How Things Works

“Paired concepts such as “hasty and brave” or “oversensitive and perceptive” are explored through illustrations that effectively capture the characteristics along with multiple examples of children who demonstrate these personality traits. Using supportive language, the author explores the ­concepts and offers ways for children to handle this self-knowledge to improve in areas that might cause them distress. When discussing shyness, Haraštová provides five practical tips to overcome shyness while also affirming that shy people “are the unsung heroes of everyday life, because they face challenging situations and manage to deal with them.” The presentation is extremely well done and this title, while too long to read in a single sitting, will be immensely useful for classroom SEL instruction and other arenas where children are learning about what makes themselves, and others, unique. A variety of tips and support are provided, which will be appreciated by children and adults alike. Celebrating the diversity of the human experience in language through well-illustrated examples, this title provides a plethora of opportunities for discussion as adults try to help young people navigate the human experience and celebrate their uniqueness.”