Review by hsimone -- I Can See Peace by Julie Penshorn
3 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "I Can See Peace" by Julie Penshorn.]
[rbc=4]id311329-125[/rbc]
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the beautiful illustrations. Illustrator Jeanine-Jonee Keith does a wonderful job including children of all different races, color, and age. There is even a character who uses a wheelchair on one of the book’s pages. Though these depictions may seem small, the inclusion of them could make the text more relatable to a wider range of children.
The simplicity of the text allows youngsters to understand and connect with the book’s message more easily. At a certain point in the book, the author touches upon what can children do when they feel anger and fear. Teaching anger management skills at such a young age is a beautiful and useful tool that can help children learn to become more stable young people.
The STOP method is also subtly included within the illustrations. This acronym means, “Stop and breathe; Tell how you feel; Open your mind; Plan a deal” (Kindle location 20). Unfortunately, the author doesn’t explore how to fully use this method within the text. She touches upon the breathing technique, but she doesn’t show how to share your feelings, open your mind, or what “Plan a deal” means. It would be beneficial if there was a clear explanation of this method, so adults can help children implement these steps in their day-to-day living.
At the very end of the book, there are other tools parents and/or teachers can use to further their child’s understanding of finding peace. I especially like the idea of playing the “I Spy Something Peaceful Game.” In addition, the discussion questions and sheet music included are other good resources for those adults reading the book to their children.
Overall, this children’s book is presented well and its themes are explicitly showed. Even though the author doesn’t give a full explanation of the STOP calming technique, I find this to be a excellent mentally-healthy book to read to children. Therefore, I rate I Can See Peace a 4 out of 4 stars. The book would be perfect for children ages three to six years old, and I would highly recommend parents and teachers to read this with their youngsters.
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I Can See Peace
View: on Bookshelves |
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One of my favorite aspects of the book is the beautiful illustrations. Illustrator Jeanine-Jonee Keith does a wonderful job including children of all different races, color, and age. There is even a character who uses a wheelchair on one of the book’s pages. Though these depictions may seem small, the inclusion of them could make the text more relatable to a wider range of children.
The simplicity of the text allows youngsters to understand and connect with the book’s message more easily. At a certain point in the book, the author touches upon what can children do when they feel anger and fear. Teaching anger management skills at such a young age is a beautiful and useful tool that can help children learn to become more stable young people.
The STOP method is also subtly included within the illustrations. This acronym means, “Stop and breathe; Tell how you feel; Open your mind; Plan a deal” (Kindle location 20). Unfortunately, the author doesn’t explore how to fully use this method within the text. She touches upon the breathing technique, but she doesn’t show how to share your feelings, open your mind, or what “Plan a deal” means. It would be beneficial if there was a clear explanation of this method, so adults can help children implement these steps in their day-to-day living.
At the very end of the book, there are other tools parents and/or teachers can use to further their child’s understanding of finding peace. I especially like the idea of playing the “I Spy Something Peaceful Game.” In addition, the discussion questions and sheet music included are other good resources for those adults reading the book to their children.
Overall, this children’s book is presented well and its themes are explicitly showed. Even though the author doesn’t give a full explanation of the STOP calming technique, I find this to be a excellent mentally-healthy book to read to children. Therefore, I rate I Can See Peace a 4 out of 4 stars. The book would be perfect for children ages three to six years old, and I would highly recommend parents and teachers to read this with their youngsters.
******
I Can See Peace
View: on Bookshelves |
Like hsimone's review? Post a comment saying so!
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