Shy Robin and the First Day of School review

 

A little hippo finds that looking out for a new friend can turn shyness into bravery in Jaime Kim’s sweetly illustrated story about the first day of school.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

At home Robin Hippo is full of energy and confidence.  Going to different places though she is extremely shy and feels like hiding.  To help with the worries about the first day of school, Robin's mom gives her a purple headband to help her feel brave.  In her new classroom, she meets Marco Otter who is also having a tough time with his shyness.  Together the two overcome their own fears in order to help each other problem solve and also learn that others can have the same things in common. 

Here is a sweet and gentle story that may help kids break out of their shell on those first few days back to school.  Whether they are a first time or returning student, everyone feels shy about a new classroom, new teacher and making friends.  The text is easy to read aloud and the illustrations are in bold colors with wonderful expression of feelings.  Together Robin and Marco find friendship helping each other through a tough day by turning their shyness into bravery.  This story would make for a good discussion about feelings and how others feel.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title:  Shy Robin and the First Day of School

Author: Jaime Kim

Pub. date: June 2023, Candlewick Press

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Feeding Littles Lunches review

 

75+ simple and delicious ideas for packed school lunches and snacks for kids of all ages.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you looking for some variety and inspiration for your kiddos lunches?  To mix things up from the same-old-same-old, this book may help you find new ideas to try.   It could be a fun book to sit down with the kids and look at the yummy photographs of the lunch box ideas so they could pick out things they may like.  I love the boxes and various compartment containers showing the different types of foods you can use to make it not only look appealing but healthy as well.  It offers many ideas switching from regular bread to tortillas or crackers, many veggies, fruit, meat and cheese combos or just may give you your own ideas depending on what your child likes.  There are even ideas that grown ups who take lunches to work or school could use too.  Throughout the lunch box photo pages are prep, allergy, vegetarian, toddler and picky eater tips. Plus the first 70 pages offers useful reading on nutrition, food safety, lunch box creativity and fun.   You will be able to put together delicious and simple lunches the kids will enjoy.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-99.~

 

Title:  Feeding Littles Lunches

Author: Megan McNamee MPH, RDH and Judy Delaware, OTR/L,CLC

Pub. date: August 2024, Rodale Books

Genre: non fiction

Paperback, 237 pgs.