Join In and Play

August 1, 2004
PreS-K-These offerings introduce children to the language and behaviors of positive social interaction. Each book has scenarios displaying appropriate responses to difficult situations. Be Polite encourages the use of words that show thoughtfulness and respect for others when asking for help, receiving gifts, apologizing, acknowledging when a friend does a nice thing, and expressing feelings. Join in shows readers different ways to welcome others and play cooperatively. In both books, speech bubbles emphasize appropriate language. A diverse, multiethnic cast of children and adults fills the brightly colored cartoon illustrations. Questions, activities, and games for extension of the skills presented in the narratives are appended. Useful resources for parents, teachers, and counselors.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2004
Reviewed with Cheri J. Meiners' " Be Polite and Kind" .

PreS-Gr. 1. Tailor-made for children struggling to master certain life skills, these colorful picture books spotlight behaviors that help kids get along with others. Each title shows children at home and in the classroom. In " Polite," a boy talks about showing others through his words and actions that they are important to him. He concludes with "I want others to treat me with respect, so that's how I treat them." In " Join In," a girl explains what she does and says when she wants to play with someone. The narrative maintains an even tone, giving options when things don't work out as expected and emphasizing the importance of talking and listening with respect as well as playing fair. With expressive drawings of children and adults from many ethnic groups, the illustrations show up clearly from a distance. Each book ends with four pages of ideas that parents and teachers can use to reinforce the concepts. Like the other sturdy paperbacks in the Learning to Get Along series, these will fill a demand for simple, straightforward books promoting social skills and attitudes helpful to preschool and primary-grade children. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)