Are you familiar with the saying, “Kindness is free, sprinkle that stuff everywhere?” It’s the perfect mantra to share with your kids during this month’s Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. The week runs from November 19 to 25 and is dedicated to encouraging inclusiveness, empathy, and kindness to others.
Your child’s school may have some initiatives planned to promote a safe learning environment but there are plenty of meaningful things you can do at home and beyond.
Our top suggestion is to read books! Reading stories that offer different perspectives and topics are a wonderful way for children to connect with the characters within to understand that all people are important.
Another reason we recommend reading is that stories can help give children the words they need to express their worries and questions leading to meaningful family discussions around kindness and caring.
One of our favourite bestselling children’s novels, Wonder, with its core message to “Choose Kind” is debuting its major motion picture release on November 17. The film features Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay.
While officially recommended to middle school students, Wonder has captured the hearts of readers of all ages.
Written in the voices of children, this chapter book follows fifth grader Auggie Pullman who was born with a facial deformity. This story is about his quest to be treated like a regular kid and to fit in to his new school. Although it’s officially recommended for middle-school students, it can be shared and appreciated by multiple audiences.
The original book makes a fantastic family read-aloud, followed by a trip to see the movie.
There are also three companion books written by author R.J. Palacio that further enhance themes of courage, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
We’re All Wonders (for ages 4-8):
The newest addition to the Wonder franchise has been introduced for younger readers to embrace core messages from the first. Fans will particularly enjoy introducing little ones to this adventure featuring Auggie and his dog Daisy.
365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts (for ages 8-12):
This book has a Chicken Soup for the Soul feel with a goal to inspire readers throughout the calendar year. It’s told in the narrative of Auggie’s English teacher, Mr. Browne and features 365 precepts (described as words to live by). The inspirational quotes are a mix from famous figures, celebrities, characters from Wonder, and over 100 readers who wrote in to the author (including Canadian students).
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories (for ages 8-12):
This collection of short stories is for devotees who want to delve deeper into the complexities of Wonder’s other characters. They were originally published as separate e-books and are told from the perspective of three Wonder personalities. This includes Julian, the “bully,” Christopher the childhood best friend, and Charlotte, one of Auggie’s classmates.
We’ve partnered with Penguin Random House Canada for a “Wonder”ful giveaway, that includes 1 copy of:
Wonder (regular hardcover edition)
Auggie & Me
365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Precepts
We’re All Wonders Picture Book
Choose Kind Journal
Wonder Journal
Wonder Activity Set
Wonder Post-it set
Entering is simple. You can win the prize package by entering below! Contest is open to people living in Ontario, and ends November 23rd.
