An Uplifting Tale for Young Readers
Change can be thrilling for some, but for young children, it can also be a little bit daunting. Rodney’s Big Move by renowned writer Cheryl Fransworth is a wonderful children’s book that handsomely describes the sentiments of starting anew in a novel habitation. With relevant characters, heartening moments, and a fascinating setting, this story follows Rodney the raccoon as he steers the trials and tribulations of moving to a new home, starting school, making new friends, missing a friend, and starting kindergarten.
Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary kids, this book is a must-read for parents and educators looking to aid children say hello to newer experiences with self-reliance and happiness.
Meet Rodney: A Relatable Young Hero
“Rodney woke up to the sound of the moving truck backing into his driveway. Today was moving day! He and his family were moving to Spruce Hollow. Rodney had mixed feelings about the move. He thought about all the good times he and his best friend Sam had had. “I am going to miss him,” thought Rodney,” Rodney is a dreamy, curious, and cheerful young fellow who has to say goodbye to his old town where he used to live with his parents, has a good friend and confidante named Sam. Rodney is little bit nervous about changes, leaving his old town and best friend behind and start a new life at Spruce Hollow.
The Significance of Ice-Breaking and Recreational Activities at Schools
Mr. Foxden had them all sit again on the rug as he reviewed the day’s schedule. “Class, he announced, “we are about to begin one of my favorite activities– the best way ever to meet and get to know some brand new friends.” “This activity is called “Me, Too Meet-Up.” Rodney glanced around at the other students and noticed they looked as nervous as he felt. Mr. Foxden continued with directions. “Do you all see this bowl I have here? Inside are slips of paper with all sorts of topics.” I will draw one out and read it out loud. If this sounds like something you can relate to, you simply get up and walk over to join your classmates.
Perhaps the most important part of the book is when Rodney’s teacher Mr. Foxden gathered all the kids to play a game called, “Me, Too Meetup,” in which kids have to pick a little slip of paper from the bowl, read the topic written on it loud and whomever loves the same thing mentioned on the slip of paper would say, “Me Too” and the kid would join them. Rodney got the topic of ice cream much to his delight as he loves strawberry ice cream. His classmate Sam shouted me too and that’s how they became friends over their shared love of strawberry ice cream.
The book perfectly articulates the importance and significance of ice-breaking among group of children with the help of fun recreational activities. These activities teach kids social skills and help make new friends who share the same interests.
Why Parents and Educators Will Love This Book
Rodney’s Big Move is a charmingly told story with colorful illustrations that flawlessly depicts the quintessence of fears associated with overwhelming challenges such as leaving old home and friends behind, starting anew, moving to a new home, starting school, making friends, missing a friend, nervous about changes. It is an entertaining and uplifting story that teaches kids about flexibility, compassion, and accepting new horizons.
The book wholeheartedly explores and teaches about how children must be resilient – flexible about changes, must be kind to fellow beings, and must embrace newer experiences that come in their life as they grow old.
Cheryl Fransworth is a master of storytelling aimed at kids, teaching them valuable life lessons. The book is available at Amazon, book stores, and online retailers. It is highly recommended for parents and teachers wanting kids to learn about overcoming fears about changes and embrace them with open arms.