BAND TOGETHER

Band Together a picture book written and illustrated by Chloe Douglass about being kind, being courageous, becoming a friend even when one is scared and uncertain.

This book will make you smile, nudge you to reflect, and encourage you to risk being kind even when it feels uncomfortable.  Duck is a loner and happy to safely stay just that, alone.  Duck takes care of himself – alone.  A solo act.  He lives alone, eats alone, fishes and drinks tea alone, until one day something unexpected happens. 

Duck hears someone calling.

Bear, Fox and Seagull are on their way to perform a concert. Their van breaks down near Duck’s house.  They ask, “Would you help us?”

Before Duck could think of a good excuse to NOT help, he was helping.  The van got fixed jiffy quick. Everyone cheered – together.  Even Duck.  Helping and cheering felt fun. 

“Thanks so much, “ said Fox.

“We’re playing a concert tomorrow,” said Bear.

“It’d be great to see you again,” said Seagull.

Duck thought that MIGHT be fun but why would they want to be friends with someone different and waddley like him?  Duck wasn’t sure.  Duck was scared.

This simple book with soft, simple illustrations is delightful and engaging.  The story surprises.  The metaphor is universal.  The characters, Duck, Bear, Fox, and Seagull, are wonderfully huggable.

Band Together is one of many new books about feelings, fears, and friendships published by Magination Press, “books for kids” by the American Psychological Association.  Look them up online.  What a resource of excellent books that focuses on relationships and feelings – family, sibling, peers, school -and a variety of behavioral, developmental, and mental health topics.  Follow Duck’s example, take the risk and try the books created by Magination Press (maginationpress.org).

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