It’s Multicultural Children’s Book Day and I’m participating by reviewing two awesome books by Susan Schaefer Bernardo illustrated by Courtney Fletcher.  The event has many purposes, one is to spotlight diverse/multicultural books, authors, and publishers and also hosting an online book review!  

Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs

   Written by Susan S. Bernardo and Illustrated by Courtney Fletcher is pure beauty.  The words along with the illustrations just make your heart sing. 

   This book talks about how children can maintain their sense of connection when a loved one is not physically present.  It’s a wonderful book to read aloud that can help students learn to identify their feelings and offer a coping strategy.  I enjoyed the poetic flow of the words and how they are printed on the page.  

    I always tell my students that the cover is what draws me to a book.  I tend to pick up books that have my favorite colors or if I like the illustration.  I was drawn to the cover art that to me conveys peace.  The illustrator uses X’s and O’s throughout the pages, too.  It’s cool to go through the book and point out where they are seen.  

   I believe you can have some meaningful discussions about separation anxiety, grief, resilience, and love with this book.  My favorite line from the book is “I’m leaving signs to show I care, like the wind whispering through your hair.”  The entire book uses occurrences in nature as a reminder that love is forever and always around.  It truly is a beautiful book.  

 

Here is a mini-unit you can use with the book.  It has a few activities you can complete with your class.

 

The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm 

   This story which is co-authored with Levar Burton is a great addition to your SEL collection of books.  It tells the story of a Rhino who sees the destruction of a storm and decides to take action so that it doesn’t continue to tear apart his world and take away the things he holds dear to his heart, so he swallows the storm.

   However, he gets trapped in a hole and the “helpers” (the other animals) come to get him out.  Well, he’s still feeling down because of the storm he has swallowed.  His friends continue to coach him through letting go of the storm with a good cry.  They remind him to breathe and express his feelings to help him feel better.  

I love when the tortoise says, allowing yourself to start feeling your feelings is the very first step on the journey toward healing.

  

   So much has happened over the past year.  Our students have many different storms that come into their lives that they’re dealing with, however, they have limited resources and coping strategies.  Research shows that parents facing financial hardship are more likely to experience stress, depression, and conflict in their family, which increases the risk of violence and additional trauma. Our students need to know that we can be the helpers in their life.  

    As always, make sure you have created a safe environment prior to this read aloud.  Your students should already feel comfortable sharing things about their lives without judgment or ridicule.  

   This story can help students begin to talk about the storms and how they’re feeling.  I truly believe this is a must needed book, especially now.  

This book review is based on my personal opinion. I was not compensated for this review.

Check out www.innerflowerchildbooks.com for other resources to use with your class and to purchase the books.  Use code MCBD20 to receive 20% off the purchase.

 

Connect with the author!

IG @innerflowerchildbooks and  @sunkissesmoonhugs 

FB @innerflowerchildbooks 

Twitter @monkeedoodle and @susanbernardo

Pinterest @Inner Flower Child Books