The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need
by Jan &
Stan Berenstain, Random House 1999; ISBN: 0679889574
Stuff in the closets, stuff in the drawers, stuff in the attic--too much stuff
everywhere! Mama Bear convinces the family that cleaning out the house can not
only simplify their cluttered lives, but also benefit those who are in need!
(Publisher) [Note: This book mentions Christmas briefly. When I read it to kids, I just say "Hanukkah" instead.]
Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen
by Dyanne Desalvo-Ryan, Mulberry 1997;
ISBN: 0688152856
A straightforward fictional view of an urban soup kitchen, as observed by a boy
visiting it with his Uncle Willie, who works there every day....The difficult
lives of those fed (including children)--as well as the friendly, nonintrusive
attitude of the kitchen workers toward them--are presented sensitively but
without sentimentality. (Publisher)
Glenna's Seeds
by Nancy Edwards, Child Welfare League of America 2001;
ISBN: 0878687882
Something magical happens when we secretly do nice things for other people. This
sweet, whimsical picture book illustrates how one tiny, random act of kindness
grows and multiplies. By the end of the story, a packet of seeds has transformed
an empty street into a place full of colorful flowers, thoughtful neighbors,
delicious food and happy feelings. (Publisher)
Stone Soup
by Heather Forrest, August House 2000; ISBN: 0874836026
In this cumulative retelling of an ancient and widely circulated legend,
storyteller Heather Forest shows that when each person makes a small
contribution, "the collective impact can be huge". Gaber's acrylic
paintings portray the optimism and timelessness of a story that celebrates
teamwork and generosity. (Ingram)
Giving
by Shirley Hughes, Candlewick 1995; ISBN: 156402556X
Hughes explores the concepts embraced by her title in a series of statements by
a young child, depicting her in typical activities involving her family and
neighbors. "I gave Mom a present...And she gave me a big kiss."
Touching on smiles and frowns, parties and bus seats, Hughes gently considers
generosity, reciprocity, and even turning the other cheek--in this warm, wise,
deceptively simple book.(Kirkus)
Tico & the Golden Wings
by Leo Lionni, Scholastic 1964; ISBN:
0613331451
All Tico the wingless bird wants is a pair of golden wings to carry him up over
the mountaintops. But when Tico's wish is granted, none of his friends will talk
to him. What's so wrong with being different? Tico wonders all alone. One day
Tico helps a crying man by giving him one of his golden feathers. A black
feather appears in its place. Each day he gives a feather away to someone in
need until his golden wings are as black as India ink. When Tico returns to his
friends, they are all relieved to see him. "Now you are just like us,"
they say. But Tico knows there is more to him than the color of his wings.
(Publisher)
The Best Night Out With Dad (Chicken Soup for Little Souls)
by Lisa McCourt,
Health Communications 1997; ISBN: 1558745084
Based on the bestselling series Chicken Soup for the Soul, created by Jack
Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, this story offers a universal message of human
kindness wrapped up in the tale of one small boy who makes a decision that
brings hope and encouragement to a new friend. (Ingram)
The Braids Girl (Chicken Soup for Little Souls)
by Lisa McCourt, Health
Communications 1998; ISBN: 1558745548
When Izzy accompanies Grandpa Mike to the homeless shelter where he volunteers,
she encounters a sad-looking girl with long, unraveling braids. Izzy is prepared
to help the "Braids Girl" by serving her food, or by bringing her some
of her old clothes and toys, but when the girl reaches out in friendship Izzy
backs off, afraid that she might be mistaken for one of the homeless. It takes
several visits and some gentle advice from Grandpa Mike before Izzy is able to
offer her friendship to the Braids Girl, whose name she discovers is Susan.
(School Library Journal)
