On the Shelf

Header Right Social

FacebookInstagramMeetupOn the Shelf Blog

Header Right Search

New for Kids

1-2-3 A Calmer Me: Helping Children Cope When Emotions Get Out of Control

by Leave a Comment

1-2-3-A Calmer Me: Helping Children Cope When Emotions Get Out of Control by Colleen A. Patterson and Brenda S. Miles
Format: Children’s Picture Book
Who It’s for: Children and Caregivers

In this story, a little girl explains how she can get angry and frustrated sometimes. Like when she loses her balloon in the park. It is OK to get mad, but when you do, you can recite this rhyme.
1-2-3 a calmer me, 1-2-3 I hug me, 1-2-3 relax and b-r-e-a-t-h-e, 1-2-3 a calmer me.
The story introduces children to a simple rhyme they can use to slow down their bodies and stop mad feelings from spinning out of control.
The mantra or rhyme appears several times throughout this picture book whenever the little girl finds herself becoming upset from conflicts with friends, family and even while playing sports.

By memorizing the simple mantra, a child can use it to slow down their immediate reactions and replace them with words that are more comforting. The idea is based on the psychological principles of relaxation and mindfulness.

Find it in the Catalog

The Good Egg

by Leave a Comment

The Good Egg by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

This is one good egg! Literally. The main character is an egg, and he’s very good- the one good egg in a dozen, while the other eggs’ behavior is often kind of rotten. The good egg rescues kittens, helps the elderly, cleans up messes, and tries to convince his siblings to be good too. But the pressure of trying so hard to be perfectly good, and trying to change others’ behavior, eventually makes the little egg start to crack. It’s time for the good egg to take some time for himself. Spending time to relax and try a few new things helps the good egg to learn some important lessons: not to be so hard on others or himself, and that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be a good egg.

Find it in the catalog!

The Undefeated

by Leave a Comment

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Format: Book
Who’s it for: Everyone

This Newbery Award-winning author has written a gripping and moving poem to honor Black American life, both their triumphs and their troubles. The stunning illustrations, drawn by Kadir Nelson, pull the reader into the further by creating haunting and captivating atmospheres. There are portraits of famous, history makers, as well as depictions of the horrors committed against African Americans.

This is a beautiful, thought provoking book that also brings hope and joy. Find it in the catalog.

 

Hildegard of Bingen: Scientist, Composer, Healer, and Saint

by Leave a Comment

Hildegard of Bingen: Scientist, Composer, Healer, and Saint by Demi
Publication Date: April 7, 2019
Who it’s for: Kids

Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098, and she was one of the most remarkable and influential women of her time. Blessed with an astonishing array of talents, Hildegard was a mystic, theologian, scientist, doctor, nutritionist, composer, writer, linguist, and artist. Popes and kings, as well as humble peasants, sought her wise counsel. Today, Hildegard of Bingen is recognized as a saint and doctor by the Catholic Church and is  revered by many Lutherans and other Protestants. Find out more about her life in this beautifully illustrated book by award-winning author, Demi.

Find it in the catalog
Find more  illustrated biographies by Demi

There Are No Bears In This Bakery

by Leave a Comment

There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach

Publication Date: January 8, 2019
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Muffin the Cat takes her job providing security for her human owner’s bakery very seriously. Each night, while the baker sleeps, Muffin listens for sounds to alert her to trouble, like the rustle and squeak of mice, or the rattle and clang of raccoons. But one night, she hears a new sound. Is it rumbling? Is it growling? What could it be? Certainly not a BEAR in the bakery?! Read on to see what Muffin finds, what she does about it, and what becomes of the bakery’s stock of treats and sweets in this sweet and funny sequel to A Bear Ate Your Sandwich.

Find it in the catalog

Finding Langston

by Leave a Comment

Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Format: Book
Who it’s for:  Kids

In 1946, Langston and his Dad move to Chicago from rural Alabama.  His mother recently passed away and he is feeling a little lost in this big city.   The city is so noisy and everyone calls him “Country boy” because he has an accent and wears overalls.  He hasn’t made any friends and is experiencing bullying from a few kids in his class.  In order to avoid the bullies, one day he goes a different way home from school and discovers the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library.

The library becomes his home away from home.  He never imagined such a wonderful place and they allow colored folks!  The first book he finds is by Langston Hughes and he wonders if he was named after him?  He finds he has a lot in common with Mr. Hughes and soon discovers more poetry and writings by other Negro writers.

Langston’s journey to discovering himself is beautifully written by Ms. Cline-Ransome.  This is truly a lovely book.  It’s a love story for libraries and writers.  And, it’s a story about the Great Migration when many blacks from the South migrated to the North after World War II.

Find it in the catalog