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PINK UMBRELLA BOOKS, October 2019 |
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"Olive is so relatable to children. She is always finding herself in unintentional trouble and not sure of others love for her because of it. The story is sweet and to the point. The illustrations are beautiful and vibrant. Being the mother of a "special needs" child, I especially love the curriculum in the back of the book which opens up conversation with your child. This is must for every book shelf. "
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"My kids all enjoyed this book (ages 2,4 and 7) and I loved reading it to them. The storyline and illustrations are adorable! I loved the section in the back for discussing Forgiving, apologizing, and how to deal with feelings." Emily Woods
"Great story with great purpose! ‘Olive’ is a perfect book to help children understand and workout their feelings! Sometimes we forget about how our children feel and view the world... ‘Olive’ helps is as parents, grandparents and educators bridge the gap. There’s simple talking points in the back to help facilitate a conversation about how to properly identify and navigate the feelings kids may be feeling. I really love how it’s not JUST about learning but it’s a fun story that kids will enjoy and think is silly. I can’t wait to read this one to my grand kids!"
Tabitha Sabin
"I read this book to my kids and they loved it. We enjoyed the story and darling pictures, and I really appreciated the message. No matter how hard we try, there are days that do not go how we would like. It is good to know that at the end of the day we are still lovable! What a great message! There is also a section at the back to help parents open the dialogue with our children to talk about feelings, fixing mistakes, and forgiving."
C. Stevenson
"I loved how Olive has a classic kid day with "thumps and bumps" and lots of mistakes. Olive tries to do nice things, but many times her attempts just make a mess. Sometimes, she simply makes mistakes because of her exuberance. Her family make it clear that they love her no matter what! I thought the discussion guide could be very helpful; not just to children in general, but to children who are on the autism spectrum. Children who struggle to read expressions and know what they mean can use this book as one of their many resources to begin the identification process. Kudos to the illustrator for her part in making clear expressions on the characters! Loved the illustrations! Simple and clear and just so adorable!"
Ballet In AK
"I teach 2nd grade and after a rough day, I started the next morning with "Olive" as a read-aloud. We talked about how sometimes we try our best but still make mistakes. Some of my students could really relate to Olive. Great discussion starter about how a teacher appreciates all of a student, even the messy parts. And how we can encourage one another with positive words."
BOOKLover111
"What an incredible story of Olive who comes to understand that even though life has ups and downs, love is unconditional. Charming and engaging, the rhyming verse, how children learn best, was unexpected and well executed. Lots of lessons here to discuss with children on how we respond to others, how we feel and that we are still lovable. Michelle Wilson when right to the heart on this one!!"
Tracy K.
"Great story with great purpose! ‘Olive’ is a perfect book to help children understand and workout their feelings! Sometimes we forget about how our children feel and view the world... ‘Olive’ helps is as parents, grandparents and educators bridge the gap. There’s simple talking points in the back to help facilitate a conversation about how to properly identify and navigate the feelings kids may be feeling. I really love how it’s not JUST about learning but it’s a fun story that kids will enjoy and think is silly. I can’t wait to read this one to my grand kids!"
Tabitha Sabin
"I read this book to my kids and they loved it. We enjoyed the story and darling pictures, and I really appreciated the message. No matter how hard we try, there are days that do not go how we would like. It is good to know that at the end of the day we are still lovable! What a great message! There is also a section at the back to help parents open the dialogue with our children to talk about feelings, fixing mistakes, and forgiving."
C. Stevenson
"I loved how Olive has a classic kid day with "thumps and bumps" and lots of mistakes. Olive tries to do nice things, but many times her attempts just make a mess. Sometimes, she simply makes mistakes because of her exuberance. Her family make it clear that they love her no matter what! I thought the discussion guide could be very helpful; not just to children in general, but to children who are on the autism spectrum. Children who struggle to read expressions and know what they mean can use this book as one of their many resources to begin the identification process. Kudos to the illustrator for her part in making clear expressions on the characters! Loved the illustrations! Simple and clear and just so adorable!"
Ballet In AK
"I teach 2nd grade and after a rough day, I started the next morning with "Olive" as a read-aloud. We talked about how sometimes we try our best but still make mistakes. Some of my students could really relate to Olive. Great discussion starter about how a teacher appreciates all of a student, even the messy parts. And how we can encourage one another with positive words."
BOOKLover111
"What an incredible story of Olive who comes to understand that even though life has ups and downs, love is unconditional. Charming and engaging, the rhyming verse, how children learn best, was unexpected and well executed. Lots of lessons here to discuss with children on how we respond to others, how we feel and that we are still lovable. Michelle Wilson when right to the heart on this one!!"
Tracy K.
The story behind the story
From Michelle
A year or so after my husband and I adopted our youngest daughter, Grace, I was tucking her into bed. Worry clouded her six-year-old green eyes. After some loving prodding, she opened up to me.
She expressed concern --no, fear-- that if I knew all the "bad" things she thought or did, I wouldn't love her. I assured her that I already knew all the sides of Grace, her happy and sad sides, her good and wrong choices, her fears and faults, her strengths and weaknesses, and I loved ALL of her.
She seemed hopeful, but not convinced. And I don't blame her. For a lot of kids that struggle with emotional and connection issues, whether from trauma, developmental disorders, disease, autism, or more, recognizing and accepting unconditional love can be difficult. And it was for Grace.
After I kissed her goodnight, I sat on the side of my bed and wrote the first version of OLIVE. I wanted to have another way for me to express my unconditional love for her.
She's 16 now, and finally knows how much I love her, not just part, but all of her.
This book is more than just a cute book with adorable pictures. It's a powerful way you can say to whomever you read it to:
"I don't just love the nice or easy parts of you. I love ALL of you."
Just like Olive Ewe's family says to her: We love all of you, Olive Ewe.
She expressed concern --no, fear-- that if I knew all the "bad" things she thought or did, I wouldn't love her. I assured her that I already knew all the sides of Grace, her happy and sad sides, her good and wrong choices, her fears and faults, her strengths and weaknesses, and I loved ALL of her.
She seemed hopeful, but not convinced. And I don't blame her. For a lot of kids that struggle with emotional and connection issues, whether from trauma, developmental disorders, disease, autism, or more, recognizing and accepting unconditional love can be difficult. And it was for Grace.
After I kissed her goodnight, I sat on the side of my bed and wrote the first version of OLIVE. I wanted to have another way for me to express my unconditional love for her.
She's 16 now, and finally knows how much I love her, not just part, but all of her.
This book is more than just a cute book with adorable pictures. It's a powerful way you can say to whomever you read it to:
"I don't just love the nice or easy parts of you. I love ALL of you."
Just like Olive Ewe's family says to her: We love all of you, Olive Ewe.
But wait . . . there's more
From my experience working with amazing teachers and children in elementary special education classrooms over the years, I realized OLIVE could also be used as a tool to teach a few fundamental lessons vital for children to have healthy and successful relationships.
In the back of the book, you'll find three pages of curriculum that use Olive and her family and friends to teach kids about recognizing and understanding what they feel, how to fix problems they might have created, and how to forgive others when they feel hurt.
I hope you'll find them useful with the little ones in your life.
In the back of the book, you'll find three pages of curriculum that use Olive and her family and friends to teach kids about recognizing and understanding what they feel, how to fix problems they might have created, and how to forgive others when they feel hurt.
I hope you'll find them useful with the little ones in your life.
