Many libraries have issues with patrons who struggle, and fail, to rein in their impulses to keep things they find. In this case, we are focusing on our younger patrons; and suggesting some books to help to share some good behavior habits!
A librarian was looking for book suggestions to help overcome a problem in her school library. She wanted books to help kids learn a few skills:
- that when we find— we don’t keep
- we don’t pass on what we find to someone who does not own it
- we don’t put it in our backpacks or pockets and take it home
- we give it to the person who we know for sure owns it
- or we give it to the Teacher or the Teacher Librarian-it may belong to another student, the Teacher, The Teacher Librarian, the library, the classroom, the school, etc.
As library people do, there was a quick rush of suggestions for books that might help in this school. And they sounded so good, they just might be helpful in your library too!
- Penny and Her Marble, by Kevin Henkes
“In the third easy-to-read book about Penny the mouse, written by Caldecott Medalist and bestselling author Kevin Henkes, Penny finds a beautiful marble on her neighbor’s lawn and must decide whether or not to keep it. With age-appropriate vocabulary, compelling characters, and a memorable storyline, Penny and her Marble is just right for beginning readers and was named a 2014 Geisel Honor book by the American Library Association. This annual award, given to the most distinguished books for beginning readers, is named for the world-renowned children’s author Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss.”
- A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts
“Ruben feels like he is the only kid without a bike. His friend Sergio reminds him that his birthday is coming, but Ruben knows that the kinds of birthday gifts he and Sergio receive are not the same. After all, when Ruben’s mom sends him to Sonny’s corner store for groceries, sometimes she doesn’t have enough money for everything on the list. So when Ruben sees a dollar bill fall out of someone’s purse, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket. But when he gets home, he discovers it’s not one dollar or even five or ten—it’s a hundred-dollar bill, more than enough for a new bike just like Sergio’s! But what about the crossed-off groceries? And what about the woman who lost her money? Presenting a relatable story told with subtlety and heart, the creative team behind Those Shoes pairs up again for a satisfying new picture book. ”
- Ruthie and the (not so) teeny tiny lie by Laura Rankin
“Ruthie loves little things-the smaller the better. So when she finds a teeny tiny camera on the school playground one afternoon, she can hardly believe her luck. She wants to keep the camera in the worst way, but there’s one little problem: It isn’t hers. Ruthie swears to her teacher and to her classmate Martin that she got the camera for her birthday. But deep down, Ruthie knows better, and all day long that teeny tiny camera weighs on her conscience until she can hardly stand it. How could one little camera turn into such a great big problem? Laura Rankin touches on an important childhood issue with gentleness and humor, offering a reassuring look at how standing up for the truth can help cut even the biggest mistake down to size.”
- Jamaica’s Find by Juanita Havill
“Jamaica finds a stuffed dog at the playground and after taking him home without trying to find the owner discovers her conscience as well. Jamaica’s honest and appealing character inspired five more books, each about a childhood ethical dilemma.”
“When Bear finds a lost stuffed toy bunny in the forest, he begins to worry. After all, the stuffed bunny must feel lonely and want to return safely to its owner and home! But as Bear searches for the bunny’s owner, he begins to grow attached to his newfound friend. What will happen when the bunny’s owner finally comes forward? Was Bear meant to find Bunny all along?
This endearing story celebrates love and friendship in many forms and reminds us that nothing is lost that is not meant to be found.”
- Finder’s Keeper’s for Franklin by Paulette Bourgeois
“In this Franklin Classic Storybook, Franklin is very excited to find a camera. He knows that he should find the owner and return the camera, but his friends tell him ?finders keepers!? and soon Franklin gets carried away taking pictures. With his father’s encouragement, Franklin decides to return the camera to its rightful owner — but finding out who the owner is takes some clever sleuthing!”
- That’s Mine, Horace by Holly Keller
“Horace thought it was the best truck he had even seen. So he stuck it in his pocket and took it home. The only trouble was, it wasn’t his…”
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