As you know, I don’t do reviews, but I do occasionally feel compelled to highlight books that promote poignant subject matter, e.g., kindness, bullying, emotions, etc. It seems that “poignant” is author Hallee Adelman‘s calling card.
Anger is the kind of emotion that can be scary, especially for children, and sometimes leads to regretful behavior. Learning how to manage it at a young age is critical. In fact, in 1969 Fred Rogers recited before the U. S. Senate a song he wrote, “What Do You Do?” (…with the mad that you feel?) which literally saved PBS.
Here we are, in 2020, and that’s what Hallee‘s newest picture book is about: what you do—and don’t do—when you get angry. In Way Past Mad, main character, Keya’s little brother, Nate (who doesn’t know any better), wreaks havoc when he does things like mess her room, ruin her breakfast and destroy her favorite hat. She gets way past mad…
“The kind of mad
that starts
and swells
and spreads like a rash.”
The problem grows bigger when that nasty demon “Displaced Anger” shows up, and Keya takes out her “mad” on her friend, Hooper 😮😥. Yep, that’s what not to do.
Through Hallee’s words and Sandra de la Prada‘s expressive illustrations, the reader witnesses how to handle a situation in which displaced anger hurts a friend, how to go about rectifying it, and the kind of forgiveness and understanding that should be the dynamic between good friends.
Mister Rogers always knew that helping children learn how to manage their emotions was an invaluable service. His words of wisdom are needed now more than ever, and so are children’s books that help with such an essential effort.
With that in mind, my wanting to get Way Past Mad into more hands, I learned that Hallee is generously giving away goodies including a signed copy and some VERY cool swag: a medal, stickers, emotions card games, a librarian’s stamp to use in any book (reads: I Way Past Loved this book!), a pencil, and a “feelings” magnet. Don’t you just LOVE the clever word play? 🥰 Yes, Keya’s brother got her “way past mad,” but she was able to find her “way past mad” (click to enlarge) …
There can only be one winner in this giveaway, but we ALL win considering this terrific book is available everywhere on March 1st, AND I’m thrilled to report — it’s going to be a series!!!
👍🤗😁😍
BE SURE TO ENTER HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Respond to all 4 options for 4 chances to win. Increase your chances by returning here to the Rafflecopter form to tweet about the giveaway each day through Feb. 29, 2020.
GOOD LUCK!!!
- Website (with Lesson Plan!)
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Sounds like a great and important book. Can’t wait to read it! Congrats!
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It is, Rebecca 🙂 It addresses it simply and directly, so in that way I think it’s effective!
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Thanks, Rebecca. Excited you will check it out. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Hallee
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Love the book! It’s a great classroom addition.
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Agreed, Robin! It DEfinitely belongs in schools and libraries 😀
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Thank you, Robyn! I love your books for the classrooms too! Case of the Missing Carrot Cake anyone?? Xoxo
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Such an important topic, and it appears to be uniquely presented by this author and illustrator!
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It is,Becky…first time I’ve seen it addressed in this way 🙂
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Thank you, Becky. Sandra and I are excited to share this title with you!!
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Becky, we are so excited to be sharing this title. Thanks for reading Donna’s blog and sharing your post about the book!
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Thank you Hallee for this book. My daughter on the spectrum could really use this book. Thank you for making it.
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That’s wonderful to hear, Jodie! I’m sure Hallee will, too, and I’m figuring she’ll also stop by to respond. Thanks for commenting!
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Can’t wait to hear how she likes it! Thanks for reading and posting!
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nice images
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They’re perfect for the story! Thanks for commenting 🙂 I hope you enter the giveaway!
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Yes! Sandra is super talented! Thanks for posting!!
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I am so excited to read this book and share it with my students! Thank you for the opportunity to to win it, along with this cool swag! My fingers are crossed!!
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You’ll love it, Kristen, and I’m sure your students will too 😀
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My fingers are crossed for you too!! Thanks for reading and posting. So excited you will share the book with your students!!
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Per the book journey description, it’s so helpful to remember that reviewers can have completely different ways of looking at things, and to not give up on pursuing your passion. Plus, as someone who often writes about mindfulness in my projects, I can’t wait to read it!
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Ah, Kristen…are you referring to the post on Kathy (Temean)’s blog? I LOVED hearing about Hallee’s book journey. So inspirational 😀 Thanks so much for commenting and good luck with your writing journey, too 😀
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Kristen, thanks for posting!! It’s so great that you share the idea of mindfulness with others! Excited for you to read Way Past Mad!
Always,
Hallee
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I’m guilty of Displaced Anger. This sounds like such an important book. I can’t wait to read it.
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You’ll LOVE it, Ashley 😀 Thanks for commenting!
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I’m so glad you’ll read the book. It’s definitely something kids and adults can connect with. Thanks for reading Donna’s awesome post.
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