C is for cooperate. G is for grow. P is for play!
Going to school is a big change for young children, and without the right support and preparation, the adjustment can be hard. In ABC Ready for School, author Celeste C. Delaney shares vital social skills in a readily accessible ABC book format to help ease the transition. Colorful, cheerful, and inviting illustrations from Stephanie Fizer Coleman reinforce the book’s messages and show school readiness skills in action.
This friendly and reassuring alphabet book helps young children (and those who care for them) consider, explore, and discuss a wide range of skills related to school readiness. Kids preparing for kindergarten or preK will learn social skills from A to Z, building or reinforcing their knowledge of the alphabet at the same time. Charming art brings the skills to life with encouraging scenes of fun and learning in the classroom, on the playground, and more.
As an occupational therapist who uses ABC books in her practice with children, Delaney was inspired to write a book that taught character traits and social skills alongside the alphabet. “It turned into helping children prepare for school and life since these skills are so necessary at all stages of life and have to be taught deliberately,” she says.
The end of the book includes tips, activities, and discussion questions to help parents, teachers, and caregivers support children’s social-emotional learning. Diverse human characters help kids see themselves in the book and apply the skills in their lives. A special section for adults presents ideas for helping children get ready for this big change and have a successful start to school.
New picture book introduces young children to the social skills they’ll need for kindergarten – and beyond.
Part of Self-Help for Kids®
Free Spirit is the leading publisher of learning tools that support children’s social-emotional health.
About Free Spirit Publishing: Free Spirit publishing has an excellent motto of ‘Meeting kids’ social and emotional needs since 1983’ and they have the catalog to back up this mission. There is so much good stuff on their website, that I really just encourage you to check it out and see what might interest you. I personally like their free Professional Development webinars, especially the webinar on Preparing the Next Generation of K–12 Student Leaders by Mariam G. MacGregor, M.S. For those looking for some great early education empowerment books, check out the author Elizabeth Verdick who has a great series called Toddler Tools.
About the Author: Celeste Delaney grew up in New Zealand, where much of life is lived outdoors. As a child she loved playing at the beach, reading, playing piano, writing stories, and drawing. She left New Zealand after earning a degree in occupational therapy and has since lived and worked in many countries including the United States, India, Malaysia, China, and Mexico. Celeste enjoys traveling, teaching, art projects, and writing. She works as an occupational therapist with children, which challenges her to be patient and flexible and rewards her with smiles, hugs, and the joy of seeing children grow and learn. Celeste lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband Chris.
About the Illustrator: Stephanie Fizer Coleman is an illustrator and a designer whose love of nature inspires much of her art. After getting a degree in history, she found her true passion in illustration. She enjoys experimenting with patterns, textures, and brilliant colors in her work. Stephanie lives in West Virginia with her husband and two silly dogs. When she’s not drawing, she can be found puttering around the garden, trying out new vegan recipes in the kitchen, or curled up with a good book and a cup of tea.
List Price: $ 15.99