In June of this year, Susanna Hill hosted a series of guest posts on her blog, all on the topic of self-publishing. I found the post by Vivian Kirkfield particularly interesting and edifying. Vivian has written and published a resource book for parents (and others) — Show Me How! — that, as the subtitle explains, gives ways to build your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking.
There was a giveaway in conjunction with the post on Susanna’s blog, and to my delight, I was the randomly-selected winner. I’ve been delving into the book since it arrived in my mailbox, and I can tell you, it’s a good, thorough resource for families and others who work with the target age group of age 2-5 (and, in my opinion, it could be used with early elementary school kids, as well). Click on the magic words to learn more.
Title: Show Me How! build your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking
Author: Vivian Kirkfield
Series: First in the new Positive Parental Participation Series
Publisher: Colorado Springs, CO: MoneyPenny Press, 2010
In our Perfect Picture Book Friday blog series (in which Vivian participates regularly) we regularly pair a picture book with activity suggestions. Vivian was doing this long before we started PPBF, beginning with her teaching career, her experience with her own children, and now in this excellent compilation of one hundred (yes, 100!) suggested picture books with not just a craft suggestion but also a simple recipe. The recipes are an inspired addition.
The books plus activities (both craft and cooking) are divided into several sections dealing with common self-esteem issues parents often deal with as their children develop. The sections include “I Can Do It Myself!” Mastering Tasks and Skills; “I’m Afraid!” Acknowledging and Coping with Fears; “I Like Myself!” Developing a Positive Self-Image — just this small sampling illustrates the commonality and importance of the subjects dealt with in the book.
Each double-page spread in this 230 page book (8 1/2 x 11 softcover) features a suggested picture book with brief synopsis, followed by a “positive parental participation note” indicating the reason behind using this book and accompanying activities, space for notes, then the craft suggestion, with easy-to-follow directions, and a simple recipe.
While we are accustomed to the idea of a craft enhancing the experience of a story, including a recipe perhaps comes as a surprise. In the introduction to her book, Vivian explains “the cooking experience is also crucial because with each recipe the child helps to prepare, he gains confidence and competence and his sense of self-worth grows.”
Vivian includes a wide variety of books, from classics such as The Carrot Seed, by Ruth Kraus/Crockett Johnson and published by 1945 (with a recipe for carrot soup that I want to try soon) to Hoot and Holler, by Alan Brown/Rimantis Rolia, published in 2001 (and again, I need to try the recipe — could you resist soft-baked owl-eyes pretzels?), and many, many other books, crafts and recipes which will not only help enhance a child’s sense of self, but will become much loved, much requested favorites, I am sure.
In underlining the reason behind the writing of this book, as well as the reason it appeals so to me, I want to quote the full final paragraph of Vivian’s introduction. She says:
“I believe that the ‘secret’ ingredient for success with this program is Positive Parental Participation. When a parent takes the time to read a story to his young child, that child feels valued and loved and will be able to value and love others. When a parent listens without judgment to what his young child has to say, that child knows that she is important and will be able to respect what others have to say. When a parent participates joyfully in activities with her young child, whether collecting leaves on a nature walk, baking oatmeal-raisin cookies, singing a song or painting a picture, that child gains a sense of competence and self-confidence that will help him for the rest of his life. And that is what this book is all about!”
Show Me How! is available directly from Vivian (and there’s a special on right now for US residents, til the end of September 2012). It’s also available for Kindle.
Thank you, Vivian, for writing this book and sharing your extensive experience with children through these picture book choices, craft ideas and recipes. May you encourage much positive parental participation through this book and others!
I love this book! Great review!
It’s definitely a great book! Have you tried any of the crafts and recipes? I definitely need to do that. Thanks, Erik!
Thanks, Erik…you and your family are enthusiastic supports of “Show Me How”!
I’m going to see if I can get a copy from her. Sounds like a lovely treasuretrove inside. Thanks for sharing.
Treasuretrove is definitely the right word, Diane.
Thank you so much, Diane…I guess I was in some outer space place…and didn’t realize there were comments that I could/should respond to. 🙂
If you are interested in getting a copy, please let me know. 🙂
Excellent review. I am sold on this being a great resource!
It makes me wish one of my friends was still teaching, because it would be an awesome resource for a preschool teacher.
Beth did a wonderful job with the review, didn’t she! It’s the book I wished I had when my kids were young…thanks Joanna!
My daughter’s teacher has mentioned thanks to me time and time again about how great it is that I am actively involved in her schooling. I guess this book by Vivian would be a great way for me to expand on ways to be actively involved with my kiddo. Thanks for the reminder of this book, Beth.
I am quite sure your kiddo would love the crafts and activities as well as the stories. Thanks, Angela!
That is wonderful, Angela, that you are actively involved with your child…of course the teachers love that…but more importantly, you are giving your child an amazing foundation that will help her build a successful and happy life. 🙂
Have read Vivan’s book. It is a great resource for parents, teachers and kids. I was surprised to find it prominently featured in my library — so guess who checked it out. Highly recommend it as a wonderful resource.
Ooooh, I’m so glad to hear that your library had it featured so prominently. (Your library sounds awesome, they have so many new books, and they have so much to offer!)
I was so happy to hear that “Show Me How” is available at your library, Pat…I hope many take advantage of it…it truly is a great resource for parents and teachers. 🙂
Oh my goodness, Beth…what a beautiful way for me to start my day!!!! Thank you so very much for this glowing review…I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book and very appreciative of the way you detailed some of the components of the book. I’ve finally set up a FB page for Show Me How (http://www.facebook.com/ShowMeHowBuildYourChildsSelfEsteem)
and I’m hoping it will help spread the word about how just doing some simple activities with young children can really boost their self-confidence and give them a head-start for success in life. I’ll add this review right away! 🙂
I’ve been meaning to get over to the the Children Book Hub and see what that is all about…I didn’t realize you were co-administrator…so now that line item on my to-do has just jumped to the top of the list. 🙂
I’m so glad you liked my review, Vivian. It is so important to help kids develop a positive self-image, and I’m grateful that you are doing so much to foster this development.
Great to welcome you to our Children’s Book Hub Facebook Group (It’s just the Facebook Group where I share admin duties with Emma, Emma is sole administrator of the full Children’s Book Hub.)
Vivian, your books sounds wonderful! My son likes to cook — this summer he got into making salad and made our dinner salad many evenings. It really does give them a sense of mastery. I’m sure your book is full of great ideas. Thanks for sharing your review, Beth!
So great that your son likes to cook! That is definitely something to encourage. Thanks, Carrie!
Thanks so much, Carrie…it’s great that you and your son enjoy cooking together…cooking and crafting promote confidence and a sense of competence…that’s what the book is all about. 🙂
Vivian’s book is amazing and everyone should have a copy 🙂 So glad you chose to spotlight her and her book on your blog today 🙂
Thank you for providing the opportunity for me to win the book so that I could feature it! Vivian’s book is such a unique approach, and so very helpful.
Thanks for the lovely words, Susanna…I know it’s a resource that will help any parent or teacher…providing quick and easy activities right at their fingertips!
So true on that “secret ingredient.” It starts when they’re young. That’s when they want to be with you, the parent or teacher. They’re looking at you for guidance and affirmation. And, the best times are when you are all surrounded by inspirating things like books, art, cooking together, walks, nature, storytelling.
You said it so beautifully, Mary. Thank you.
Thank you, Mary…those are inspiring thoughts…the finest time for a child is the precious time he or she spends with a loving adult.
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