Gobble Up New Titles
My Mouth Is a Volcano By Julia CookIllustrated by Carrie HartmanBest for: Ages 4-6
Interruption of conversations, important moments and general quiet is commonplace when children are around. My Mouth Is a Volcano takes a humorous look at how to help children control their impulses and emotions.
Louis is a very smart boy and he has a lot to say. Unfortunately for those around him, Louis struggles with controlling his words. They just explode from his mouth like a volcano. One day when Louis is giving a presentation to his class, he experiences what it is like to be constantly interrupted, and he doesn’t like it. Louis’ mom helps him with a plan to control his explosive mouth and not be known as “the great interrupter.”
My Mouth Is a Volcano takes on a serious subject with a lighthearted touch. In doing so, Cook offers a suggestion to end interruptions and opens the door for quality classroom and family discussions.
What’s good: A teacher’s activity book is also available.
What’s bad: A little long, and some children may lose interest.
The Dark By Lemony Snicket Illustrated by Jon Klassen Best for: Ages 5-8
Who is afraid of the dark? Many people—both old and young—are afraid of what they can’t see. In this tale, Lazlo knows that the Dark is in his house. Usually it stays down in the basement and leaves Lazlo alone. One day Lazlo notices the Dark in his room and outside his window. He decides the time has come to have courage and confront the Dark.
Snicket, best known for his A Series of Unfortunate Events books, brings his quirky humor to this tale of a common fear. Snicket uses a soft touch to humanize the Dark and turn “him” into a good guy. This book will help young children think of the dark in a new light and dispel some of their fears.
What’s good: Great way for children to overcome fears.
What’s bad: Younger children may find this book to be a little dreary.
Bugs in My Hair! By David Shannon Best for: Ages 5-8
Just the mention of lice makes me itch. Lice have been around for thousands of years and are dreaded more than any ghost or goblin. At this time of year, the most feared thing parents can see is a letter that confirms lice in their child’s classroom. Not to worry! Let David Shannon interject humor and smiles into a subject otherwise devoid of laughter.
Shannon uses big, bold illustrations—full of life and laughter—to walk children and their parents through an entire lice event. This book helps children, and their parents, understand lice. It takes the taboo away from this pesky problem and offers simple rules and treatment for prevention.
What’s good: A good book for the elementary classroom and health lessons.
What’s bad: Heavy-handed on facts and light on story.