Kid Connection: Just for Me

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a picture book that teaches kids the importance of sharing!

Summary: The adorable and spunky Ruby learns a new life lesson about sharing: “just for me” isn’t nearly as much fun as “just for us!”

When Ruby has something special, she likes to say “just for me!”

That includes everything from her dolly to the colorful candy sprinkles she uses to decorate her cookies. But when a friend comes over for playtime, Ruby takes her mantra just one step too far, and a precious toy is broken. Just when it looks like playtime has been ruined, Ruby realizes that having a friend is much more fun than having everything to herself.

“Sharing is caring” has never felt so spot-on as it does in Just For Me. With sparse text and bright, bold illustrations, this is the perfect story for parents to share with their little readers–and for readers to share with their friends! -- Viking Books for Young Readers

JUST FOR ME by Jennifer Hansen Rolli is an adorable picture book with a very important message. Ruby is a pretty typical toddler... or at least I can relate with my kids! Ruby loves to say, "Just for me!" She uses this term for her dolly, sunshine, sprinkles on her cookies and even a new friend. But Ruby also uses this term when she's playing with her friend, and she gets quite adamant. It takes a little intervention from her dad, with a kind explanation about sharing, for Ruby to realize that she can have even more fun when she shares with a friend.

I loved JUST FOR ME. It goes without saying that the lesson on sharing is one that almost every young child needs. However, I also loved how Ms. Rolli presented the information. She used few words while definitely getting the message across to the reader. In addition, she had delightful and colorful artwork of Ruby and her new friend. Her illustrations of the children's (and dad's) facial expressions brought the story to life as well!

I was pleasantly surprised by the little twist at the end of the story. I assumed that it would end with Ruby and her friend learning to share with each other... and it did. But it also showed that there are a few special things that are just for Ruby -- like her parents! It was a sweet surprise that also shows children that it's okay to sometimes have special things just for themselves!

JUST FOR ME is a wonderful book that should be a must-read for parents and preschool teachers alike. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!