This is a relatable story about the highs and lows of starting over and building new relationships.
Carolyn has created an approachable narrative that is easy for school-age children to relate to and which serves as a great reminder of the rewards that new adventures can bring!Great delivery of an important message without sounding preachy.
No one tells Charlotte to “just get over it” or “smile a lot and you’ll make friends.” It is realistic but positive and forward thinking. Change at a young age-or any age!- can feel so overwhelming. This book gives families a place to start the conversation and think, together, about how to make everyone happy.Inspirational messages of kindness and inclusion are woven throughout this wonderfully written and illustrated children’s book!
My own two young children (6 and 4) were able to interpret and understand the story, (and perhaps most importantly) it stimulated discussion between us as to what it means to empathize and understand other’s feelings. An all around win!Adjustment is difficult and a story like this can really encourage and help children feel uplifted.
I especially like that Charlotte’s parents assure her that she will make new friends but can still see her old friends. The nice finishing touch is that Charlotte becomes an ambassador. What a great message that is to young readers to welcome newcomers.A great way to open the conversation for a child who cannot express their struggle such a great lesson
and example for any child was when the main character took control and used what she experienced to help another. The illustrations will draw anyone into the story and its subtle lessons!Carolyn’s book is exceptional and she clearly understands how to communicate to children.
Although not specifically directed toward children of military families this is a book military families should read to their kids. Actually, any parent with a pending move is encouraged to read this book to their kids and have a discussion about the aspects of the book and their move. Moving is tough stuff. Hard on adults but tougher on children. Having uprooted my family 8 times in 30 years I am very impressed by the thoughtful insights of Carolyn’s book. Great read with your kids…Enjoy!Carolyn Watkins uses a narrative style that is easy to read and entertaining. The content is visually appealing because the characters are expressive, and the images have striking colors.
The setting portrays a loving family and welcoming school surroundings. Charlotte is a character with empathy and an interest in helping people. This book will also help children understand the emotional process of moving to a new home.Knowing that the story is a true one makes the read that much more meaningful.
The transition from words to pictures is sort of like what a musical interlude might be a in a song…vocal free and thought-provoking.
Though this book is intended for children, I really think it’s a great book for readers of all ages.The author pokes on the deepest feelings of its readers through the parents, the people who cradled us from when we were conceived until we’ve become adults.
The book is written in a child’s perspective, reminding the readers of our memories that we had with our parents in our eyes as a little child. It ticks our hearts with kindness yet the book also makes us feel the fear, confusion, and sadness that a child goes through.This is a book that will give you a myriad of emotions that is definitely worth your time.
The author pokes on the deepest feelings of its readers through the parents, the people who cradled us from when we were conceived until we’ve become adults.
The book is written in a child’s perspective, reminding the readers of our memories that we had with our parents in our eyes as a little child. It tickes our hearts with kindness yet the book also makes us feel the fear, confusion, and sadness that a child goes through.This is a book that will give you a myriad of emotins that is definitely worth your time.
Watkins encourages the reader, young and old, to share their own feelings of fear and loss, hope and love.
In a world were stoicism and enduring is often applauded, The Knock offers readers tools and ways in which to articulate their own story.Well-paced, interesting but sometimes funny.
It is a good read.This book is a great way to approach difficult situations with young children who aren’t quite able to express themselves yet.
It is a heartwarming story. Great illustrations too.But this book paints it from an emotional perspective, perfect for those children who don’t understand the significance.
This easy-to-read picture book is an excellent starting point for helping children deal with absent parents or difficult home situations.
It covers a frequent difficulty of the 1960s. The mom often repeats that they must all be “strong and brave.” Strong and brave often means covering up emotions or hiding from them, and definitely not sharing. The author remarks how she wished she had been able to share some of those feelings with her mother. The book has a happy ending, so sensitive children will not be over-come with grief upon reading it. It is a very gentle look into the years of the Vietnam war from the viewpoint of a US military family.It’s a family must read with your younger children.
The illustrations are particularly accessible for younger children and express the emotions dealt with exceptionally well. A well written and most useful book.
The book is insightful, entertaining, and most importantly, emotionally helpful for children whose parents are serving away from home or will soon be sent overseas.
I’d strongly recommend this book to anyone, both serving and civilian, to teach children the sacrifices made by those in the military.The book is touching and emotional, it is well written and a very quick read.
I love that it is made up of shorter stories so that it is easier for children to absorb the message.An interesting approach to the presentation of their thoughts. Illustrations that complement my impression of the book.
I think this is a very interesting book, and undoubtedly the author did a good job. I think the book deserves your attention and your free time. I have good impression after reading the book, it is touching and real. I enjoyed it a lot and advice you to read the book.This book will offer an eye-opening journey and allow the reader to develop their own ways to help and support their family. It is a must-read.