National Bullying Prevention Month – PPBF

Posted on October 17, 2013 by viviankirkfield

Today is Friday – I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog. For more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go here.

We’ve been so busy with our move, the fact that it is National Bullying Prevention Month almost got past me. We read tragic stories in the media about kids who suffer from bullying so much, they can think of no other option but to take their own lives. The campaign to prevent bullying starts with each one of us. What will you do to help?

One of the things I do is to encourage parents to help their young children develop strong positive self-esteem. Kids who believe they are valuable and worthwhile are much less likely to be bullied. Spending time with your children, whether you are reading, crafting, cooking or simply having a conversation with them, is an important way. Please check out my award-winning parent/teacher resource for quick and easy activities that are fun for the entire family.

Another important element in building self-esteem is feeling loved and accepted. One of the stories on my grandson’s bookshelf is all about this.

THE KISS BOX

Written by Bonnie Verburg

Illustrated by Henry Cole

Publisher: Orchard Books (2011)

Ages: 3 and up

Themes:

Separation anxiety, feeling loved

Opening Lines:

“Mama Bear was always home, and that’s how Little Bear liked it. But sooner or later, all mama bears need to go away, even if it’s just for a little while.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon: “In this soothing love story between mother and child, Mama Bear offers various vessels to contain their love while they are apart–but none seem right. It’s not until Little Bear suggests that they make each other a Kiss Box–filled with a hundred kisses–that they are able to stay connected–no matter where they are.

Whether it be an errand to the grocery store, a business trip, or the first day of school, this is a tender reminder that we are always together where it matters most: in our hearts.”

Why I like this book:

Great read-aloud for young children
Wonderful message about how to stay connected with those we love
Helps young children realize that mom and/or dad will return for them
Charming illustrations

How a parent can use this book:

Great read-aloud
Fun easy reader
Opportunity for discussion about how we feel when parent has to go away

Related Activities:

KISS BOX

Photo courtesy of http://www.favecrafts.com/Valentine-Crafts-for-Kids/Hugs-and-Kisses-Tic-Tac-Toe-from-DecoArt/ct/1

Make a kiss box with your child. You will need: small cardboard or wooden box, construction paper, markers, glue, scissors. You can find detailed instructions at the FaveCrafts link above.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

NEW AND EXCITING BLOG SERIES COMING TOMORROW!!!!

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 17, award-winning children’s author Iza Trapani will lead off this exciting and educational series on Picture Books Help Kids Soar!

I’m thrilled to share Iza’s wonderful answers to the five questions I asked her. And you will be excited to try the yummy recipe she contributed.

Here is the line up of picture book authors and illustrators so far:

October: Iza Trapani

November: Susanna Leonard Hill

December: Susanne Gervay

January: David Seow

February: Emily Lim

I hope you will all stop by and then share the links so others can enjoy the interviews as well.

The blog project will become a book containing a baker’s dozen of these interviews and recipes. If you are an author and/or illustrator of picture books and you would like to participate, please email me at viviankirkfield@gmail.com.

October Is National Bullying Prevention Month – Here Are Some Useful Resources (larryferlazzo.edublogs.org)
National Bullying Prevention Month (giveacareindy.org)
LAPD Kicks Off National Bullying Prevention Month In Hollywood (losangeles.cbslocal.com)
PPBF: Mr.Tiger Goes Wild and a GIVEAWAY! (julierowanzoch.wordpress.com)
October Is National Bullying Prevention Month: PACER And Green Giant Partner To End Bullying (anempoweredspirit.com)

29 thoughts on “National Bullying Prevention Month – PPBF”

Jarm Del Boccio on October 18, 2013 at 6:43 am said:

What a sweet little book, Vivian! We forget about toddlers with separation anxiety. . .good one.

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Wendy Greenley on October 18, 2013 at 7:00 am said:

Audrey Penn’s The Kissing Hand is the book I think of on this theme. I’m interested to get The Kissing Box and see how they compare.

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- viviankirkfield on October 18, 2013 at 7:23 am said:
  
  You are so right, Wendy. The Kissing Hand is one of my all-time favorites…I use it every year in school programs! The books are quite similar…there is also ‘Take a Kiss to School’ by Angela McAllister and ‘A Pocketfull of Kisses’, another gem by Audrey Penn. Important topic…so I guess there can be lots of books about it.:)
  
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julie rowan zoch on October 18, 2013 at 7:24 am said:

Gets me singing, Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya, tomorrow! I’m a Cole fan too, so I’ll be looking for this, despite the adorable idea of a box for kisses! FYI, it snowed here last night!

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- viviankirkfield on October 20, 2013 at 6:34 am said:
  
  I heard that Colorado has had a LOT of snow…I guess I got out of Dodge just in time.:)
  We’ve had amazingly mild weather here…New England in mid October can be pretty cold…yesterday was Jeremy’s soccer game and it was 70 degrees. 🙂 Glad you were looking forward to the interview series, Julie.:)
  
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  - julie rowan zoch on October 20, 2013 at 8:09 am said:
    
    Lucky you! Must be wonderful for peeping!
    
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Patricia Tilton on October 18, 2013 at 9:56 am said:

This such a lovely, sweet book Vivian that would be a comforting bedtime read. I love your choice and the idea of a kiss box.

And, am happy you’re still promoting bullying month. I listened to an interview this morning on the Today Show about mean girls and the pressure girls feel. Bullying is very prevelant among girls and increasing. I mentioned a book “Means Girls” in a review I wrote about bullying a couple of years ago. The book was designed to help parents work with their little girls at an early age.

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- viviankirkfield on October 20, 2013 at 6:38 am said:
  
  It’s so hard for parents to strike that perfect balance between encouraging girls to be assertive…and helping them to be kind and caring. Sometimes, assertive become aggressive. For me, it all comes back to empowering kids and helping them to feel good about themselves…then they don’t have to step on others to feel better. I know you are always raising awareness of these issues, Pat…you are a very special lady!
  
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Catherine Johnson on October 18, 2013 at 12:12 pm said:

I must have read The Kissing Hand but I don’t remember. It’s heartbreaking children giving up. I think resilience is something they all need to prioritise. Great choice, Vivian.

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- viviankirkfield on October 20, 2013 at 6:40 am said:
  
  You are right about resilience, Catherine! A skill that needs strengthening, for sure.:) Glad you liked the book choice.
  
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thiskidreviewsbooks on October 18, 2013 at 3:52 pm said:

I love the idea of this book! The cover is cute. I hear now that whoever bullies someone to their death goes to jail. It’s still a sad thought. 😦

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Joanna on October 18, 2013 at 4:37 pm said:

Sweet, sweet, sweet, and I love the idea of making one’s own kissing box.

The new series sounds stellar!

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- viviankirkfield on October 18, 2013 at 7:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks for the encouragement about the series, Joanna! I think it will be really helpful to lots of people…and fun as well.:) There are a couple of similar books out there on the same topic…but all are of value!
  
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laura516 on October 18, 2013 at 5:56 pm said:

My sons could use this next time I attend a writing conference! Thanks!

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- viviankirkfield on October 18, 2013 at 7:09 pm said:
  
  Hi Laura…glad the book will be helpful…it is truly sweet.:)
  
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Susanna Leonard Hill on October 18, 2013 at 6:59 pm said:

This book looks so sweet, Vivian! It reminds me of The Kissing Hand 🙂 And I am looking forward to your new series!!!

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- viviankirkfield on October 18, 2013 at 7:08 pm said:
  
  It’s amazing how many very similar books there are, Susanna…four that I can think of in a second.:) Important topic means lots of people writing about it, I guess. Thanks for the encouragement…I’m excited about the series! And thank you so much for hopping on board!
  
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Kirsten W. Larson on October 19, 2013 at 8:31 am said:

That kiss box craft is adorable! What a great idea for storing up love when Mama has to be away. Thanks Vivian.

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- viviankirkfield on October 19, 2013 at 11:19 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Kirsten…glad you liked the kiss box…and it could be used for so many different holidays.
  
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Beth Stilborn on October 19, 2013 at 11:35 am said:

Excellent words about bullying, Vivian. I am so grateful that you wrote this post. The book sounds lovely, too. I love the idea of making a box full of kisses.

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- viviankirkfield on October 19, 2013 at 10:57 pm said:
  
  No matter how much we talk about bullying, there is still more that needs to be done. This is a lovely book, Beth…glad you liked it. If only we can get kids, at a very young age, to believe in themselves and care about others! Books like this one can definitely help.:)
  
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Joanne Roberts on October 19, 2013 at 11:52 am said:

Another book by Henry Cole. Yipee! And paired with the kiss box, this book is hard to resist. Thanks. And I look forward to the list of interviews.

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Stacy S. Jensen on October 19, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:

Great book and crafts.

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- viviankirkfield on October 19, 2013 at 10:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks, Stacy! So glad you liked them. I’ve got to get over to read all of the entries in PPBF…but the day was a total ‘Jeremy’ one…a little friend’s Bday party in the morning…then to the library to get him a library card for Amherst…then to soccer practice and game…then home to dinner…and now we are ‘babysitting’ till tomorrow afternoon so our daughter can have a night off. 🙂 So much fun…but time-consuming.:) Jeremy helped me make pumpkin cupcakes tonight…we’ll frost them in the morning.
  
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readingwithrhythm on October 20, 2013 at 11:10 am said:

This looks like a good one! I’m not familiar with Ms Verburg, but I love Mr Cole!!! And I can sure relate to the topic! I’ll have to check this one out! Sounds like you are enjoying your Granma time! Thanks for all the fun ideas with kisses and hugs.

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- viviankirkfield on October 20, 2013 at 3:49 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Rhythm! It’s a great story and the craft is so much fun and so easy.:)
  
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Perfecting Motherhood on October 22, 2013 at 10:13 pm said:

Oh, I read this book to my kids a few years ago and we all really liked it!

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Julia on October 24, 2013 at 7:31 am said:

Hi VIvian,

This is Julia from FaveCrafts. I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for linking to our tutorial. So glad you were able to find a project that fits with the book. Thanks again!

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- viviankirkfield on October 24, 2013 at 8:35 am said:
  
  Hi Julia,
  Thanks for stopping by! You have a super cool site there at FaveCrafts…I love to share great resources on my blog. 🙂
  
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