Kids learn the ABCs of belonging and expand their view of themselves and their community.

B Is for Belonging uses the ABCs as an accessible framework to explore the importance of belonging. Understanding and learning about belonging helps kids boost their self-confidence, build positive relationships, and foster empathy and inclusion.

"Aa. When you accept other people without judging them or asking them to change, you help them know that they belong. Bb. When you are welcomed and loved exactly as you are, you feel that you belong."

Making a distinction between "belonging" and "fitting in," B Is for Belonging empowers kids to show acceptance for others and themselves and create communities of belonging. With an uplifting and positive tone, this book shares the power and joy of belonging.

A section at the back of the book includes discussion questions and activity ideas.

About the Author

Shannon Anderson is an award-winning children's book author, TEDx speaker, and national presenter. She loves to do author visits to teach the power of reading, writing, and learning with a growth mindset. Shannon taught for 25 years from first grade through college level, where she wore the hats of literacy coach, gifted coordinator, and adjunct professor. She lives in Indiana. You can learn more about her and her books at www.shannonisteaching.com.

John Joven is an illustrator and a painter from Colombia. He lives there with his wife, Ana, and two children, Avril and Ian. He is fortunate enough to work in his home studio, where he can share his passion for drawing and painting with his children while working on projects. He started drawing at an early age and when he was six years old his parents enrolled him in his first painting, sculpture, and character design class. When not illustrating, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer with friends, watching movies, reading, writing, and traveling. He has had the opportunity to bring to life characters, scenes, and diverse worlds in magazines and newspapers; funny ideas in children's books; and animation projects around the globe.

Reviews

"Shannon Anderson has written quite possibly the most important ABC book your child will ever read. B Is for Belonging encourages children to become more empathetic, more loving, and more aware of their ability to make others feel accepted and heard. I believe this picture book should be in every classroom and in every home. I can't wait to share this beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written children's book with all the littles in my world."

-- Michelle Medlock Adams, award-winning author of more than 100 books, including Love Connects Us All and The Dachshund Dash

"B Is for Belonging?is a unique and inspiring ABC picture book that beautifully illustrates the difference between fitting in and belonging. From Accepting of others to showing Empathy to embracing the concepts of Kindness, Potential, and Voice, author Shannon Anderson not only conveys that there are a Zillion ways to foster belonging, but also offers back matter and activities to encourage conversation, action, and connection. John Joven's charming artwork, which radiates emotion and celebrates diversity, sings on every page. This book?belongs?on everyone's shelf!"

-- Jodi Moore, author of the award-winning When a Dragon Moves In picture book series

"B Is for Belonging is a wonderful book to teach young students ways to accept themselves and how to be kind to others. It is written in a way that my kindergarteners can understand and learn from!"

-- Kathleen Grismore, teacher and creator of Kathleen's Kindergarten



Book Information
ISBN 9798885543873
Author Shannon Anderson
Format Hardback
Page Count 40
Imprint Free Spirit Publishing Inc.,U.S.
Publisher Teacher Created Materials, Inc
Weight(grams) 395g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 229mm * 2mm