How To Be
Wondering how to be brave like a bear? Have you ever wished to be patient like a turtle? This “how-to” book will show you the way! Through the actions of animals, this book teaches about the character traits that make us who we are, with the final message of “be yourself.” Children will enjoy the positive message, as well as the actions of each animal, which are being portrayed by humans in the illustrations. Children will most likely be motivated to act them out themselves! Thinking about how to enjoy a good book? Choose How to Be by Lisa Brown.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
At the end of the story, help children relate the positive traits to the animals they read about: "Yes, curious like the monkey." Act out the various behaviors during re-readings. Extend this story by thinking about other animals. What actions would they do? Plan a trip to a local zoo or a pet shop. Take photos during the trip, and involve children in creating a memory album by labeling the pictures. Children will be able to retell the story of their field trip by using the pictures as a guide.
Children learn about social interactions through interactions with others and also through dramatic play. This book is a nice introduction to talking with children about feelings. Parents and children can look at pictures of children showing different feelings. Together, families can talk about the feelings, and what could be the reason the child is feeling this way? Allowing children time to pretend play at home and at school gives them an opportunity to express emotions, too.