Reading for Life - Books about Support
Inspired by Scribbit's post on Activities that Encourage Reading, I'm posting a list of picture books that promote healthy development in children. It's part of a free booklet I wrote a few years ago called Reading for Life. There will be 8 posts - one for each category of Search Institute's Developmental Assets.


SUPPORT

1. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch; by Eileen Spinelli.
Mr. Hatch lives an ordinary life, very much to himself, until a mystery package is delivered to his door with an anonymous love note. Wondering who might be his secret admirer, he starts to be nice to everyone around him. When the postman says he delivered the package to the wrong address, Mr. Hatch is devastated, until his friends throw a big party in his honor.
• What is something little that you can do to brighten someone’s day at school, at home, or in your neighborhood?

2. Mean Soup, by Betsy Everitt.
Horace has a horrible day, and comes home terribly grumpy. His mom provides a great attitude of support, by helping him channel his frustration into Mean Soup.
• Who helps you feel better when you are grumpy or sad?
• What can you do to help yourself feel better?

3. Sophie’s Masterpiece, by Eileen Spinelli.
Sophie is a spider, full of creative ideas for weaving beautiful webs. No one else appreciates her talents, until she stumbles on a new friend.
• Do you ever feel lonely like Sophie?
• Where are the places you go when you need a friend?

4. What Daddies Do Best, by Laura Numeroff.
This beautiful storybook reminds us that mommies and daddies are both very special people in our lives, and they can do lots of different things with us.
• What are your favorite things to do with your mommy? What about your daddy?
• Are there any new things you’d like to do with them?

5. In the Rain with Baby Duck, by Amy Hest.
The Duck family is on an adventure in the rain, en route to see Grandpa for a pancake dinner. Duck is very unhappy about walking in the rain, until Grandpa finds a clever solution.
• Why was Baby Duck so unhappy? What did Grandpa do to make it better?
• Can you think of something in your life that you don’t like very much? What could you do to make it better?

6. My Love For You, by Susan L. Roth.
Practice counting with children as you affirm them of your love for them. The beautiful illustrations fill the reader and listener with a spirit of hope and life.
• Who is someone you love very much? Why do you love them so much?

7. Miss Tizzy, by Libba Moore Gray.
Miss Tizzy entertained children every day of the week, as she made her house a home to all the neighborhood children. When she got sick, she learned the true value of her love for children.
• Why did Miss Tizzy make children so happy?
• Who could you surprise with a colored picture or a plate of cookies?

8. No Matter What by Debi Gliori.
Small is afraid Large doesn’t love him at all. Large knows just how to reassure Small that he is most loved and always will be.
• Who makes you feel especially loved? What do they do that you appreciate?
• How can you show love to someone who doesn’t feel so loved?