I have several children's books to recommend. They all are illustrated
books with a kid problem-solving theme.
First, there is "Trouble Talk" by Trudy Ludwig. The book centers around Maya
and her friendship with a new girl at school, Bailey. Bailey loves to talk!
She talks about everything and everyone! When Bailey reveals secrets and
spreads rumors about the girls ather new school, Maya realizes that Bailey is
not the kind of friend she needs!This book uncovers the harmful consequences
of "trouble talk" - gossiping,lying, spreading rumors, and sharing others'
information in order to make connections and gain attention.
"Too Perfect" is is also by Trudy Ludwig. This story is about Maisie, who
thinks her classmate Kayla is perfect. But the more Maisie gets to know
Kayla, the more she sees that being perfect might not be so good after all.
Trudy Ludwig's latest book, "Better Than You," deals with kids who like to
brag, while making others feel bad about themselves.
"Annie's Plan: Taking Charge of Schoolwork and Homework" by Jeanne Kraus is a
nicely illustrated book gives kids easy and logical steps that should help
the disorganized child achieve school success. The book presents a 10 point
schoolwork plan and a 10 point homework plan that will help students with
their organizational and study skills. There is a section at the back of the
book for parents - to help their child with the steps.
All books mentioned above are available from Amazon.com (which is where
I purchased them). I would guess that you could also get them from Barnes "N
Noble (at the store or by special order).
Trudy Ludwig is also the author of two other books I use with my bully
prevention unit. "My Secret Bully" and "Just Kidding" are excellent resources
for explaining/discussing relational and verbal bullying.
I would also like to recommend a series of fantastic workbooks(What-To-Do
Guides for Kids) written by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist in
private practice (in Exeter, NH). They are excellent resources for children
with a variety of difficulties. They are written for children, but each book
should be read by parents prior to sharing them with the children, then
parents work through the books WITH their children. Remember: parents play a
big role in helping their children overcome difficulties.
"What To Do When Your Temper Flares," gives practical strategies for taming
tempers. This book divulges a big secret about anger: "The only thing that
makes you angry is you."
"What To Do When You Worry Too Much" will teach you and your child a new and
more successful way to think about and manage anxiety.
"What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck" is a kid's guide to overcoming OCD.
Parents are advised to read the book before presenting it to their children.
It explains OCD in understandable terms. The book teaches parents and kids
cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT).
There are other books in the series, including one about sleep problems, one
about negativity, and one about breaking bad habits. I ordered each of the
"What To Do" books from Amazon.com
"Up and Down the Worry Hill," by Aureen Pinto Wagner, PhD., is a book about
OCD written for children. It describes OCD from a child's perspective and
attempts to give children with OCD a sense of control and hope. It also helps
prepare children for treatment. This book might be a good resource for
families struggling with OCD.
Free Spirit Publishing is a great resource for parents. They have many books
(and DVDs) on a wide variety of topics for parents AND children, including
(but not limited to) gifted students, self esteem, getting along with others,
homework, learning disabilities, and divorce. The web address is
www.freespirit.com There is also a catalog. I will put a link to this
resource on the web links page of my website.
