Author: Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
Illustrator: Gustavo Mazali
Publisher: Barrons
Price: $6.99
Kids love to study and never have problems with taking tests… No? Really?
As it turns out, studying and taking tests can be difficult for kids. I’ve known kids that have felt scared or intimidated by taking tests, including my own. Studying is Hard is a book that can help not only ease some of that pressure, but let kids know that they are not alone in their feelings.
Studying is Hard is about a boy that wants to make good grades and knows that in order to achieve the great dreams that he has for himself, he must do well in school. But, like a lot of kids, he has trouble with studying. Studying isn’t fun and there are things going on that sound so much more appealing. With the help of others, though, he realizes that learning can be fun and cool and there’s more than one way to do it.
Author: Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
Illustrator: Gustavo Mazali
Publisher: Barrons
Price: $6.99
Unfortunately, because of our economy, books like this need to be written. Due to downsizing, as the title suggests, the breadwinner of the family losses his job. The kids in the house must learn to spend less and begin to ask themselves, when wanting something, “is this something we really needed?” While things are changing around them, they try to make the best of their situation.
One of the things I appreciated about the book is that it doesn’t shy away from how parents feel. Although the story doesn’t dive too much into the parents’ feelings and focuses mainly on the children, you get an idea of the tough spot the family is in. The children are not the only ones who must try and make the best of a tough situation. They parents are creative in their ways to cheer up the family and are attentive to their children’s needs.
Author: Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
Illustrator: Gustavo Mazali
Publisher: Barrons
Price: $6.99
It’s hard to teach kids the value of money. Imagine what it would be like if money grew on trees. Tommy has that dream and the world he dreams of isn’t pretty. At first he has everything he needs, and then when he wants to buy more things, nobody needs to work anymore so the town closes up. When he awakes he has a new appreciation for hard work and the value that it brings. Instead of wishing for it to grow on trees, he gladly watches it grow in his bank account.