Children’s literature | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

“Mommieeeeee……..Crystal won’t play with me!!!!!!”

If you have young children, I’m sure you have heard something like this before.

We are always working on interpersonal relationships, even as adults…and children need to learn how to get along with others, whether siblings or friends.

Do you wonder if your children will ever get along and do you pray for an answer?

Children’s book author, Donalisa Helsley, has obviously been listening!

Her newest book, The Day No One Played Together: A Lesson About Compromise, is a beautifully illustrated (by the talented Sarah Harkey) story of two sisters who want to play together. However, each wants the other to play HER game. When the sisters come to a stalemate, their mom steps in with a suggestion: COMPROMISE. The girls begin to brainstorm many ideas of how they can incorporate what each wants to do so that they can play together. They happily solve their problem and the book ends with the sisters spending the rest of the day playing with each other. Parents: grab a copy of this book…read it with your children…help them apply the concept of compromise next time there is an argument…and enjoy the peace and harmony.

On the last page of the book, Ms. Helsley provides a simple definition of some of the words in the story that young children might be hearing for the first time. I love this feature of the book…we should always encourage children to understand what they are reading or hearing…this helps build their vocabulary…one of the most important components of literacy.

You can find out more about this great children’s author by visiting her website: www.wildaboutreading.net

You can like her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildaboutreading

You can contact her: wildaboutreading@ymail.com

The book is available for purchase on Amazon, B&N.com, Goodreads and the author’s website. I definitely recommend The Day No One Played Together: A Story About Compromise as a MUST-HAVE for every young child’s bookshelf and the library in every preschool and kindergarten classroom.

I’m grateful to Ms. Helsley for sending me a copy of her book. It was my pleasure to read it and my honor to review it. I plan to use the book in my Show-Me-How Story-time with Miss Vivian programs in local schools and libraries during the next few months. I know the children will love hearing about Jadyn and Genesis and will be able to relate what happened to the two sisters in the story to their own struggles with getting along with their playmates. For 100 other picture book recommendations and activities to go along with them, check out the BIG holiday online special of Show Me How!

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Have you seen the Capitol One commercial on television?

The narrator asks, “What’s in your wallet?”

In this blogging journey, I’ve visited several blogs that review books and also give a list of the contents of their own bookshelves or bookcases. I thought it was a wonderful idea! I think many of us appreciate a heads up about what books to read…we have so little time…why waste it on books that are not worth those precious hours.

If you’ve followed my blog at all, you already know that I am passionate about children’s picture books and using them to uplift and help preschoolers.

Reading is one of the most valuable ways you can spend time with preschoolers. It engages them in the world between the pages and helps them relate their own experiences to those of the story characters. Discussions during the reading and afterward can often provide parents with an opportunity to help a child who has concerns or problems.

So here’s my idea for my Wednesday posts: I will choose a picture book, either from those recommended in my new parenting book or from other classic favorites of mine or from the wide array of new books that come out during the year.

As a parent, are you ever overwhelmed by the vast number of children’s books available at libraries or book stores. I know I was when my children were small.

The program I developed. during my years as a Head Start and kindergarten teacher, utilized picture books, not only for entertainment and enjoyment, but also to help young children deal with the many challenges they face in those early years. This unique program included a craft project and a cooking activity for each story read and is the basis for the book I wrote.

So, in addition to the book recommendation, I will also give a story summary and a parenting tip that will help you use the book with your young child.

Of course, if you don’t want to get these story recommendations one-by-one, and you’d like to extend the learning experience with an easy craft project and a simple child-friendly cooking activity, you can get your own copy of the book.

Does your child have a bookshelf for his or her own books?

If not, maybe now is the time to get one, because here is the first picture book recommendation, a classic from 1943! Most of the country has had snow in the last few weeks, so I think this is the perfect choice.

KATY AND THE BIG SNOW

Written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

No matter what the season, Katy, the crawler-tractor, helped the highway department of the city of Geopolis. In the spring, summer and fall, she worked on fixing the roads, but in the winter, they changed the bulldozer for a snowplow. Most of the time, there was not much snow, so Katy spent most of her time during the winter in the garage. One day, a huge snowstorm caused all of the roads to be blocked, and when the other snowplows broke down, Katy was sent out. Katy plowed the entire city. She enabled the police, fire department, and other emergency services to continue helping people.

When it comes to mastering tasks and skills, Katy certainly takes first prize. By the end of the story, you and your child will be cheering for the hardworking tractor!

WE ALL NEED A CHEERING COMMITTEE AND PARENTS ARE A CHILD’S MOST IMPORTANT FANS!

As your child takes on new challenges and learns new skills, celebrate his successes with him and encourage him when he falls short of his goal.

If you are interested in getting a copy of the book, please stop by my website for the SHARE THE LOVE BOOK BOGO EVENT WITH FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING.