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A Confidence Building Picture Book: Zuri Ray Tries Ballet 

29 Jun

In Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles and illustrated by Sharon Sordo, Zuri is an adventurous kid that is always willing to try new extraordinary things, but not ordinary things. She loves trying these new adventures with her BFFD (best friend from diapers) Jessie Colon. Jessie decides that they should try ballet camp and Zuri is especially nervous to take this adventure on. When the girls are in ballet class the instructor tries to teach the girls the five basic steps of ballet but Zuri just can not catch on as quickly as Jessie. Zuri wants to quit until her dad and the instructor encourage her to be herself. The instructor tells Zuri, “ You don’t have to move or look like everyone else to be a dancer.” This really boosts Zuri’s self esteem and gave her confidence on returning back to class. This Juvenile Picture book is perfect for teaching young children to be confident in who they are and in anything they pursue.  This book is now in the New Juvenile Picture Book section at the Grand Street branch and other BCCLS locations. 

Written By:
Vanetta Rivera
Library Assistant 
Grand Street Branch 

Teaching Children to Live in a Diverse World: Big Feelings

8 Jun

The picture book, Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman, is a perfect read for preschoolers and elementary age children. This book sends a message to all children about learning to live in a diverse world . The book also displays a colorful world on each page with children of different ethnicities and abilities working together to solve problems. In the book children are faced with different feelings such as sad, happy, mad and the bigger question that is raised is “How can I help?”. Throughout the book the children help work through all problems that arise, together, as one community. This book is now in the New Juvenile Picture book section of the Grand Street library branch as well as part of the collections of the Main Hoboken Library Branch and other BCCLS libraries. 

Written By:
Vanetta Rivera
Library Assistant
Grand Street Branch