When I was a child, two different ice cream trucks regularly visited my neighborhood. We eagerly gobbled goodies from both, but we announced their arrivals differently. Truck A sparked shrieks of delight. Truck B set off a singsong ditty among us that rhymed the name of the brand with phrases proclaiming this ice cream tasted bad and made us sick. I joined in, never questioning how the song came about. One day, as Truck B arrived, I was alone on the porch when the other children in the neighborhood started singing. As the scene unfolded before me, suddenly I saw and heard it through the eyes and ears of the truck driver. My heart hurt. I realized how awful that nice man must feel, being greeted by that song. Never again did I sing it. That moment was a step in my development of Social Awareness, which includes capacities for taking another’s perspective, feeling compassion, showing concern for others’ feelings, and demonstrating empathy.
When her first day of school arrives, she is brimming with confidence and enthusiasm. But her peers make fun of her name. From this point, the story contrasts how Chrysanthemum feels when she is loved and supported at home with how she feels when teased and belittled at school. The words and illustrations show that day by day, her suffering intensifies. On the first morning of school, Chrysanthemum puts on a sunny outfit and moves joyfully toward her destination. On the second day, she wears extra-comfortable clothes and dallies along. On the third day, she fills her pockets with good luck charms and takes the longest route to school. Chrysanthemum “wilts” as she comes to believe her perfect name is DREADFUL. She feels temporary relief at home, but her worries plague her dreams. Yikes! The clear, compelling depictions of Chrysanthemum’s plight effectively kindle the reader’s compassion and empathy. Feeling for poor, innocent Chrysanthemum, the reader yearns for her peers to stop tormenting her. Yet no one calls them out on their hurtful words and actions. The classroom teacher’s only comment to the lead bully is a matter of fact, “Thank you for sharing.” At home, Chrysanthemum’s parents reassert, “your name is perfect.” They say that her classmates are just jealous. Chrysanthemum herself suffers in silence. This builds to a climax with the entry of Ms. Twinkle, the much-admired music teacher. Ms. Twinkle casts Chrysanthemum as a daisy in an upcoming show. Immediately the bullies, who received more enviable roles, erupt in a barrage of taunting chants. Still, even Ms. Twinkle does not chastise Chrysanthemum’s peers. Instead, she announces that like Chrysanthemum, her own first name is a long, flower name. Plus, she’s expecting a baby and thinks Chrysanthemum would be a perfect name for a baby girl. With these words from the esteemed Ms. Twinkle, Chrysanthemum is restored. She “blooms.” Suddenly the bullies see Chrysanthemum through a new lens, adopting Ms. Twinkle’s view. Now they try to change their own names to flower names. WAIT A MINUTE, you might be thinking. What happened here? Aren’t we writers repeatedly instructed to ensure that our main character has agency? That their trials promote the insight and skills they need to solve their own problem? Chrysanthemum just wilts or blooms according to what happens around her. And those bullies – they change their behavior, but do they ever realize how much they hurt Chrysanthemum? Are they simply, naively pivoting just to please Ms. Twinkle? This is all worth exploring. When you write your own story to promote perspective-taking and compassion, perhaps you will choose to incorporate such elements. Meanwhile, Kevin Henkes’ story, without didactic lecturing or overt modeling, masterfully evokes perspective-taking and compassion in the reader.
As April unfolds its petals, it brings the sweet fragrance of National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate the beauty and power of verse. In the vibrant landscape of children's literature, poetry holds a special place, weaving tales of imagination, emotion, and culture. This month, let's shine a light on three extraordinary poets whose voices enrich the world of KidLit.
Nikki Grimes With a pen dipped in the ink of empathy and understanding, Nikki Grimes mesmerizes readers with her poignant verses. Her numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award and the ALA Notable Book recognition, are a testament to the profound impact of her work on readers of all ages. Grimes' unparalleled ability to capture the essence of childhood struggles, triumphs, and dreams not only entertains but also educates, broadening children's understanding of the world. Through works like "Bronx Masquerade" and "Garvey's Choice," she effortlessly weaves narratives that speak directly to the hearts of young readers, fostering empathy and connection. Kwame Alexander Kwame Alexander's words pirouette across the page, painting vivid pictures of hope, courage, and belonging. His acclaimed works like "The Crossover" and "Swing" are a symphony of poetry and storytelling, resonating deeply with readers across cultures and generations. His ability to capture the essence of childhood experiences and struggles, a theme that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, has earned him accolades and admiration, such as the Coretta Scott King Author Honor and The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, solidifying his place as a master of KidLit poetry. Margarita Engle Margarita Engle is a powerhouse in KidLit poetry, with a gift for crafting verses that transport readers to different times and places. Her works like "The Surrender Tree" and "Enchanted Air" are not just poems but gateways to history, nature, and the human spirit. As the first Hispanic writer to receive the Newbery Honor Award, her contributions to children's literature are immense. Engle's poetry invites readers to embrace the beauty of diversity and the universality of human experiences. Her work is a beacon of inclusivity in KidLit poetry, fostering understanding and empathy across borders and generations. During National Poetry Month, let's celebrate the works of these phenomenal poets and explore the diverse voices and perspectives that enrich the world of KidLit. Through poetry, we not only discover the power of words but also the power of empathy and understanding. Poetry bridges cultures and generations. So, grab a book of poetry, immerse yourself in the rhythm of verse, and let the magic of language carry you to new horizons, fostering empathy and understanding along the way. Brentom Jackson is an award winning poet/writer, actor and psychotherapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise Brentom tells stories that explore the universal lessons within Black-American history and heritage. His debut picture book Elijah's Easter Suit with Doubleday/Penguin Random House is available wherever books are sold. Follow him on all social media @brentomjackson. www.brentomjackson.com by Melissa Stoller As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Where I live, that is holding true as it has been a bit soggy! But on the bright side . . . flowers are blooming and the cherry blossoms are beautiful! This month, it can also rain down ideas! Here are some prompts to help you cultivate your stories: Image from Canva 1) Visit a botanical garden – perhaps bring a sketch pad and draw the flowers and trees you notice. Pay attention to details like color, shape, texture, and smell. Choose one sketch and write a story using some of those details. 2) Cultivate a home herb or flower garden either outdoors or on your windowsill. Record the growing patterns. Write one line about your process, and perhaps that could turn into a story idea. 3) Observe the rain, from inside or outside. Notice the size of the rain drops, the smell in the air, and the sound of the drops. Could any of these atmospheric details add to your manuscript? 4) Rainy days are also wonderful days to explore indoor activities like markets, bookstores, libraries, or museums. Choose one and spend the day enjoying the experience. Perhaps your adventure will inspire a non-fiction or fiction story. 5) Rainy days are also perfect for staying home if possible to enjoy reading or playing board games with family or friends. Spark some rainy days stories, too. This month, let April showers, indoors or outside, help inspire your ideas. Let me know in the comments if these prompts helped. Happy writing! MELISSA’S BIO: Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Trustee, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks. CONNECT WITH MELISSA: https://www.MelissaStoller.com https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller www.twitter.com/melissastoller www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller by Dr. Debra Collins Concepts Social-emotional learning, often abbreviated as SEL, has become increasingly important in picture books as a way to address the various challenges and pressures that children encounter today. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions” (casel.org). The social distancing of the COVID pandemic caused children to lose many opportunities to practice and develop their SEL skills in direct interaction with others. Stories can help make up for this. We can subtly embed SEL as underlying themes in engaging and wonderful stories. CASEL organizes SEL into five interconnected domains: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. A related set of capabilities, Executive Function (EF) refers to competencies underlying self-control and effective planning, focus, and goal achievement. To enhance your writing on SEL themes, it's helpful to delve into these concepts. Take note of relevant research and developmental milestones in order to make your work resonate deeply with readers. In future first-Monday posts I will continue to provide inspiring examples. Application Here's a wonderful example of a picture book wherein the story comes first but the underlying SEL themes are clear if you look for them. Evie's Field Day: More than One Way to Win by Claire Noland (Author), Alicia Teba (Illustrator) Cardinal Rule Press The book is both a plot- and a character-driven story. The opening shows Evie’s mindset and goal. In striving toward her goal, Evie experiences setbacks. She reevaluates her goal and adjusts her mindset. In the discussion below, the quoted descriptions of SEL areas are from CASEL. Outset: At the outset, Evie identifies as a WINNER. She is confident that her athletic abilities are stronger than her peers’. She displays her many trophies in her room. Her goal is to win more trophies on Field Day. Self-Awareness includes “capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well- grounded sense of confidence and purpose.” Evie sees herself as a strong athlete, a self-assessment that defines her interests and her goal. Setbacks: Evie loses event after event. After each loss, Evie is the only one who does not cheer the winner. We see that Evie’s Self-Awareness is underdeveloped. Her assessment of her own strengths and weaknesses is incomplete. We also see room for improvement in Evie’s Social Awareness, an area which includes “abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others.” When she loses, her behavior is self-absorbed; she does not appreciate others’ strengths. Crucial Moment and Turning Point: Then, Evie takes the lead in the sack race. She is winning! However, a baby bird has fallen into the race path. Evie evaluates two paths of action. She could jump over the bird and win the race. But the racers behind her might not see the bird and jump over it (she realizes that the bird might get hurt). Evie stops. She succeeds in helping the bird, but she finishes last in the race. Evie demonstrates Responsible Decision-Making and adjusts her Self-Awareness and Social Awareness. She considers the consequences of the actions available to her. She shifts her mindset from a self-absorbed focus on winning trophies to putting the bird’s needs first. She shifts her action from competition to compassion. Resolution: Evie’s peers cheer her for helping the bird. Evie smiles. She recognizes that “some things are better than winning.” Whereas on Amazon, the book description states, “Evie was a sore loser,” this is misleading. In the story itself, the only un-sportsmanlike behavior Evie exhibits is failing to cheer the winners of the events she loses. Evie does not taunt her rivals or act out. Indeed, she gives her competitors a smile or thumbs-up as they get in position for each event. Moreover, Evie does not quit. She perseveres! Evie’s story remains tightly focused on her learning that happiness and positive attention from peers do not depend on winning a competition. She ultimately finds both in her act of compassion. As a bonus, Evie’s Field Day includes back matter with “10 Suggestions to help your child learn good sportsmanship.” I highly recommend this as both a mentor text and a comp title.
Written by the talented Kevin Johnson and brought to life with illustrations by the incomparable Kitt Thomas, "Cape" is a story that hits close to home. It speaks to the depth of our hearts and the strength we find in the midst of loss. In "Cape," we meet a young child grappling with the profound sorrow of losing a cherished loved one. Clutching onto his superhero cape, he seeks solace from the onslaught of memories and emotions that threaten to overwhelm him. But as we all know, memories don't play fair. They persist no matter how much you resist. Our young hero tries to block and push them away, but deep down, he knows he can't run forever. And then something shifts. He remembers the laughter, smiles, and love surrounding him. Suddenly, that cape becomes more than just a piece of fabric—it becomes his lifeline, his source of strength as he navigates the bittersweet terrain of grief. Johnson's distinct lyrical language and Thomas's signature style transform Cape into a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even superheroes hurt too. CAPE Makes Me Think About: Second Line Traditions: In New Orleans, funerals are a bit different. They typically start with the "first line" as mourners make a slow procession through the street to the burial ground as a traditional brass band plays a sad "dirge." But the "second line" is a community parade! Mourners sing and dance through the street while the band plays upbeat, joyous tunes to celebrate the good memories the deceased left behind. To Serve the Living-Funeral Directors and the African American Way of Death: Published in 2010 by Harvard Press, Suzanne E. Smith explores the intersectional relationship between black funeral directors and black freedom movements in the United States. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and dignity exemplified in rituals of remembrance, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and honoring diverse cultural perspectives on death and mourning. My Maternal Grandmother: Jesse Faye Rigsby, was the first funeral I remember attending as a child. She died after a long battle with illness. The church was crowded, people were crying, and I was too young to process the grief fully. A cape probably would have been helpful. A quote from American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." Brentom Jackson is an award winning poet/writer, actor and psychotherapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With poetic voice, theatrical flair, and socio-emotional expertise Brentom tells stories that explore the universal lessons within Black-American history and heritage. His debut picture book Elijah's Easter Suit with Doubleday/Penguin Random House is available now. Follow him on all social media @brentomjackson. www.brentomjackson.com |
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with former school psychologist Dr. Debra Collins who will be writing about Social emotional Learning in kidlit and behind the scenes as well as Jewish children's books. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature our new blogger coming soon. 4th Mondays features new blogger, the fabulous Brentom Jackson, who has a beautiful approach to blogging. And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break Archives
May 2024
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