Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
What do you do when one of your children is a little different? Well, they think they are different and think that this makes them not normal and not someone others would like? I have always been a shy and reserved person, and have noticed that my oldest daughter, Savannah is just like me. She is not one for big crowds and would rather choose a good book or independent activity than join into large group activities where she would have to speak up to have her voice heard. While some may think shyness is a weakness, I don't think so. And, being shy doesn't make you "not normal," as my daughter has been feeling lately.
You see, I have one shy daughter and one who is outspoken and loves to be the center of attention. So, when they are out and about playing with friends, Savannah will retreat when she starts to feel uncomfortable. A few kids not familiar with Savannah asked Bella, who is only 4 years old, what was wrong with her. Savannah overheard this and later asked me if something was wrong with her and her not wanting to be in a large groups that make her feel uncomfortable. One little girl thought she was being snobby, and another boy said she was weird. These comments, both false, hurt Savannah's feelings and make her feel like she didn't belong and wasn't normal.
I looked high and low for a book to share with her as my words of reassurance didn't seem to be getting through to her. Then, I received this book as part of a blog book tour, and fell in love with it. Here is more about this book, followed by more of why I love this book so much...
Synospis:
"What is "normal?" That's the question an eager young scientist hopes to answer as she narrates her very first book. Unfortunately, her exceedingly "normal" subject—an orangutan named Norman—turns out to be exceptionally strange. He speaks English, sleeps in a bed, loves his stuffed toy, goes bananas over pizza, and even deep-sea dives! Oh, no: what's a "normal" scientist to do?
Brightly illustrated and brimming with silly scenes that will have young readers in hysterics, this loving look at the wackiness that makes us all special serves as a gentle reminder that "normal" can’t ever be defined. Norman and his scientist friend will encourage and inspire children to embrace their individuality and be their own “normal” selves."
ISBN-13:9781454913214
Publisher:Sterling Children's Books
Publication date:03/01/2016
Pages:40
Product dimensions: 11.30(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range: 4 - 8 Years
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Not your average or "normal" book, right? Well, you are right about that that. And, this is why I loved it so much and why I loved sharing it with my girls as it allowed me to discuss how Savannah and her shyness was normal and as a way to show my youngest daughter that every person is unique and acts differently. Some may be outspoken like her, or more reserved like Savannah. But, that didn't mean there was something wrong with a person. It would be boring if everyone acted the same. And, thanks to this book, which was filled with easy to follow along and understand text and playful illustrations, both of my girls have learned that there is no such thing as "normal" when it comes to describing a person, and that there is no right way to act or behave.
This book has really helped Savannah embrace her uniqueness and I took time to share that she is just like me and that it is normal to be shy or reserved. It is not like she doesn't like to be around people...it just takes her a little longer to warm up to them.
If you are a teacher or even a church group leader, or someone who works with children, especially young ones, I highly recommend you pick up this book to share, as it opens up the line of communication to talk about what is really "normal" when it comes to a person and how everyone is different and should be accepted just the way they are. We are all unique and that is what makes us special. And, as you read through this book, you can't help but fall in love with Norman, and wish he was your friend. :-)
-- Get Your FREE Normal Norman Activity Kit Filled with Fun Games and More Now --
My girls have been having so much fun with the cute coloring sheet, maze, crossword puzzle and more found in the FREE downloadable Normal Norman Activity Kit found here: https://taralazar.files.
Here is what you will get when you visit the above link, found at the author's website...
Cute, right? Your kids will love the fun activities that feature the lovable and oh so "normal" Norman. Enjoy!
---GIVEAWAY---
Thanks to the kind folks at Sterling Publishing one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a copy of this cute book to share with that special and oh so unique and "normal" child in their life. :-)
To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
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About the Author:
Tara Lazar lives in Basking Ridge, NJ, with her husband, two daughters, and 2,749 stuffed animals. She’s the author of The Monstore, I Thought This Was a Bear Book (both Simon & Schuster), and Little Red Gliding Hood (Random House). Tara founded Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo), an annual online writing event held on her award-winning blog at taralazar.com, which has hundreds of registered users and receives tens of thousands of blog hits.
About the Illustrator:
S.britt (AKA Stephan Britt) first developed his zeal for drawing in childhood, when he drew on anything and everything that wasn’t dripping wet. His first picture book, Over In the Hollow (Chronicle), was a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. Stephan lives in Portland, OR. Visit him online at sbritt.com.
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Hop on Pop, at the moment!
ReplyDeleteI was extremely shy as a child, and am still pretty shy & introverted now! Glad Normal Norman helped Savannah :). Who can resist a purple organutan?
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