The OK Book

We were combing through our bookshelves last week when we found our copy of The OK Book. And, embarrassingly, I kind of forgot I had it, which is a bit shocking, because I read it during the first week of school for so many years.

I blame this on my book-buying hobby. I cannot stay out of bookstores. Some people (who claim to love me) think it’s a problem. I do not.

Although, I must say, I think I have so many back-to-school options, The OK Book got lost on my crowded bookshelf… a tiny tragedy, because it’s so good for the littles, especially during the first week among new friends.

What’s fun about this book is that the word OK has been rotated a little to look like a stick figure of a person. And once the kids see it, they can’t get enough of it. They’re eager to see what takes place on the next page. And the next page. And the next page.

IS IT CUTE OR DEEP?

Both.

For you, as the teacher, there’s life-lesson gold on these pages. Throughout the book, the children learn that it’s okay to be OK at things. We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to be “the best.” It’s simply okay to be doing and trying and learning.

That means, yep, this goes perfectly with any conversation you were wanting to have about self-esteem, growth mindset, and perseverance… all good topics as you work to grow healthy children in a healthy space this year.

The OK Book continues in this way, until at the end we read:

• One day, I’ll grow up to be really excellent at something. I don’t know what it is yet… but I sure am having fun figuring it out.

And with that, we’re on way to watching the stress of perfection melt away.

FOLLOW UP IDEAS FOR THE OK BOOK

When we’re done reading the book, we talk about it. The kids get the gist of the book, but just in case, I’m armed with a few questions to get the ball rolling:

• What did you like about this book?
• Why do you think the author wrote it?
• Are there any important ideas? What are you thinking?
• Is it okay to want to be the best at something? How is it good? When is it not?
• How would you explain what this book is about?
• Can we share some things we’re OK at? I can go first.

But, the most fun thing to do after reading and discussing is to let the children make their own drawing connected to their own life’s experiences. To do this, go back through the book again, inviting the kids to study the illustrations. Talk about how simple they are, using only a few key details to communicate an idea.

Then, model a drawing of your own before turning them loose to try it themselves. You might even want to give them a few sheets of paper so they can practice multiple times. The end result sparks great conversation and helps the children get to know each other a little better. Plus, the drawings make a pretty cute bulletin board!

ALSO BY AMY AND TOM…

The author and illustrator of The OK Book have teamed up on a few different picture books for children. Another one that deserves a spot on your shelf is Duck! Rabbit! It’s a cleverly illustrated book with another opportunity to learn something big… perspective and point of view. Check it out HERE.

We have more BACK TO SCHOOL BOOK ACTIVITIES to share. If you’re a fan of Pigeon, Chrysanthemum, and Wemberly, come see how we’re using them.

Until next time, happy teaching!