If you read one book before school starts, read The Buddy Bench.
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The Buddy Bench is about kids noticing that some of their classmates aren’t playing during recess, and asking why in that honest way that kids do. They learn that some kids have a hard time speaking up, or they’re embarrassed about the holes in their shoes, or they’re new to the school, all kinds of reasons. And all of those are ok! It doesn’t matter if you stutter or you’re small or you come from a different country. You have a place in the playground games.
The kicker here is that the kids ask themselves how they could find a way that friends could say they wanted to play, without using words. They come up with a “buddy bench” where anyone can sit and it will be known that they want to play. And they put it in the most sacred place in the playground, under the climbing tree.
There are instructions in the back to make your own buddy bench!
If there isn’t a designated buddy bench at your school, talking through this book with your kids is a wonderfully inclusive way to get ready for the year.
Written Patty Brozo, who write delightfully unexpected picture books like Miss Pinkeltink’s Purse. Illustrated by Mike Deas… if you’re ready for some feels, pick up A Jedi You Will Be (also illustrated by Deas).
The Buddy Bench is available on Amazon and Bookshop.
If your little is getting ready for school, read Danbi Leads the School Parade. It’s a GORGEOUSLY illustrated picture book about an immigrant kiddo, Danbi, navigating her first day and making new friends. Her lunch looks amazing, gotta say.
Looking for more? Take a look at our last read, Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, about persevering even when you just can’t get your bao right. Or see how many of the 100 Children’s Books to Read in 2021 you can check off!