Regina Sara Ryan

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Stand up!

This picture book for children (infant to six) is aimed to promote self-esteem, and thus to help prevent bullying. In 12 playful and adventurous scenarios, young or baby animals take a stand that demonstrates courage in the face of a challenge, along with kindness and willingness to help others. At the same time, the authors approach the topic with practicality and gentleness, making it clear that sometimes the best thing to do in a scary or confusing situation is to walk away, get help, or say nothing. Short simple text makes for easy comprehension for both parents and new readers. The book can serve as a stimulus for lots of adult-child discussion of principles like courage, discernment, sharing and caring. Stand Up! is co-written by two former teachers of young children. Their dedication is to educate us all in the issues of power, responsibility and self-appreciation. Most of what we find on the market today are books for older children, addressing bullying after the fact. "Stand Up, The Courage to Care" is a preventative for the pre-school child. It makes a valuable contribution to anti-bullying literature without ever mentioning the word. Instead, it is packed with impressions to help encourage creativity, individuality and confidence, skills that can help combat the susceptibility to peer pressure that is so damaging to children. It is also a call to parents to be their child's centre of gravity and sanctuary. "A Note to Parents and Caregivers" opens the book, and a bibliography of resources (print and digital) is included at the end for further study.