Thomas Edison said, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.” The Self-Awareness domain of SEL, includes knowing one’s strengths and limitations and developing an understanding that success requires struggle, effort, and willingness to try new strategies. Seeing mistakes and setbacks as part of learning is vital for developing a “growth mindset.” Failure becomes a motivator, rather than a stopping point. ![]() With this in mind, let’s enter The School of Failure: A Story About Success, written by former CBA student Rosie J. Pova and illustrated by Monika Filipina (2022, Yeehoo Press). Reminiscent of the maxim, “Don’t let perfect get in the way of good,” this story shows that failure is not the enemy of success. We meet three characters who audition for roles in famous fairy tales. They all fail. Non-Evil Queen is unfit to play an antagonist for Snow White. Wolfred is too nice to be the bad guy in Little Red Riding Hood, and Zinderella does not please Cinderella’s produce. Each declares their failure is “the end of the world.” A fairy godmother announces that instead, the three are “beginning a brand new chapter” and promises that their dreams will come true once they’ve graduated from The School of Failure. As the three students suffer abundant setbacks, they are praised for persevering and “failing your way to fabulous.” The more they fail, the better they understand their strengths and goals. Ultimately, the Non-Evil Queen, Wolfred, and Zinderella learn to live “happily – and imperfectly – ever after.” It's worth noting that fear of failure can block creativity as well as perseverance. Along these lines, I remember sitting in a second-grade classroom during a reading comprehension lesson. A lively discussion of the story stopped when the teacher asked the students to describe the main character’s bedroom. The room fell silent. The story did not describe the main character’s bedroom! Not knowing a correct answer, no one would not risk an incorrect one. When the prompt was rephrased – “Based on what you know about the main character, what do you imagine his bedroom would look like?” – Hands went up, and the room filled with ideas. ![]() As a school psychologist, I’ve written countless reports and presentations outlining challenges facing children and how to provide help and support. This required translating complex concepts of learning, social, emotional, and impulse-control difficulties into simple terms. My published work in that arena includes a relaxation-training curriculum, articles, and book chapters. My children's book manuscripts reflect the children I’ve assisted, my New York/Jewish background (especially tales from my Dad's Brooklyn boyhood) and my quirky sense of humor. - Dr. Debra Collins Celebrate Memorial Day With A Good Book: A Day For Rememberin' by Leah Henderson and Floyd Cooper5/27/2024
![]() Get ready uncover long lost history with A Day for Rememberin. In this poignant and historically rich picture book, Leah Henderson illuminates the origins of Memorial Day, from the perspective of a young African American boy. This beautifully illustrated book is a testament to the resilience and collective spirit of the newly freed citizens of Charleston, South Carolina in 1865. Henderson’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of 10 year-old Eli, giving young readers a relatable guide through a significant but often overlooked event in American history. The book highlights the first Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, which was initiated by formerly enslaved African Americans to honor Union soldiers who died fighting for their freedom. Eli's voice is authentic and engaging, drawing readers into his world and his community's earnest efforts to commemorate the fallen soldiers. Through Eli, we experience the communal spirit and determination of his family and neighbors as they prepare for the Decoration Day ceremony. The inclusion of historical details, such as the decorating of soldiers' graves with flowers and the community's singing of spirituals, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Henderson's writing is a true delight. Her lyrical prose not only transports us to the time and place but also paints a vivid picture that appeals to all our senses. Phrases like "The air was thick with the smell of blossoms and fresh-cut grass" and "The sun shone bright, casting a golden glow over the graves" bring the scenes to life. The author's meticulous attention to detail ensures that the story is both informative and deeply moving, leaving us wanting more. But it's not just the words that captivate you—Floyd Cooper's illustrations are spectacular. His artwork captures the day's warmth, hope, and solemnity, bringing the characters and their surroundings to life with a tender yet powerful touch. Cooper's use of soft, earthy tones and textured backgrounds creates a sense of depth and realism that enhances the story's emotional impact. Each illustration is a work of art that invites readers to linger and absorb the historical significance of the events depicted. A Day for Rememberin' is not just a history lesson; it is a celebration of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring power of community. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, educating us about the first Memorial Day, and inspiring us to remember and cherish its significance for generations to come. Its powerful message and beautiful storytelling make it a perfect addition to any bookshelf, promising to leave a lasting impact on its readers. 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 Canva image by Melissa Stoller Where I live, May is National Pet Month! What a wonderful time to celebrate all the pets in our lives. This month, spend some time thinking about how to celebrate all types of pets, real and imaginary, and how you can infuse pets into your story ideas. Here are a few prompts to get you started: 1) If you have a pet in your life, study your pet in detail. Research the type of pet, and notice their habits, likes and dislikes, and distinct personality traits. Include some details in a story! 2) If you don’t have a pet, perhaps play with a friend’s pet, visit an animal shelter and volunteer to assist with pets, or try pet sitting. Notice the antics of pets playing together. Or observe solitary pets. Create a title or a first line to a story. 3) What about imaginary pets! Write about a character who befriends an imaginary pet. What kind of adventures would they have together? Create the time period and setting. 4) And what about stuffed pets! Perhaps name some stuffed pets in your home or that you remember from your childhood. Use those stuffy names and images in a story. This month, let the pets in the world help inspire your own pet-filled stories. 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 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 |
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
July 2024
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