MILLIE MERMAID WANTS TO GO TO SCHOOL
A ‘Let’s Talk About It’ book
by
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Why Can't I Go to School Too? Millie wanted to be just like her big sister, Kate. She wanted to do everything that Kate did - swim fast, dive deep down in the ocean, and play mermaid games. She tried hard to keep up, but Kate and her friends thought she was just too slow - at least that's what they told her. Do you have an older brother or sister? What are some of the things you've wanted to do? "Mommy, why doesn't Kate want me to play with her? Her friends laugh at me and call me names just because I can't swim as fast as they can. That's mean and makes me sad. If I could go to school like Kate does, I'd swim much faster and learn new games. Why can't I go to school too?" Were you 'just waiting' to go to school - or were you not quite so sure?
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About the Book
Millie is a shy little mermaid who can’t wait to go to school to make friends and play games like she sees her big sister Kate and the other mermaids doing. But when she visits Miss Sandy’s Seaside School she learns it’s not like a play-date and she’s not sure what to expect. Can Miss Sandy help her feel better? This short, interactive book poses different scenarios familiar to preschoolers and kindergarteners. Within its pages are suggested questions or comments to help the teacher discover the children’s world. "Were you just waiting’ to go to school or were you not so sure?” There are also questions to help develop empathy and problem-solving skills. “How do you think Millie felt?” or “What could you say to help Millie feel better?” The ‘Let’s Talk About It’ approach encourages children to reflect on questions and situations familiar to them. Learning to verbalize and share their encounters and insights in a small group setting promotes skills so critical for this age. Using sea creatures to tell the story is a gentle introduction to another part of our universe. Lush and colorful illustrations help hold the short attention span of this age group.
About the Author
Janet McCormick brings a unique set of skills and experience to her stories for early learners. With a Master's degree in Education, five years as a Preschool Director, and fifteen years as a curriculum developer, she knows first-hand about the excitement and challenges of beginning school. In her earlier roles as Mom, Grandma, and 'Miss Janet', she recalls the eagerness of some and the reluctance of others to step into any new situation. With this in mind, Janet created Millie Mermaid as an interactive tool for teachers to encourage children who are eager to tell their stories as well as those who may be shy and more hesitant. Janet is a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI); a professional writer's critique group; and has a long volunteer history with nonprofit educational groups in Virginia, Florida, and Arizona - most recently with Tucson's 'Make Way for Books, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality books for young children and winner of the 2022 Library of Congress Literacy Award - American Prize.