm and cool tones in order to show the change in the mood. This story is a great way to give children a better understanding that people with disabilities are just like them; they’re just different.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

What does what does the word unique mean to you?

Do you help others when they need assistance?

Define the word respect in your own words.

How do you respect others?

 

Motivational Activity (To teach respect like Saint Leo’s Core Value): 

Work alone or with a partner to create a song, a rap, or a chant about respect. Your words should tell why respect is important and how it could make the world a better place.

 

Something Unique About the Author: 

This story is based on Holly Robinson Peete’s own personal life. Holly Robinson Peete is an actress and national spokesperson for autism. She has twins and one of her twins has autism. The story is narrated by her daughter, speaking about the life of her brother who has autism. Another unique fact about the author is that her twin daughter actually co-wrote this book with her.  

 

Resources: 

Jaqanath, Nirasha. (April/2010). Chat With Holly Robinson Peete About Her Book “My Brother Charlie”. Mommyniri. Retrieved from http://www.mommyniri.com/2010/04/chat-with-holly-robinson-peete-about-her-book-my-brother-charlie/

Peete, Ryan. & Robinson Peete. (2010) H. My Brother Charlie. Scholastic Inc.

A Rainbow of Friends

 

 

A Rainbow of Friends is a multicultural children’s book for ages 3 to 5 years old. This book was written by P. K. Hallinan and also illustrated by P. K. Hallinan in 2005. This beautiful literature piece is full of fun and color on each page. The illustrations are warm and inviting. The pictures are full of positive emotions and tell a story of their own of friendship and diversity. The author teaches young children about diversity. The book sends the message that people come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. The rhyming feature of the book makes it fun and enjoyable for children of preschool and elementary school age.

This beautiful story teaches children to embrace their differences. Children of all ages will learn through this book that some of their friends might be athletes, musicians, dancers, or singers, etc. Teachers will be able to use this book in the classroom to teach the beauty of our differences. This is also a great tool to teach respect, which is one of Saint Leo’s core values. Children will learn to embrace their differences through respect and acceptance.  

 

Discussion Questions:

 

What does the word Diversity mean to you?

What are some of the qualities that you admire about your friend?

Do you and your friends always like to do the same things?

What is unique about your friend?

Name some of the similarities between you and a friend/peer.

 

Diversity Activity for Students (Saint Leo's Core Value, Respect):

Ask the students to choose at least two students to observe. They will get to know them by asking them questions. You can create a list of age appropriate questions on a sheet of paper that students can ask their peers. For example: 

The list can include questions like:

Favorite food, favorite movie, favorite toy, favorite game, or favorite book. It will also be great to ask students to identify their peers’ traits that make them unique including eye color, hair color, or age. After the students are done getting to know one another, have them discuss what they have learned. This is a fun way for students to get to know one another. Enjoy!

 

A Little Something about the Author:

Mr. P.K. Hallinan has written over 80 children’s inspirational and friendship books. He began his career after writing a children’s book for his children years ago.

 

Books the Author has created:

That’s What a Friend Is

How Do I Love You?

Heartprints

My Daddy and I

 

Resources

Hallinan, P.K. (2005). A Rainbow of Friends. Ideal Publications