Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
This week is Mental Health Week in Canada. Mental health can look different for everyone, and sometimes it may be a difficult topic to discuss, especially with children. It’s important to remind kids (and adults) that their feelings are valid, and support is all around them when needed.
We’ve picked out some stories that creatively introduce new feelings and social-emotional awareness for younger readers to help open the door of discussion.
HOPE is our children’s window for a better tomorrow. In terms of resilience and well-being, hope is a critically important predictor of success. This creative story from the best-selling author of My Mouth is a Volcano!, and Bubble Gum Brain, reminds children that dark clouds can be temporary and asking for help is always okay. We all have times when we need to borrow a little hope from someone else.
Sometimes the dark clouds overhead seem too heavy and you feel like giving up. Little candle knows all about this. Bad grades, blasted on social media, worried about making the team, and wondering who her real friends are – so many hard things to deal with! All she can see is darkness. But her story begins to change when someone notices she needs a boost of hope. As little candle is reminded she has purpose and her own unique gifts, and that she isn’t the only one with dark clouds, her dim light begins to shine brighter.
This hopeful story emphasizes for children (and adults) the many different ways to ask for help, and their ability to be a hope builder for others, too.
A child makes their way along the Arctic shoreline on a dark day. Everything around them seems as ugly as their mood, from the weather to the fish and mud. This is the place they come to whenever they feel ugly.
But as the child closes their eyes and listens, the sound of the waves reminds them to breathe. The tiny krill flick their tails, and the brightly coloured sea stars seem to glow. What they once saw as an ugly landscape is now wonderful and vibrant, and alive with music and beauty.
Building on concepts of social-emotional awareness, this book helps young readers see that they have the ability to control their own emotions.
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings
An instant classic in the world of Social-Emotional Learning, this bestselling picture book tells the story of one little boy with some big, big emotions — and how he learns to see them for the gifts they are.
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is relatable for any child — especially for a child experiencing anxiety, extreme emotions, a child identified as a Highly Sensitive Person, or a child on the autism spectrum. Beautifully illustrated and written in rhyming verse, children and adults explore the whole spectrum of feelings and readers navigate the emotional challenges they face throughout the day.
The main character has feelings so big that they glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. When he hears a joke, he bursts with joy. When a loud truck drives by, he cries. When his loved ones are having a hard day, he feels their emotions as if they were his own.
The boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated.
The Big, Big series inspires kids to embrace whatever it is inside them that makes them unique–whether it’s big feelings, big ideas, or big questions. Full of creativity and tenderness, each book in the series offers readers connection and companionship as they navigate the challenges of growing up.
Have you heard of the worry monsters? They always know how to cheer you up! Children will love this simple story featuring the friendly worry monsters, designed to help children overcome their worries.
The Very Hungry Worry Monsters is:
The crayons are back in this board book all about feelings from the creators of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home!
Everyone knows the crayons love to colour, but did you know that crayons have feelings too? Sometimes they are happy and sometimes they feel downright blue.
From the creative minds behind the The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, comes a fun board book to help young readers understand and express their feelings.
A full-colour, kid-friendly guide to understanding stress and anxiety and managing them in healthy and productive ways.
Kids and parents know that taking care of our mental health and managing stress and anxiety are critical skills for people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Filled with practical advice and strategies, So Long, Stress! helps readers understand what stress is and gives them the tools they need to face situations that cause anxiety ― all in an approachable and down-to-earth tone.+
A beautiful and inclusive picture book all about celebrating being yourself from Down syndrome advocate and viral sensation Sofia Sanchez!
It can be hard to be different-whether because of how you look, where you live, or what you can or can’t do. But wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same? Being different is great! Being different is what makes you YOU.
This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchez-an 11-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome-reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don’t let anyone stop you! You are enough just how you are. Sofia is unique, but her message is We all belong. So each spread features beautiful, full-colour illustrations of a full cast of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.
Book Clubs
Scholastic Book Clubs helps kids discover the joy of reading. Together, we put can’t-miss books into kids’ hands—at can’t-miss prices, while also giving back to a teacher's classroom!
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Book Fairs
Bookjoy or bust! Millions of children have discovered books—and a lifelong love of reading—at a Scholastic Book Fair.
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