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Attitudes are Contagious

11/30/2016

3 Comments

 
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​Happy December!!! 
​It’s a month for spreading joy and bringing cheer. One simply can’t help smiling as sleigh bells ring, gifts are exchanged, and people wish good tidings everywhere you go; the joy is simply contagious.  Perhaps no other time of year demonstrates the catching quality of attitudes quite like the Christmas season. Unfortunately, not all contagious attitudes are so cheery. Negativity and bullying can spread like wildfire, as can the sadness and pain that accompanies those actions.
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​Today’s craft is designed to help children understand that attitudes—joyful ones and not-so-joyful ones—are contagious and so we must be careful about what we pass on. To help demonstrate this, we will be making shaving cream transfer prints.
​This delightfully simple craft is based off of the picture book This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos which explores the causes and effects of bullying through a unique set of eyes. Through the actions of the main character, we see how pain causes pain, and negativity breeds more negativity. 
​One word of warning: this craft is simple, but it DOES GET MESSY. If you choose to use food coloring, be prepared with the knowledge that food coloring can stain hands, clothing, and surfaces, so be sure to prep surfaces you don’t want ruined with newspaper, plastic, aprons, etc. 
​

​You will need:

  • Copy of This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos
  • Bowl
  • Foam shaving cream
  • Food coloring (red and blue OR purple) or liquid watercolor paints (regular paints can be used, but the liquid watercolors work best)
  • Plain paper
  • Markers
  • Craft sticks (Or old cardboard or paper plates)
  • Scissors
  • Stirring device (plastic spoon, craft stick, etc)
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​In the book we read about A. Blob and learn that it has no friends because it bullies…and it bullies because it has no friends. Sadly, this situation is not uncommon. Many children who bully and cause pain do so because they are in pain or have been bullied themselves. Often, the response to bullying is to respond with anger, violence, and more negativity and the vicious cycle continues. This craft recollects the main character of the story while also providing a visual reminder that our actions and attitudes can be catching—for better or worse.
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​Directions
​1. To begin, squirt about a small handful of shaving cream into your bowlAdd food coloring/paint and mix it into the cream. I did use purple food coloring, but it looks very gray in the photos
2. On half of your paper, scoop the colored shaving cream and begin moving it around to resemble A. Blob
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3. ​Once you have your desired shape, fold the blank half of paper over to the shaving cream half and press GENTLY. It is crucial that you don’t completely press the paper down or else you will just get a colored piece of paper and the shaving cream squished everywhere, then unfold your paper
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​4.
Taking a craft stick or any flat scraping device (I used cardboard), gently scrape the shaving cream off the paper, leaving your print behind
​5. Let paper sit until dry
​6. Once dry, draw on eyes and any words or designs you’d like. I wrote “Attitudes are Contagious”. You could also draw A. Blob’s thoughts and emotions inside
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​7.
Talk about what students learned from the craft. Do they see how one attitude easily transfers to others? How will this affect the way they act in the future?
​8. Hang up finished prints as a reminder to spread joy and not negativity!

​Pro Tips:
  • Scrape the shaving cream off right away before it has time to make the paper too soggy
  • Keep paper or regular towels on hand to help keep the messes contained
  • Keep a bowl of water around or work near a sink for the same reason as above
  • If you want to get extra-creative, you can make a marbled design inside of A.Blob that represents what it is feeling inside. Here are directions on marbling via blogger The Artful Parent. Instead of placing the shaving cream directly on the paper, make the marbled design in a separate pan, blot the design on half the paper, and fold as before to double to design.
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​We hope you enjoy this quick and easy craft! Check back here each week for more crafts and insights. If you try this craft at home, please share your work in the comments! We’d love to see what you create!

every hero has a story, blog cover
Making an impact, blog post
Beating the summer slide, blog post
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, including “Who’s that Knocking,” “Chug,” and “Croc, Pots and Wildebeests,” which was nominated for Best Independent Short Short, Ages 5-8, at the 2009 Kid’s First Film Festival and for best short at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully.

This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye.


Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 


Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
3 Comments

Reading Into Thanksgiving

11/23/2016

0 Comments

 
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“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” 
― 
Frederick Douglass
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​As an exercise, pause right now and think about everything you’ve done today that required reading. Did check your email when you woke up? What about locate the correct aisle in the grocery store? Find the right exit on your way to Thanksgiving dinner? What about simply scrolling through your Facebook feed? Everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, navigating, and even taking in entertainment are made possible largely as a result of the ability to read, yet it is a skill we often take for granted. 
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​As Frederick Douglass stated, reading is the path to freedom. Through reading and writing, we can learn and compare ideas. We are able to communicate our own thoughts, discover the thoughts of others, encounter new customs, and try new things. Reading teaches us about people and places beyond the scope of our own experiences and builds vital skills such as empathy and concentration. 
​Reading organizes and streamlines our lives; As a result of reading, we can decipher directions to put together furniture and read the instructions of our prescriptions. Reading allows us to make informed choices, to learn new skills, and keep in touch with loved ones. Plus, it’s fun.
​Unfortunately, 1 in 5 people worldwide are cut off from these privileges because they cannot read or write. This number does not even include those living in a country in which they do not speak the language.  Not only does this mean that those who cannot read are not able to do or benefit from all of the above activities, it also means they cannot inform themselves on important topics, often putting them at the mercy of those with more education.
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​The true cost of illiteracy is staggering. Those who cannot read or write will have difficulty finding employment, which means they will likely struggle with finances, finding adequate healthcare, and a host of other necessities. According to an article by Central Georgia Tech College, low literacy in adulthood can be connected to almost every socio-economic issue in the United States:
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  • Low health literacy costs between $106 billion and $238 billion each year in the U.S. - 7 to 17 percent of all annual personal health care spending

  • Low literacy's effects cost the U.S. $225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment
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  • More than 60 percent of all state and federal corrections inmates can barely read and write
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​Voting, getting a driver’s license, or finding a good doctor all become difficult, if not impossible tasks without the ability to read and comprehend. All because of one small skill that most of us use every day without thinking.
​THANKFULLY, there are those out there who are doing something to solve this problem. Individuals and organizations throughout the world have dedicated themselves to the mission of ending illiteracy and instilling mastery and a love of reading in both young and old. 
​There are a multitude of ways that you can join in these efforts. We have outlined a few of the larger organizations that are leading this mission below if you would like to join in their work. However, you can help improve literacy without ever spending a penny or even leaving your own city! Here’s how:
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​1. Read out loud:

Studies show that being read to is one of the single greatest ways to build vocabulary, comprehension, and a positive association with reading.  If you have someone in your life who cannot read, whether it is a child or adult, read to them. Read books, read signs, read cereal boxes, read everything! Make it a habit and demonstrate that reading isn’t a chore; it is a gateway to new worlds, skills, thoughts, and dreams.
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2. Talk about what you’ve read: 

Just as important as the ability to read is the ability to comprehend what has been read. When you read with someone, carry it beyond the page. Restate the story in your own words and ask others to do the same. Ask questions such as: What are the motives of the characters? What would happen if the story where to continue or if a plot point were to change? What were the themes and messages to the story? Not only do these actions build comprehension skills, they build social skills such as empathy, listening, and the ability to respectfully discuss ideas. 

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3. Volunteer: 

Whether you like working with children or adults, there is sure to be an opportunity to help build literacy in your community. Check out your local Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, library, shelters, and centers for English Language Learners. Many of these organizations are in need of people to read, tutor, or even teach courses. 
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​4. Donate: 

There are a multitude of organizations that collect and donate books to families in need. Organizations could include your local schools, libraries, shelters, Little Free Libraries, and hospitals. You could even leave a few books with a kind note attached for someone to find in a park!
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Image via www.littlefreelibrary.org/
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If you would rather join in with already-established organizations, here are a few that are working hard each day to build literacy around the globe:
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World Literacy Foundation- The World Literacy Foundation is working in partnership with 3,920 groups internationally across 25 countries, including Australia, UK, USA, and others in Africa and Latin America, with one common goal: to eradicate illiteracy in our lifetime. Through literacy, they aim to reduce poverty, improve health, increase employment and educational prospects, and see lives changed forever.
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​Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy-The mission of the Barbara Bush Foundation is to advocate for and establish literacy as a value in every home. Over the past 25 years, the Barbara Bush Foundation has sponsored 1,500 family literacy programs in 50 states for both children and adults by partnering with a network of high-performing local family literacy programs across the nation.
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Picture via http://barbarabush.org/
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​National Coalition for Literacy- A national coalition of the leading national and regional organizations dedicated to advancing adult education, family literacy, and English language acquisition in the U.S. They exist to help advocates, leaders, and others who care about literacy make a positive difference advocating for adult education and family literacy.
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​ProLiteracy- The largest adult literacy and basic education membership organization in the nation, believes that a safer, stronger, and more sustainable society starts with an educated adult population. For more than 60 years, ProLiteracy has been working across the globe to create a world where every person can read and write.  They support 1,000 member programs in the U.S. and 25 countries worldwide that provide adult literacy instruction, advocate for awareness, funding, and support for a more literate society, provide professional development to increase the capacity and quality of adult literacy programs, and produce more than 400 print and digital instructional tools for tutors and students.
​These are just a few of the many literacy programs for children and adults across the nation with which you can get involved. To find a program operating near you, click on the organization links above.
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​The ability to read and write can quite literally change someone’s life. It is knowledge, freedom, and joy. This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for books, the ability to read and create them, and for all those who are working tirelessly to ensure that number grows each day! We hope you are having a wonderful holiday—now go read a book, because you can!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

National Novel Writing Month Challenge, blog post
Too old for picture books part I, blog cover
book lover's gift guide blog cover
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Like literacy, the key to solving bullying is to begin while children are young. This is A. Blob, a tale of a slimy, purple, blob-like creature that wreaks havoc on the playground with its bullying ways, was designed specifically with young readers in mind. With its rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this 10-page picture book and its sticky purple star are sure to capture the hearts of even the earliest readers. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully.

This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, as it pushes, slimes, and bullies other children. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that there may be more to A. Blob than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this book invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.



A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
0 Comments

Chocolate Covered Bullying--Sweet Treats Inspired by "This is A. Blob", by L.A. Kefalos

10/31/2016

0 Comments

 
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​Extending stories into classroom activities is always a fun and effective way to help children remember what they’ve just read and establish a deeper connection with the lessons of books. When I found this recipe for chocolate pretzel treats, I knew right away that they would make a perfect extension for the picture book, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos. Not only are they affordable and easy to make, they look exactly like the gooey, purple main character of the story!
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​In the picture book, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, we are introduced to an interesting character named A. Blob that looks a little…different than the other students. When we first see A. Blob, it’s acting less than kind, punching, oozing, stealing lunches, and being a general bully. As the story progresses, however, we learn that perhaps there is more to A. Blob than meets the eye. Through this simple story, children will learn about why people bully, the importance of empathy, and that bullying never solves problems.  
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​Here’s what you’ll need to create your own A. Blob treats:
​

​​Ingredients

​
  • 4C purple melting chocolate wafers
  • 1 20oz bag of pretzel sticks
  • 1 bag candy eyes
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​I purchased my candy at a local bulk-candy store. However, you should be able to find white melting chocolate at most grocery stores. If you don’t see the color you need, simply melt the chocolate and add a little food coloring!
​If you aren’t able to get your hands on any candy eyes, mini marshmallows and a dot of chocolate will do just fine!
​

​Directions

  • Break pretzel rods into smaller pieces
  • Melt the chocolate (microwave or stovetop)
  • Add pretzel sticks to melted chocolate
  • Scoop mixture onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet by the tablespoonful
  • Add candy eyes
  • Cool in refrigerator for 5-10min
  • ENJOY!

​If you don't have a microwave, you can easily improvise a double boiler with a pan, water, and a glass bowl. Simply fill the pan with a small amount of water and place the glass bowl into the pan so there is about 1-2 inches between the water and the glass bowl. Bring the water to a gentle boil and let it simmer. Add the chocolate to the glass bowl and stir until melted.
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Notes

  • If you are in a classroom or non-kitchen setting, use a crock-pot to keep the chocolate warm and melted!
  • Most grocery stores carry gluten-free pretzel options for students with sensitivities
  • If you have extras, have students give them away as a random act of kindness!

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​As you and your students mix up your own delicious A. Blob treats, take the time to discuss what “ingredients” went into making A. Blob act the way it did. When you pour the yummy, sweet chocolate over the hard, salty pretzels, talk about ways we can respond to difficult situations with kindness. Ask questions such as “would these treats taste very good if we poured something sour over them, like vinegar? What if we just added more salt?” In the same way, responding to bullying with bullying will just make a yucky mess.

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When the time comes to give A. Blob its candy eyes, talk about the importance of empathy and looking through the eyes of others. How could empathy have helped A. Blob and the other students? How can we all use empathy in our everyday lives? What are ways we can look through the eyes of others?


​​Finally, when the treats are finished, remind your students that we all deal with difficult things in our lives and, like the chocolate covered pretzels, these hard things are often hidden inside. We can’t always tell by looking at people that they are hurting.  That is why it is so important to treat everyone with kindness—even bullies! 

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​I hope you and your students have fun making these A. Blob treats and that they bring a little sweetness to your day! Let us know in the comments how yours turn out!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Melting A. Blob extension craft, blog cover
Making an impact, blog cover
4 free tools for your author marketing toolkit, blog cover

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​This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, including “Who’s that Knocking,” “Chug,” and “Croc, Pots and Wildebeests,” which was nominated for Best Independent Short Short, Ages 5-8, at the 2009 Kid’s First Film Festival and for best short at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully.

​This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye.


Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 


Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
0 Comments

ORANGE Slime!-- Celebrating Unity Day 2016

10/18/2016

1 Comment

 
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As many of you know, October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This event was created by Pacer to help bring awareness to the issue of bullying and unite students and adults from all over the nation to work together to end bullying once and for all. One important part of National Bullying Prevention Month is Unity Day. Unity Day is a day on which Pacer encourages schools, communities, and individuals to show that they are united against bullying and united for acceptance and inclusion. A few ways they suggest doing this are by organizing assemblies, participating in walks or runs, and wearing ORANGE —the color of bullying prevention! 
To show our support of Unity Day, we decided to adapt our fun This is A. Blob Slime craft to be ORANGE!! This craft, designed to accompany the picture book, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, is a fun way to begin the discussion about bullying with your younger children while joining in the Unity Day activities. As you mix your slime ingredients, talk about the “ingredients” that go into making a bully, such as insecurity and pain. As the mixture turns gooey, discuss how small words and actions can lead to a big sticky mess of bullying when they combine!
​Once the slime is finished, there are countless fun and educational ways to play with it! You can talk about how, just like the slime, words are sticky—for good or for bad. Have the children recall something kind someone said to them and something unkind. How does it feel to remember those words?
Wouldn’t they like to stick kind words in someone’s memory?

You can also use the slime to recreate scenes from This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos or even to role play bullying or kindness moments your child has witnessed or experienced. 
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Picture via Pacer.org/bullying
Another fun idea is to give the slime away as a random act of kindness for your celebration of Unity Day! ​​

However you choose to play, the important thing is that you have fun and bring awareness to the importance of bullying prevention!!  

Here are the steps you'll need to create your own ORANGE A. Blob!

What You'll Need: ​

  • Copy of This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos
  • 1tsp Borax
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 8oz bottle of glue 
  • 2 nonstick mixing bowls
  • 2 spoons
  • Food coloring (Red and Yellow!) 
  • Plastic baggies (Makes enough for 3)
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​Step 1:
Read This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos

​Step 2:
Discuss

Open discussion about the book: Were A. Blob’s actions acceptable? How do you think these actions made the other children feel? Why do you think A. Blob acted the way it did? What would/could you do if you were on the playground to stop bullying?

​Step 3:
Create!
​1. To make your own "A. Blob", begin by emptying 1 bottle of glue (or 1 cup) into your larger bowl
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2. Fill the empty glue bottle with warm water and add it to the glue, stirring completely. From experience I can tell you that the better you mix the glue and water, the smoother your slime will turn out. 

I've also found that the hotter the water, the "slimier" the slime will be. Cooler water will produce a firmer slime that resembles silly putty in texture.
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​3. Mix in food coloring until the desired color is achieved. I used 15 drops of red and yellow to get this particular shade of orange.
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4. In your smaller bowl, mix 1tsp of Borax with 1/2 cup of warm to hot water. Again, the hotter the water, the easier this step will be and the slimier your slime will turn out. Make sure to stir until the Borax is completely dissolved.

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​5.
Slowly add the Borax mixture to the glue mixture, mixing as you pour. When the mixture becomes too sticky to stir, use your hands to finish combining the ingredients. 

Just a note: The glue will come out of clothes, but the food coloring does stain, so be sure to wear old clothes when mixing!

6. Play!
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There are so many exciting ways to spread the message to stop bullying and start living with kindness. I hope you enjoy this little twist on our favorite craft. Let us know how YOU are celebrating Unity Day in the comments below!
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Fun with This is A. Blob Slime! Happy Unity Day 2016!!
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This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​Books are excellent tools for helping children build empathy and become upstanders! This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several award-nominated animated shorts, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully. This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that there might be more to A. Blob than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book demonstrates that a bully can come in any shape, size, or color and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 


Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
1 Comment

October- Bats, Brooms, and Bullying

10/10/2016

1 Comment

 
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​Fear

​It drives us; drives us to succeed, drives us to fail, drives us to run, and drives us to stay. Fear can be our best friend, prompting us to flee when we sense danger, or our greatest enemy, paralyzing us into a state of helplessness. Fear can inspire us to work harder than we ever thought we could, and it can cause us to act against our own self interest and even the interests of others.
​It is this dichotomy that has inspired society’s fascination with the topic. Strangely, the same biological response which causes us to shake in our boots also provides a sort of high, and countless TV shows, films, and books have been created to draw out and exploit that shivery feeling. There is, perhaps, no better example of this than the month of October and its 30 day fear fest leading up to Halloween. During this season, we not only enjoy being afraid—we actually pay for it!
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​Fittingly, October—a month that is all about fear—is also National Bullying Prevention Month, a time when awareness is brought to a very frightening topic. There are myriad causes of bullying behavior—lack of empathy, pain, a need for attention, a power struggle—the list goes on. However, when examined more closely, many of these motivations can be boiled down to one root: fear. 
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Photo via http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp
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​You see, fear is a master of disguise. It hides behind bravado, prejudice, and violence, fueling these harmful actions so quietly that it is often ignored and thus allowed to fester. 
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​From bully to victim and everyone in between, bullying is riddled with fear. The children who are bullied are afraid of harm, their parents are afraid of doing the wrong thing and seeing their child hurt, bystanders are afraid of becoming outcasts or being bullied in return, and children who bully act largely out of underlying fear.  While it may express itself in many ways, it is indeed fear which often drives bullying scenarios. 
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​But why does any of this matter?

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Until we recognize the root cause of bullying, we will continue to simply treat symptoms, never truly eradicating the problem.

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Giving children bullying-solving skills may work for a while, but when fear crops up, if they don’t have the tools to properly recognize and address that fear, they will very likely succumb to it.  Fear is designed to keep us safe so, unless we understand where it is coming from, we will have a difficult time turning it off.
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While rationalizing through fear is difficult for anyone, it is especially difficult for children. One portion of the brain which plays a significant role in our bodies’ response to fear is the prefrontal cortex. It is this part which interprets the event we are experiencing and compares it to past experiences, helping you decide the level of threat and appropriate response. However, many studies have shown that the pre-frontal cortex, the rationalizing part of our brain, doesn’t fully form until
age 25. 
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​This means that an elementary aged child is going to have greater difficulty rationalizing the reasoning behind and consequences of his bullying behavior. One way you can help create context for your students is through reading. Studies show reading fiction helps develop empathy, which is recognized as a core life skill and the foundation for sound relationships and classroom climate. Additionally, books provide entertaining and safe ways for children to explore emotions and consequences, storing these lessons away for a later time.

​Picture books, such as The Weird Series, by Erin Frankel and This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, are excellent examples of books that help students identify and work through the fear behind bullying and standing up to bullying. By reading why these characters might be bullying or why other students are standing by, students are given a framework of reasoning on which they can later build using their own experiences.
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​Another way to help your students recognize the fear driving their bullying is to provide a visual aid that helps them walk through the steps we take mentally when dealing with fear.  On a sheet of paper, have your students draw a picture of a bullying scenario. Ask the students to create a general caption written in the first person, such as "I pushed Jane". 
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​Next to the picture’s caption, write “I did this because…”. With the students, look at the drawings and talk about what that “because” might be.  Maybe the answer is “I didn’t like her”.  Draw this out, as well. Next to the new caption write”…because…” again, prompting the child to explain why he or she doesn’t like the other child. Perhaps it is because she is new. From there, write “I didn’t like that she was new because…” And onward until the true reason, “I was afraid she would take away all my friends. I was afraid I would be all alone”, comes out. Now that the root fear has been identified, you can begin to discuss solutions to the fear.
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Coping With Fear

In addition to helping children recognize their fear, it’s important to provide coping skills to deal with those fears in a healthy way as well as work to create an environment of safety.

​Let your students know that they can talk to you about anything without fear of punishment. If you are able, set aside time to check in with each child for a minute or two each week to talk through any issues they might be having or to offer some words of encouragement. Even taking the time to write a small positive word for each child on his or her desk daily can have an enormous impact on the classroom climate. When students feel accepted and important, they will be less likely to feel the fears that lead to bullying.
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​Establishing a classroom routine can go a long way towards creating an environment that feels safe and comfortable, as well. Edutopia.com suggests posting student work throughout the classroom. This provides a sense of ownership of the space as well as pride in the work they have accomplished.
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​Finally, one of the best ways to cope with fear is to talk about it. Talk with your students about why they find the situation frightening. What is being done to prevent it from happening? What steps can be taken to bring about a solution if the frightening situation does occur? This helps students take control of their fear and provides positive tools for confronting it.
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***

​​Bullying is a complex issue. Not only do factors outside of fear contribute to bullying, overcoming fear is a process that will not happen overnight. These are simply suggestions to help you begin searching beyond the surface of bullying and bystander behavior to heal the root of the problem rather than the visible weed of actions it produces.
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​Fear isn’t all bad. In fact, it can be very good and even entertaining. That’s what Halloween is all about, right? So, this October, this month in which we recognize fear, both good and bad, let’s try to build environments in which everyone feels safe and cared for and may the scariest thing in your classroom be the ghost on the door! ​
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chocolate covered bullying, pretzel treats to accompany picture book This is A. Blob, L.A. Kefalos, blog cover
When the mask won't come off, blog cover
every hero has a story, blog cover

This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​Books are excellent tools for helping children build empathy and become upstanders! This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several award-nominated animated shorts, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully. This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that there might be more to A. Blob than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book demonstrates that a bully can come in any shape, size, or color and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
1 Comment

When Things Fall Apart

6/15/2016

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When trials come, at times in what seems like waves, it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude. It can feel like the world is falling to pieces, like somehow evil is winning out, and all we can do is stand by helplessly and watch it dissolve. How can we conquer such looming troubles? How can we defeat such giants? It seems as though we’re always waiting for someone to take charge and solve everything, but it never happens, or at least not quickly enough.


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​Anne Frank once wrote: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”. In her tragic situation, she was able to recognize that it is not only the large actions that matter, but the small ones, as well; that a secretary can change the life of an entire family. A person could do their part right now, right where they are.




Never doubt that the smallest of actions can have an impact on the world. Can one ant build a colony? No; but 100 can. Can one bee feed a village? No; but together, a hive can. Great buildings are constructed one brick at a time.

​Those big organizations that fight poverty and hunger? They are made up of regular individuals who made the choice one day to show up and do whatever they could to help.

​We will never accomplish great things or overcome injustices alone. We will never do it all at once, but that doesn’t make it impossible, and it doesn’t mean we should give up.


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It’s a story that has been told a thousand times, but today it still rings true: A boy walked along a beach, throwing back the starfish that had washed ashore. A man saw what he was doing and said “Don’t waste your time, kid. You’ll never get to all of them, so it doesn’t matter.” The boy looked at the starfish in his hand and threw it into the sea. “It mattered to that one.”

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It’s important to remember that, just because the war hasn’t been won, doesn’t mean the battles don’t matter. It’s important to remember that each and every time goodness and kindness prevail, it’s a victory. You told one person today that they matter? Victory. You paid for one family’s dinner so they didn’t have to go to bed hungry tonight? Victory. You stood up for a child who was being bullied? Victory.  Each and every time kindness wins it means that, this time, cruelty did not.


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We are simply a small publishing company, but our hope is that the books we publish are able to make those small, vital, victories possible. We hope that they spread a little more kindness and teach a little more empathy each time they’re opened. We hope they bring a little more joy into this world.

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​Maybe hate and bullying can never be eradicated, but that does not mean we should stop striving towards that goal. Did you stop someone from feeling like they were worthless? Did you comfort someone who was in pain? Did you read a quiet story to a child, letting him know you loved him and that he was important? I can guarantee you, it mattered to that one.
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Searching for Spring, blog cover
Just-Finding Color in a Black and White World. Blog cover.
In Another Skin. Blog cover.

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At Laughing Leopard Press, we’re interested in publishing works by authors who have a story to tell or contribute to understanding our world. Our most recent publication, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos is a picture book that does just that. With its vibrant illustrations, unique characters, and compelling story line, this book helps children learn the concepts of bullying, empathy, and the importance of kindness while they are still young, preparing them to face--and change--the world around them. 
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Too Old For Picture Books? Part II

6/1/2016

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Making A. Blob Slime!

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​Last week, I shared about my visit to an elementary school and the incredible conversations that were sparked by reading the picture book, This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos. This week, I will be sharing about the slime craft we did and the lessons we were able to learn as we created.
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I have posted about the A. Blob Slime Craft in previous blogs. It’s such a fun craft with a perfect connection to the slimy A. Blob of the book that I knew I just had to do the craft with the students.

​​First, I brought out all the slime-making materials, set them in front of the students, and asked if we had slime yet. After looking at me like I was a crazy person, they gave a puzzled “no”. Of course we didn’t have slime yet. The ingredients need to be mixed together and then they will become slime.
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​Similarly, a mean word here or an exclusion there doesn’t,at first, seem like that big of a deal. However, those words, like the slime ingredients, add up and react with one another. They stick with people and burden them down, staying in hearts and minds long after they’ve been said.
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​I asked the students if they remembered something kind someone had said to them. A simple “yes” or a “no” was all I expected, but the students' faces lit up immediately as they raised their hands, dying to tell the class the compliment or act of kindness they had received. The answers ranged far and wide, from physical compliments, to befriending someone on their first day at a new school, to a simple “I love you” from a parent. Even children who had been moody or had come in with a bad attitude softened as they remembered a kind word and shared that bit of confidence with the class.
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The first time I did this lesson with students, I asked them to recall something mean someone had said or done to illustrate how those unkind actions can stick with us. However, I found that asking them to remember words of kindness had a far greater impact. Not only did it open the students up, it provided a good example of why and how we should act with kindness. Children are told over and over to not be mean, but how often are they reminded to be kind? Sometimes, showing kids what to do is just as important as telling them what not to do.



​​Next, we mixed the ingredients. The students LOVED watching the purple water/glue mixture magically become a blob as the borax was added. Once the blob was mixed up, the librarian and I divided it into equal parts and allowed the students to take it back to their tables to play. It was such fun watching them get creative with their slime! In this day and age, children spend so much of their time behind computers, taking tests, or filling out worksheets. Giving them the opportunity to use their imaginations, get a little messy, and have fun was a true joy.
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In more than one class, one student would try to snag another student’s slime or would say something unkind to another as they played. Just as I or the librarian would be about to step in, another student would say “We JUST talked about being kind and not bullying! Be kind!” Through a picture book and a simple craft, these children were learning the importance of kindness.
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​Before the students left, I sent them home with a simple reminder “Like A. Blob, your words will stick—kind or mean. Chose them wisely!”  I also challenged each of them to do one extra thing that day to show kindness.
 
​I leave you now with the same challenge.
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Do you have a fun way of teaching kids about kindness? Let us know about it in the comments below!
For full directions on how to make your own A. Blob Slime, check out our previous post, This is A. Blob SLIME Craft! Kids learn how bullying can become a big, slimy blob!

This is A. Blob Slime Craft blog cover
Too old for picture books? Part 1. blog cover
Chocolate Covered Bullying blog cover

This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, including “Who’s that Knocking,” “Chug,” and “Croc, Pots and Wildebeests,” which was nominated for Best Independent Short Short, Ages 5-8, at the 2009 Kid’s First Film Festival and for best short at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully.

This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye.

Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
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"This Is..." Project: Learning to Look Beyond Labels

3/2/2016

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“Hello! My name is Mrs. Smith and this is ___...”
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It’s a phrase I am sure many of us have heard on multiple occasions. We meet a new person and then she introduces us to her friend, giving a name followed by a quick, descriptive tidbit about her, such as “This is Jane, my assistant teacher. She’s been just great building the art program this year.”  
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Unfortunately, with so many new faces to meet, we rarely move too far beyond this initial elevator speech. Even more regrettably, this issue isn’t restricted to the adult world. The same situation often occurs with children who prefer to stick to those students they know rather than find new playmates. While it may seem harmless, such surface-based relationships often lead to misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and even bullying. It’s a lot harder to hate or hurt someone when you actually know them; when they are more than a face and a label.
This is why we have created the “This is…” Project.
​Inspired by the picture book This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, the “This is…”Project is a fun and easy way to build relationships and discourage exclusion in a group environment. While it’s designed for classrooms or large groups, any two people can try it!

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​Here's what you’ll need:


  1. ​This is…Project Template 
  2. Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
  3. Pencils or pens
  4. Notebooks
  5. Copy of This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos

​

​The Introduction

​Begin by reading the picture book, This is A. Blob by L.A. Kefalos as a class. As the title suggests, this book explores the labels others use to define us, as well as the way our actions define ourselves. In the book, the narrator opens by stating “This is A. Blob. A slimy, purple gob.” Throughout the rest of the picture book, the narrator uses different words to describe A. Blob, such as “punk” and “thug”. 
A. Blob throwing a punch. A boy in a red baseball cap with a backpack on looks scared in the background.
This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos
Close up of A. Blob with a tear in its eye.
This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos
​Vivid illustrations of A. Blob punching and sliming children on the playground drive these descriptions home. As the story progresses, however, the narrator reveals a different side to A. Blob, now using just one word to describe it--“lonely”. Images of A. Blob staring at a wall and sitting alone on the playground hint that there may be more to A. Blob than meets the eye.
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​The Connection
 
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​When reading This is A. Blob as a class, pause after the first description of A. Blob. What do the students think of this character? What assumptions do they make? Why? Write these thoughts down on the chalkboard. Encourage them to really dig deep in their observations. For example, A. Blob likes to play catch and it does NOT like green or pink!!

​After each additional description, add assumptions to the list.  At the end of the story, have students observe how their perceptions have changed.  Ask students: What do they think of A. Blob now? How have their opinions changed and why? 
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​Next, discuss how assumptions about A. Blob could have been avoided. Could they spend time with A. Blob? Ask it questions? How would the story be different if the other children in the story had done this? Begin discussing questions students might want to ask A. Blob to help them understand it better. Some of these questions will be used later in the project as questions for students to ask one another. 

*An important note to make is that, while we have a better understanding of why A. Blob acts in the way he does, it is never ok to hurt another person, either physically or emotionally. As a class, discuss the differences between compassion and condoning.*
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​Now that the students understand the danger of making assumptions and labels, explain how this lesson translates into the classroom. Ask them, how well do they really know their classmates? Could some of the things they think they know be wrong? Remind them that when they started reading This is A. Blob, they thought they knew just what A. Blob was. They thought they knew its character. In the end, though, the story was more complex. It’s the same with people. Like icebergs, there is so much more beneath the surface.
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​The Project: This is… 
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Just as in Kefalos’ book, we often put people into boxes: “This is Jon, a soccer player. This is Kelly, a nerd. This is A. Blob, a bully…” The goal of the “This is…” project is to take control of the “This is…” statement and, rather than allowing it to be the opening of an unfair, blanket statement, turn it into a gateway to real understanding. 
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To get started, divide the class into pairs by randomly choosing names out of a hat. Next, have each child interview their partners. This part of the project can differ depending on the amount of time you have and the age of the participants. These questions should go beyond “what’s your favorite subject in school” Here are some sample questions:
  • Tell me about your family
  • What are you good at?
  • What do you like to do when you’re not in school?
  • What do you like about school?
  • What don’t you like about school?
  • Tell me about your favorite memory
  • What makes you happy?
  • What makes you sad?
  • What makes you angry?
  • What is your favorite place and why?
  • If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If you have the time and can get parents on board, extend the project for a couple weeks. Have partners visit each other’s favorite places, look through family photos, eat lunch together, or even volunteer together. At the end, each partner will write up a small report along with a drawn or printed picture featuring their partner and some of the facts that have been learned about them. I have inserted a template here, but you can feel free to get as creative as you like! Each partnership will then present their findings to the class. 
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A. Blob's "This is..." Project!
​Once the projects are complete, have students reflect. What did they learn about their classmates that they didn’t know before? What about their partner surprised them? Did they discover they had previously made some false assumptions? How will this project impact the way they treat and interact with others?
At the end of the presentation, put all of the projects on display under the heading “This is…Our Class”
​I hope this project provides you with a fun way to break down walls and build deeper relationships in your classroom! Let us know if you try it out! What are some other ways to discourage assumptions and build community? Let us know in the comments.
Outwitting Bullying, blog cover
4 Free Tools for your Author Marketing Toolkit, blog cover
The Me Inside, blog cover

This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8. Written by Lori Kefalos, author of several animated shorts, including “Who’s that Knocking,” “Chug,” and “Croc, Pots and Wildebeests,” which was nominated for Best Independent Short Short, Ages 5-8, at the 2009 Kid’s First Film Festival and for best short at The Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival, This is A. Blob is the first of a series following this bully. This first installment follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.

Picture
​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 


Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
0 Comments

Outwitting Bullying

12/15/2015

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Have you ever stumbled across a song or a poem that perfectly captures your inner thoughts and feelings? Though sometimes viewed as a lesser genre, poetry has an incredible ability to take the most profound truths and put them simply in a way that makes sense. The rhythm and verse have a way of gently speaking to our souls and revealing things we were never able to see before.
​ I recently came across a poem that beautifully portrayed a unique way of dealing with bullying. The poem is Edwin Markham’s “Outwitted”:

“He drew a circle that shut me out,
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win.
We drew a circle that took him in.”

​​I was first introduced to this poem while reading an interview with Kate Messner, author of the bully-themed picture book Sea Monster and the Bossy Fish. In her interview, Messner connected the poem with the theme of her story: Sometimes people need a little help learning how to be a friend. In the book, the bossy fish exhibits some bullying behavior, but, rather than casting him out, the main character joins with others to create a group that has a place for everyone, even the bossy fish.  Much like the speaker in the poem, Sea Monster fought exclusion with what the bossy fish least expected—inclusion.
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Image from Katemessner.com
​Though short and simple, “Outwitted” has undertones and intricacies beneath its surface that make it an excellent choice for opening up conversations on dealing with bullies. 
​First, the poem is empowering. Rather than encouraging children to ignore those who are hurting them, the speaker takes action, and that action changes things.  The one being mocked takes control of the situation, not by fighting back, but by refusing to engage in war at all. Children are often told that it takes two to fight; that if they ignore the bully, the bully will get tired and ignore them too. While this is one version of “not engaging in war”, for those children being pushed down, embarrassed, and tormented every day, waiting the situation out may not seem like a bearable solution. In the poem, however, we are shown a different way of staying out of battle. Yes, the taunted one refuses to taunt back or fight back, but he is not powerless. He takes action, but it is action for the positive.
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​Along this line of thought, I appreciate that the focus of the poem is on the positive. An article in The Dublin Villager shared the story of Drew Jones, an elementary school art teacher who wanted to find a positive way to educate students about bullying during National Bullying Prevention Month. 
PictureDrew Jones with a note from the wall of encouragement. Image from thisweeknews.com
He came up with a unique idea: an interactive wall where students could leave notes of encouragement for one another. Using recycled cardboard and paper towel tubes, the students went to work creating a wall that featured multiple slots to house the notes, almost like a wall of mail boxes.

The wall was put up in the school hallway and painted orange, the color of Bullying Awareness. While they worked, the children discussed bullying honestly and openly, sharing their own experiences and coming up with solutions to the issue. Months after its creation, the wall continued to be popular, needing refilled every day. “It’s awesome,” one student stated, “It says I’m special.” 

​Bullying is a difficult and painful topic and it’s easy to get bogged down in discussing the negative causes and effects of the behavior. While it is important to educate children about the realities of bullying, we must not forget the power of kindness and positivity in stopping the problem at its source. We need to teach our children on how to handle bullying when it occurs, but it is imperative that we also take efforts to cultivate an environment of kindness, empathy, and positivity  so that bullying is less likely to occur at all.
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​Another fantastic aspect of Markham’s poem is its description of love as something powerful. Love is sometimes portrayed as a weakness, or as something that is soft and delicate, but the reality is that love is the most powerful tool that we have and true love is tough. True love changes lives. Many children bully because they don’t feel loved. By loving the bully instead of simply telling him or her to “stop”, we cauterize the wound instead of constantly trying to staunch the blood. It was love that prompted the speaker in the poem to act. It was love that took a situation of pain and separation and turned it into one of forgiveness and togetherness. “Outwitted” teaches children that love is strength, not weakness.
​Markham also draws a connection between love and wit. Not only is love often portrayed as a weakness, it is also frequently connected with foolishness and helplessness. People fall in love, they are blinded by love, or they act unwisely because they are in love. However real, true, love, takes all the wits you have. To love someone means to care for them, to want the best for them, even when they aren’t acting very likeable. True love isn’t always easy and it takes thought and wisdom to foster and maintain. Retaliating, ignoring, or running is easy. Loving someone that is hurting you takes intelligence and clarity of mind. This poem illustrates that.
​A unique facet of “Outwitted” is that, unlike many other works of literature, it humanizes the bully. It doesn’t call him names, wish a horrible fate for him, or paint him as a villain. Instead, it portrays the bully as someone who can be loved. Many children bully because they feel inadequate or isolated. By creating a circle that includes the bully, the writer is not only saying “you were wrong about me”, but also, “you were wrong about yourself.”
Sad A. Blob alone in a circle
A. Blob from the picture book This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos
A. Blob is inside a circle on the ground looking surprised. A boy is standing in another circle on the ground looking happy. He has drawn one big circle around himself and A. Blob.
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​Teaching children to draw others in builds empathy, a core skill in preventing bullying, and provides a concrete example of empathy for children who bully, as well. Our goal should not be to simply end the bullying, but to mold children into adults that will never bully, who will choose to always consider and value the thoughts of others, and who will always try to love first.
​The final strength of this poem is that it is visual. Loving someone that is hurting you or trying to view the world from their perspective can be a foreign or even abstract concept, especially to a child. However, even a child can understand the significance of drawing an inclusive circle. This could even be carried into a classroom activity to help illustrate the point. 
PictureImage from learnplayimagine.com
Have students stand outside on the sidewalk and draw circles around groups of kids. Ask students to describe what is similar about everyone in their circle. Without moving, change the circles (think Venn Diagram).  Have the new groups find similarities, illustrating how they all have commonalities if they look for them. Discuss how they felt when they were left out of someone else’s circle or if someone was left out of theirs. Using the poem, connect this literal drawing of circles to the figurative boundaries that are frequently drawn amongst students.

​On the surface, Edwin Markham’s “Outwitted” is short and simple, but like most poems, there is a lot going on underneath. Christmas time is filled with songs and rhymes. In this season of goodwill and togetherness, I would encourage you to add this poem into the mix! 
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Have you read this poem before? What did it say to you? Would you use this to help prevent bullying? Let us know in the comments!

My Upstander Handbook; blog cover.
Bully Drill; blog cover.
When Loving Isn't Easy; blog cover.

This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
Looking for some more rhyming verse that speaks about bullying? Check out the beautifully illustrated picture book This is A. Blob by L.A. Kefalos! In this story written in rhyme, a purple blob named A. Blob wreaks havoc on the playground with its bullying ways. But is there more to A. Blob than meets the eye??
A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
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Picture Books and Bullying Prevention

11/18/2015

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It’s Picture Book Month!!

​For the entire month of November we get to officially celebrate the often underrated art of combining words with illustrations to create a magical dynamic that impacts readers in a way no other medium can.  The picture book, unlike any other form of literature, invites readers to analyze, not just the words in the story, but also the images on the page. With their shorter prose and beautiful images, picture books are often the first taste of the world of books that young people get. They gently introduce difficult topics, speak complex truths simply, and bring to life worlds and characters we could never imagine. 

​Yes, picture books are fantastic for kids and -- let’s admit it -- we all have at least one favorite picture book sitting on our shelves that we like to page through every now and then. I know I do, and I’m not alone. 
PictureImage found on Pinterest.com/repent4kingdomo
Picture book author/illustrator Molly Idle writes,
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​“Picture books are a mirror. A magic mirror. For picture books can show us, not only reflections of ourselves, but reflections of other people and places too. They can show us reflections of the past, the present and the future. Reflections of the possible and the impossible. The real, and the imagined…And in all of those reflections, we see ourselves.”

​(Check out the Picture Book Month Website to read even more quotes from your favorite authors on why they believe picture books are important!)
​Sadly, picture books are often brushed aside as “beginner books”. Many people believe that a child still reading picture books after the age of 8 must be stunted in some way. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Picture books are fantastic tools for introducing difficult or complex topics, encouraging reluctant readers, building analytical skills in readers of all ages, and growing observational skills, in addition to just being fun! Thankfully, thanks to recent studies, more and more people are beginning to realize the incredible value packed into the pages of the picture book.  Author Debbie Ridpath Ohi wrote an excellent blog post that discusses this value and the many benefits of picture books in greater depth over on her site, inkygirl.com. 
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Another frequently overlooked detail about picture books is the incredible amount of collaboration that goes into their creation. Occasionally a brilliant author/illustrator/marketer appears on the scene, but this is rare. Typically, there is an author, illustrator, and publisher working together to make a story come to life. Pictures and text must work seamlessly to capture the most important essence of the page, revealing the depth of character and the tone of the story. Every line and every color is carefully chosen to ensure the message is communicated properly. Once completed, a marketer must identify the proper audience and find ways to connect that audience with the books that they enjoy. 

​ It is teamwork, from beginning to end. 
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The idea of a lone author madly typing away in solitude cannot exist in this situation.
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Photo found on hollind.edu
This collaborative quality, combined with the inherent power for teaching inside each picture book, makes this genre a fantastic instrument for integrating bullying prevention into the classroom (For more great ideas on integrating bullying prevention into other areas of the classroom, check out last month’s blog).

​ Not only do they offer an easy gateway into the discussion of a difficult topic and leave room for expansion, their collaborative nature provides an opportunity to discuss the value of teamwork and the bringing together of different talents to meet a common goal. Here is a simple project integrating bullying prevention education that you can do with your students of all ages using picture books:

  • Begin by reading a currently published picture book about bullying. Talk about the lessons the students learned through the story. Focus on both the text and the illustrations and how they work together to convey a message. Have the students describe what they liked and didn’t like, and what they would have done differently.
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Photo from This is A. Blob by L.A. Kefalos.
  • Break the class into groups. One group will be writers, one will be illustrators, and one will be marketers. The groups will have to work together to come up with story ideas, write the stories, illustrate them, and let their fellow classmates know about the new books. If you want to take it a step further, have the students put out ads in the halls to other students and set up interviews and signings.
  •  Explain to the students how creating a picture book is a team effort. Talk about each role and its importance in the big picture. Without one piece, the machine just wouldn’t work. Explain that it is the same way in the world and in the classroom. Each and every student has something unique and important to add to the dynamic and without them, it wouldn’t work as well.
  • Discuss who might be best at each position and pair up students that don’t typically work together.
Picture
Photo credit woodleywonderworks, flickr.com
  • Building a marketing campaign provides a perfect opportunity to discuss why bullying education is important. Marketers must understand the needs of their audience, so educating your students about the importance of bullying prevention will be part of helping them understand their audience. 



​ 
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  • ​As the students illustrate the stories, make sure they are really thinking about the emotions and ideas they want to convey.

​Picture books are more than just books. They are more than starter literature. They are examples of the magic that can happen when people work together using their unique gifts to achieve a common goal. This Picture Book Month, grab a picture book off the shelf and capture some of that magic for yourself!

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What picture book do you still have on your shelf? What lesson did you learn from a picture book that you still remember today?  Share in the comments!
​An added bonus is that this project will open the door for students to talk to students about bullying. While they may not want to listen to what an adult has to say, they may be more open to the messages of their peers. Books are fun and nonthreatening and often bring together groups and individuals that would not typically meet. As Reddit user “Coolstoryreddit” stated:
​

“Seeing someone read a book you love is seeing a book recommend a person”

Too Old for Picture Books? Part 1; blog cover.
Book Lover's Gift Guide; blog cover.
Making an Impact: A. Blob on a Bus Companion Craft; blog cover.

This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos, picture book cover
​​This is A. Blob is a masterfully illustrated picture book suitable for children ages 4-8.  This first installment in a series follows the antics of A. Blob, a slimy, purple, blob-like creature who wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that there might be more to A. Blob than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another. The book demonstrates that a bully can come in any shape, size, or color and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.
A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos picture book cover
​BOOK 2 NOW AVAILABLE!​
A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 


Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!
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    About Laughing Leopard Press

    Hello! We are Laughing Leopard Press, an independent book publisher from Akron, Ohio. At Laughing Leopard Press, we’re interested in publishing works that contribute to our understanding of this wonderful world. Through this blog, we hope to add to that understanding with commentary on life, literature, and a few things in between. We hope you enjoy the blog and take some time to talk with us in the comments or on our social media sites. Happy reading! 

    For some more great reading, check out our latest release, This is A. Blob by L. A Kefalos. This is A. Blob  is a picture book that deals with the sticky issue of bullying through an unlikely character that is a bit sticky itself! As readers follow the antics of A. Blob, they learn to put themselves in the shoes of another and discover there may be more to this bully than meets the eye…

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    This is A. Blob by L. A Kefalos. $14.95


    $1.00 is donated to charity for each book sold on this site--half to St. Jude's and the other half to PetFix Northeast Ohio.

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