Each year since 1945 The Children’s Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators.
Reading and storytelling with our children promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships. Plus, it is also a great way to teach our kids important life lessons.
Our Play Specialist Sue has put together a list of her very favourite books that encourage our kids to treat each other with kindness – a key value here at Hannah’s House.
1. Room on our Rock, written by Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton
This clever picture book has one story that can be read two different ways, celebrating the truth that there are two sides to every story. When read from front to back, the seals believe there is definitely no room on their rock for others. But when the book is read from back to front, the seals welcome others to shelter on their rock.
2. The Invisible Boy, written by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
3. Pig the Pug, by Aaron Blabey
Pig was a Pug and I’m sorry to say, he was greedy and selfish in most every way. Pig is the greediest Pug in the world. He is grumpy, rude and
unreasonable. But when Pig the Pug is asked to share his toys, something unexpected happens… hopefully Pig has learnt a lesson!
4. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings, written by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.
5. How full is your bucket? Written by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, Illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
Through the story of a little boy named Felix, this charming book explains to children how being kind not only helps others, it helps them, too. As he goes about his day, Felix interacts with different people – his sister Anna, his grandfather, other family and friends. Some people are happy, but others are grumpy or sad. Using the metaphor of a bucket and dipper, Felix’ grandfather explains why the happy people make Felix feel good, while the others leave him feeling bad and how Felix himself is affecting others, whether he means to or not.
We hope you and your children enjoy these wonderful books and hopefully everyone’s learned some powerful lessons too! Happy Book Week!
