Be Positive!: A book about optimism

by Cheri J. Meiners, Elizabeth Allen (Illustrator)

A sense of optimism is a key ingredient to success in life. Guide young children to develop a positive outlook and discover how the choices they make can lead to feeling happy and capable. This friendly, encouraging book introduces preschool and primary-age children to ways of thinking and acting that will help them feel good about themselves and their lives, stay on course when things don’t go their way, and contribute to other people’s happiness, too.

Being the Best Me!® Series
From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® books comes a one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first six books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, and forgiveness. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Nonfiction

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Cheri has her master's degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. She is the author of the award-winning children's series, 'Learning to Get Along', and the new series, 'Being the Best Me.' Cheri and her husband, David, have six children and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[Saba N Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful book that offers a guiding approach to positivity. Be Positive shows children the importance of being positive while still valuing their feelings and emotions. A wonderful book to share with children during circle time as it allows for great discussions opportunities. As a teacher, I particularly like the resourceful information page at the back of the book and I think parents will too.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be Positive!, is a cheerful book about having a positive outlook on life. No matter what happens during the day, you have to remember the saying "this too shall pass". As I read the text for this book for young children, this quote kept running through my head. Like Fish! for young children, choose your attitude. I think this is a nice way to start the day. Reminding everyone that if we are positive, we will feel much better about ourselves and the activities of the day.

At the end of this book there is a list of twelve ideas in order to keep a positive outlook on life. Also included are questions to ask as you read the book to create a dialogue between the reader and the child or children to whom they are reading. Eight activities / games with an optimism theme are provided in order to help promote a positive outlook.

I would recommend these titles to be added to an early childhood school library or public library serving young children and their families. This new series, along with Ms. Meiners's other character building books are a wonderful asset to any collection in order to help build children's self esteem and improve their social skills.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Free Spirit Publishing has provided a complimentary electronic copy of these books through NetGalley.com.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all the titles in the Being the Best Me series by Cheri Meiners, this is well-suited for young readers and those working with them. The book goes through various situations that children experience and points out the possibility for approaching each one with a positive attitude. There are games, activities, and discussion notes for children and adults at the end of the book. Be Positive! could be used on its own, or as part of a series of lessons built around the books. I would recommend it to parents, teachers, and other caregivers.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Destiny Dawn Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review available at my blog: http://destinydawnlong.wordpress.com/...

Excerpt:

When I first read Be Positive! I felt a bit ambivalent about it, because I was reading it in the way that I usually read picture books. Once I shifted my mind-set from that of reading a story to one of reading a self-improvement guide, though, I liked it much better. Sometimes it’s important to remember that books serve a variety of purposes–even children’s books! With that in mind, it gets 4 out of 5 stars. I would especially recommend it to parents or educators who want to encourage strong character development in children.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this is a book my daughter pulled off the shelf at the library. I never turn down a book she picked herself, so we brought it home. She picked it out to read last night. I think she picked it out because of the bright orange binding and the dog on the cover (she loves dogs!).

The story really didn't have a plot. It was pretty boring actually. It had a good message about finding the silver lining in every situation. But since it didn't have a plot, there wasn't much to engage a child.

If you have a child who is always negative, this might be a good book to read to them to show them how to look for the good in a bad situation. But other than that, you can probably pass on this book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great picture book to make any child (or adult) feel more positive about themselves and the world around them. It is written in an easy-to-read format with large pictures to appeal to even small children. My seven-year-old son read it to me and it was a great launching pad into discussing many of his feelings. He was in much higher spirits after reading it and told me all on his own that he wanted to feel more positive all the time.

[Michelle's Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.

[Bhargavi Balachandran · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book us great for positive reinforcement, but its so
Utterly humour-less and preachy. Illustrations are nice,
But simply not my cup of tea. The lo liked the book though.