B is for Belonging
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Understanding and learning about belonging helps kids boost their self-confidence, build positive relationships, and foster empathy and inclusion.
Making a distinction between "belonging" and "fitting in," B Is for Belonging empowers kids to show acceptance for others and themselves. With an uplifting and positive tone, this book shares the power and joy of belonging. |
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DO-IT-YOURSELF DOLLHOUSE is a STEAM picture book for kids 4-8 years old, featuring two girls who live on the same street, but have very different life experiences. The spreads offer a peek into each girl’ s home and their contrasting interactions with their dollhouses. Readers may be surprised to see which girl really has the “ fancy dream house.
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Do-It-Yourself Dollhouse Book Trailer |
Download the free Reader's Guide and coloring pages under my "Resources" tab.
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Heroes Don't Have to Fly!
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This character was inspired by an adorable bird my daughter drew. (See her drawing here ---->)
I named this sweet, fuzzy guy Scooter. In the story, you'll see that it's the size of his heart that matters, not the size of his wings. Words can be used to help others or to hurt others. Scooter wants to make a difference using his words for good. |
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I LOVE STRAWBERRIES!
Ryan Reynolds reading I Love Strawberries!
on Bedtime Stories with Ryan, Epsiode 13. |
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Yay! You Failed! - A growth Mindset book
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Celebrate mistakes and setbacks! In Yay! You Failed!, young readers learn how to set goals, overcome challenges, build resilience, and believe in themselves.
Simple “you-can-do-it” strategies in this book can help kids learn:
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Not What I Signed Up For - Finding Faith When All You Feel is Fear
Celebrating Valentine's Day!
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Too shy to say hi!
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Making friends can be tough, but this rhyming picture book will help navigate difficulties of shyness and social anxiety. Shelli used to be pretty content in her little world, thinking that her pet friends with feathers, fins, and fur were enough. Her bird would keep her company at home, her fish would hideaway in his cave, and her dog was the social butterfly of the neighborhood. But now, Shelli is determined to try to make friends with kids at school. Readers will relate as Shelli takes brave steps toward breaking out of her shell.
Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, with more information about shyness and social anxiety. Beautiful art by Hiroe Nakata! |
Kirkus Review for Too Shy to Say Hi:
A youngster takes timid steps toward making a friend. Shelli gets nervous around others. The thought of speaking up causes Shelli’s insides to twist. Even a neighbor’s wave from afar is a cause for concern: “What if I imagined it? / Should I tell her ‘hi?’ ” Shelli’s internal dialogue spins out of control. But one day, the shy tot has had enough. “I stare at myself in the mirror. / I wave and just say hi. / It feels a little silly, / but I know I want to try. // In the morning I decide: / Today will be the day! / I’m going to find the courage / to be friendly in small ways.” Shelli begins with one simple—yet still so difficult—question: “Is anyone sitting here?” With great pluck (and confidence from practicing in front of the mirror), Shelli makes a new friend. Nakata’s wispy, light brush strokes match the emotional impact of Shelli’s uncertainty, shimmering and delicate across the page. Two pages of backmatter about social anxiety, along with coping tricks for children, are appended to aid caregivers of shy kids. Shelli presents White, and surrounding classmates are a happy mix; Shelli’s newfound friend has dark skin. Echoes the inner thoughts some anxious children may have, hopefully making them feel less alone. (Picture book. 4-7)
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SO happy TO BE A PART OF THIS BIOGRAPHY SERIES!
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Endorsements:
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Named one of the best mentor texts of the year 2020!
(By Reforemo)
Mistakes aren’t just mistakes. They’re growth spurts. Developing a growth mindset—a belief that learning is a process that requires dedication and hard work, not just talent—helps kids learn from their mistakes, build resilience, and strive to be a little better every day.
Not your typical alphabet book, Y Is for Yet uses the ABCs as an accessible framework to introduce growth mindset and all its possibilities. From A to Z, or Ability to Zany, kids learn new vocabulary that expands their view of themselves learners.
Readers can open to any page and find useful information. Younger children learn new vocabulary, while older kids can increase their knowledge of the brain’s neuroplasticity and the many ways growth mindset can be put into action. A section at the back of the book provides a kid-friendly glossary of terms and activities adults can use to help kids build resilience and foster a growth mindset.
With an uplifting and positive tone, Y Is for Yet empowers kids to persevere and encourages them to view learning as a journey with limitless possibilities.
Not your typical alphabet book, Y Is for Yet uses the ABCs as an accessible framework to introduce growth mindset and all its possibilities. From A to Z, or Ability to Zany, kids learn new vocabulary that expands their view of themselves learners.
Readers can open to any page and find useful information. Younger children learn new vocabulary, while older kids can increase their knowledge of the brain’s neuroplasticity and the many ways growth mindset can be put into action. A section at the back of the book provides a kid-friendly glossary of terms and activities adults can use to help kids build resilience and foster a growth mindset.
With an uplifting and positive tone, Y Is for Yet empowers kids to persevere and encourages them to view learning as a journey with limitless possibilities.
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School Library Journal Review for Y is for Yet!
"Mistakes can be a hard thing for a child to admit, let alone embrace as something positive. Y is for Yet: A Growth Mindset Alphabet, by Author Shannon Anderson, September 2020, covers the A-Z of growth mindset, helping to define words like "ability" and "brain." This reference book, with its richly textured illustrations, helps children four and older see mistakes, both in and out of school, are not final and can even serve as a tool to help their brains develop and grow." |
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Everyone faces challenges—obstacles to overcome, exciting goals to meet—and it’s easy to get stuck on the negatives. Mindset Power shows kids how to change the way they think about their challenges so they can grow from them, feel better about themselves, and get better at the things they try.
With an introduction to growth mindset, the book offers information on how to set goals, overcome self-doubt, and build resilience. Full of journal prompts to “Jot Your Thoughts” and suggestions of “Something to Try,” the book empowers kids to tackle not only their big exciting dreams, but also the daily tasks they may dread or put off. Kids can do more and be more when they believe in themselves. Building on insight from the author’s years of teaching growth mindset in the classroom, Mindset Power is a positive, practical, you-can-do-it guide to accomplishing goals and building a better mindset—for kids of all abilities. Digital content includes handouts for activities found in the book. |
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Coasting Casey Casey doesn't mean to daydream in class...or to zone out in the middle of assignments...or to draw all over his desk. But, when boredom takes hold, he just doesn't do his best. Once Casey discovers a way to bring his passions for art and music into his studies, school looks a whole lot better. And so do his grades! |
Penelope Perfect
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"Penelope is a perfectionist who needs to have everything exactly right. One day, her alarm does not go off, and Penelope's life is turned upside down. She is unable to prepare with her usual fervor, and her day veers wildly off track. At first, she is upset by this detour from her routine, but she soon finds that relaxing her strict rules to have a little fun can be enjoyable. The rhyming text moves the narrative along effectively, and Penelope's quirks are charming. The depiction of Penelope's diverse classmates and her biracial family is refreshing. There is supplemental material included for adults who wish to use this story as a teaching tool. VERDICT Those who have issues similar to Penelope's will appreciate this title. Recommended for parents and teachers looking to help kids struggling with perfectionism." -School Library Journal |
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Penelope Perfect
"Penelope’s story of letting go of perfectionism is an important one. This book tackles subject matter not often touched upon in picture books and handles it in an entertaining, gentle way. Discussion questions for children and guidance for adults closes out the volume and invites deeper examination of the underlying lessons of the tale." -Booklist Review |
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A Deed a Day: Growing in Grace through kindness & compassion
School and library market books I've written
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