Review
"... a celebration of growth.
...a study in how to be a friend as well as how to accept and interact with others.
Gorgeous illustrations.
Children learn the importance of expressing emotion, asking for help, setting boundaries, and being more inclusive in their friendships.
...a top pick for discriminating read-aloud parents and elementary-level libraries looking for explorations of emotions for the very young.
The top-notch combination of simple subject and supportive reflections on friendships makes for a tale that all ages (including adults) can learn from.
Ideally,...used in discussion groups with kids to explore themes of isolation, friendship, giving, and cooperative efforts."-Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer & Donovan's Literary Services Editor
"...sad and lonely...it can be more complicated for young children to deal with those feelings.
Children will feel comfortable and understand that it is just as beneficial to accept help as it is to help others.
... children will learn to express their feelings and seek the good of others.
...a poem in story form... entertaining and easy for children to follow.
...the landscapes convey the emotions of The Lonely Toadstool.
...invites you to feel love for nature.
I recommend this tale because children are ... learning to live together in a community with others, and you see that illustrated in this book.
. ..a beautiful tale of solidarity and empathy." -Readers' Favorite 5 Star Award Winner, Reviewed by Diana Lopez
"The message about getting community help is strong, and Culpepper's fantastical setting lends itself well to its exploration...
The rhymes...scan well...best suited for reading aloud.
...illustrations emphasize the fairy-tale feel...
A meditation on speaking one's needs with a good message..." - Kirkus Review
Product Description
Regardless of age, we all struggle at times with letting our real feelings and needs be heard.
This is the message of The Lonely Toadstool, a story that empowers children to express themselves, knowing they are safe and will be surrounded with a caring community.
When the lonely toadstool can no longer hold in his loneliness and despair, he "lets out a cry" and is surprised when the result is newfound friends and a welcome feeling of peace. Forest animals, a gnome, a fairy, insects and more, all creatures he thought were very different from him, hear his cry, and his anguish causes them to cease their activities and form a search party to help their neighbor in need.
As if holding their hand in friendship, this enchanting poetic story gently encourages the reader to see the importance of letting their own emotions and needs be known and to experience the unexpected human joy of exchanging loneliness for love and acceptance.
The Lonely Toadstool prompts organic discussions with children about:
Behind the book - Benefits for Children
When children practice sharing feelings, wants and needs, they learn to set healthy boundaries.
Children become better advocates for themselves and others.
They become more sensitive and empathetic.
Empowers children to be their authentic selves.
Encourages friendship and inclusion for all.
Grab your copy today to set your child on their path to growth, social emotional learning and self-advocacy.
About the Author
Kristin finds wonder and beauty in all things-her greatest inspirations being her children, love of nature and music. Her passion for poetry had already begun by age two as she recited Mother Goose nursery rhymes and other beloved children's verses by heart. In fact, her childhood nickname was Goose!Regarding The Lonely Toadstool, she says, One morning I awoke with two words fresh in my mind: mushroom and poem. I followed my intuition, and later that morning The Lonely Toadstool came to life.Connecting little ones and their big people with the magic of books and nature is one of her most profound joys, a natural result of the fifteen years she spent homeschooli
