Ripples Effect

Description

The new dolphin at the aquarium, Ripple, is surprised that no one will play with her. No one plays or has any fun at all, because of Snark and his shiver of sharks. At first, Ripple is intimidated by their bullying, but her trainer reminds her that happiness is a choice, and that we can each make the world a better place because of who we choose to be. Choosing to have fun, Ripple challenges Snark to a staring competition―if she can make Snark smile, Ripple wins and everyone gets to play. If not, Snark’s no-fun rules will rule. Will Ripple’s smile be enough to save the day? What effect does YOUR smile have? The author of the national bestseller, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor spent over a decade at Harvard University studying happiness. While he’s been widely published, his research findings have never before been shared with children. Inspired to do just that, Shawn partnered with his sister, Amy Blankson, to get this valuable information into children’s minds early, so the next generation can understand―and harness―the power of positive psychology. The result is Ripple’s Effect, winner of The Mom’s Choice Gold Award. Review: wonderful work! - A lovely book that my daughter loves...wonderful work! Review: Great Story To Read WITH Your Kids - This is a wonderful book for a parent to read with a child. I know kids are very smart and intuitive, but I think this is a book that could possibly go over a very young child's head if they read it alone. Like others have commented, there is some mild name-calling in the story, and I wouldn't read this to a very young child who hasn't been exposed to bullying because I think the point would be lost, but this was a beautiful and sweet story for any kid who is getting picked on. I think if the parent moderates the story-time session and provides meaningful viewpoint questions, this could be a fantastic learning tool. Like, "Do you know anyone who is like Snark the shark?" "How does it make you feel when someone treats you like that?" "Do you think it is ok to call people names like Snark did?" "Do you know anyone like Ripple?" "Do you think you could make some happy by bring nice?" Books are great, but the conversation they can stir up is what will really drive the good lessons home. If your kid is being bullied, read this book together and discuss it. It's a cute story, but there is also a lot of depth to it. Dissect it together. It's a great lesson in human behavior and how small, positive initiatives can make life much better.