PICTURE STORY BOOKS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM

TRUE STORIES OF SELF-ESTEEM

by Gary Lewis

'Jessica finds her true Value' is a second edition revamp of 'Jessica's Special Buttons'. (see picture below)

was my first picture story book to focus on SADNESS linked to SELF-WORTH and VALUE. This book can be used as either a prequel or sequel to the second book 'Jackson Uncovers Hidden Treasure' as well as 'Olivia's Jar of Pickled Inspiration'

The ideas and concepts shared within these three books have a proven history of positive outcomes, as they are based on true life stories of many children with whom I worked during my time as a Primary School Chaplain.


All three books can be read by students, parents and teachers as a tool for building healthy self-esteem in children.

Each book contains a link to the teacher resource ideas for CIRCLE TIME & extended curricular activities. 

previous edition design   

CIRCLE TIME activities

Jessica finds her true Value

Jessica felt sad … but she did not know why.

Perhaps … she could talk to her Grandma.

Whilst visiting her Grandma, something incredible happens as she makes a surprising discovery. 

She discovers a strange collection of objects in her Grandma's apron pocket. And then amazingly, Jessica’s sadness seems to disappear as she learns a valuable lesson about herself.

CIRCLE TIME activities

JACKSON UNCOVERS HIDDEN TREASURE

Jackson felt sad…but he did not know why.
He needed to tell someone how he was feeling. 
Perhaps…he could talk to his Grandpa.

Whilst on a fishing trip with his Grandpa, something interesting happens. 


Not only does he discover that his Grandpa has a secret treasure box in his fishing pack…Jackson’s sadness seems to disappear as he learns a valuable lesson about himself.

'OLIVIA'S JAR OF PICKLED INSPIRATION'

CIRCLE TIME activities

   Be inspired ... GARY

CHRISTIAN THOUGHTS

A message of encouragement for all the CHRISTIAN parents, grandparents, teachers chaplains, counselors and student well-being officers. 

If you who think that I have forgotten a most important fundamental matter of faith in CHRIST, and what the BIBLE says about self-worth and the VALUE that God places on us as individuals ... keep reading!

As mature people of FAITH in CHRIST, it would be hoped that you can firstly see that the stories in these books are based on true life stories in my interaction with primary-aged students in secular schools. As a Christian Chaplain working in a non-Christian setting (although I was recognized as a GOD-PERSON), I was very restricted by law as to proselytizing or sharing my own faith.

In a similar way these stories are written in a way which reflect that same ethos, and yet at the same time opens up the opportunity for all of you to open up those FAITH conversations with your students, children and grandchildren.

Some open-ended questions like: 

*  'What do think God says about you?'

*  'How much do you think God values you?'

From my own struggles along my journey of discovery, I used a simple ABC list of 'WHO I AM IN CHRIST' in a similar way to Olivia's inspirational scrolls.

For example ... I AM ...

A - accepted by God

B - born again /  being changed in Christ

C -  created in the image of God

D - dead to sin

E - empowered by the Holy Spirit

F - free from condemnation in Christ Jesus

G - growing in the knowledge & grace of the Lord Jesus

You get the idea!!

You can see that they are scripture based.

My prayer is that you will use these stories in conjunction with you own life and faith experience to share with your children; and that as you allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you and through you ... you too will see young lives changed!

WHO AM I? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcC1Bp13n_4&feature=youtu.be

YOU SAY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqpNGYbcy3U

God's blessing of peace be with you

Gary

HOW TO ORDER

You can order through Amazon etc. through online search engine ... or directly from the author. 

The latter option is more cost effective for those ordering within Australia.

Australian orders as per below:

‘Olivia’s Jar of Pickled Inspiration’ can be ordered separately or along with ‘Jessica finds her true Value' (formerly Jessica's Special Buttons’)  and ‘Jackson Uncovers Hidden Treasure’.

placing your order

  When you place your small order, please specify which book(s) and how many 

PLEASE include 

your email address and specify which books you want. 

Don't forget your mailing address.

NOTE ...  postage has been included.

To order:   1 x books  = $18.99 Plus P&H  

                   2 x books  = $34.99 Plus P&H 

                   3 x books  = $49.99 Plus P&H 

note: it is cheaper to post  if you order 2 or 3 books in separate envelopes

2.   For bulk orders ... send via email gazzablew@bigpond.com then wait for an invoice to be sent to you which will include the postage.

PLEASE include your email address and specify which books you want.

Don't forget your mailing address.

NB: If you would prefer to order and pay by Direct Deposit ...

please send your order & request by email to gazzablew@bigpond.com

EFT is also AVAILABLE

Bulk orders:         4 – 20   copies @ $15.99 per copy P&H extra on request

                                    20+ copies @ $13.99 per copy P&H extra on request

NOTE ... postage for more than 4 copies is extra.

BULK ORDERS can only be ordered by direct email

BULK ORDERS plus POSTAGE will be INVOICED by email

Don't forget your mailing address.

I AM SPECIAL POEM

I AM SPECIAL

(for older children)

In all the world there is nobody like me

Since the beginning of time

There has never been another person like me.

Nobody has my smile.

Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, my hands, or my voice.

No one sees the things just as I do.

In all of time there has been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me …

And what makes me laugh and cry will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else — ever.

I am the only one created with my set of natural abilities.

There will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I am good at …

But no one in the universe will ever have the same combination of talents, ideas, natural abilities and spiritual abilities as me.

Through all of eternity, no one will look, talk, walk, think or do exactly like me.

I’m special!

I’m rare!

And as in all rarities, there is great value.

I need not attempt to imitate others.

I will accept, and yes — CELEBRATE my differences.

I’m special.

I choose to believe that I am here for a special purpose.

Out of the billions of applicants, only one is qualified,

Only one has the best combination of what it takes.

That just as surely as every snowflake that falls has a perfect design and no two designs are the same —

I am designed to live my life uniquely.

My life will bring to me my own set of challenges,

And I will face these and live my life to the best and fullest —

Not just for my own sake but for all those around me.

Author unknown

I AM SPECIAL

(for younger children)

In all the world there is nobody like me

Since the beginning of time

There has never been another person like me !

Nobody has my smile.

Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, my hands, or my voice.

No one sees the things just as I do.

In all of time there has been no one who laughs like me and no one who cries like me !

There will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I am good at …

but no one in the universe will ever have the same combination of talents, ideas and abilities as me.

Through all of eternity, no one will look, talk, walk, think or do exactly like me !

Just as surely as every snowflake that falls has a perfect design…

and no two designs are the same —

I am designed to live my life uniquely !

I’m unique !

I’m rare !

 I’m special !

And I choose to believe that I am here for a special purpose !

	Author unknown

 

FILL THE GAP as a share reading exercise

In all the  _ _ _ _ _  there is nobody like me

Since the beginning of  _ _ _ _

There has never been another person like me.

Nobody has my _ _ _ _ _.

Nobody has my _ _ _ _ , my _ _ _ _ , my _ _ _ _ , my _ _ _ _ _ , or my voice.

No one  _ _ _ _  the things just as I do.

In all of time there has been no one who  _ _ _ _ _ _  like me, no one who  _ _ _ _ _   like me

And what makes me laugh and cry will never cause identical laughter and tears from anybody else — ever.

I am the only one  _ _ _ _ _ _ _  with my set of natural abilities.

There will always be somebody who is  _ _ _ _ _ _  at one of the things I am good at

But no one in the universe will ever have the  _ _ _ _ combination of talents, ideas, natural abilities and spiritual abilities as me.

Through all of eternity, no one will look, talk, walk, think or do exactly like me.

I’m special!

I’m rare!

And as in all rarities, there is great value.

I need not attempt to imitate others.

I will accept, and CELEBRATE my differences.

I’m special.

I choose to  _ _ _ _ _ _ _  that I am here for a special purpose.

Out of the  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  of applicants, only one is qualified,

Only one has the best combination of what it takes.

That just as surely as every snowflake that falls has a perfect design and no two designs are the same —

I am designed to  _ _ _ _  my life uniquely.

My life will bring to me my own set of challenges,

And I will  _ _ _ _  these and live my life to the best and fullest —

Author unknown

Not just for my own sake but for all those around me.

 FAITH THOUGHTS 

'Olivia's Jar of Pickled Inspiration'

'Olivia's Jar of Pickled Inspiration'

CLICK here to order your copy

CLICK BELOW FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF 

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Jar of Pickled Inspiration Quotes

The following list is a work in progress. 

Some may even be repeated or similar to others. 

See how many more you can add of your own. 

Create your own list.

• Laugh and smile a lot! It will keep you well.

• Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.

• Life is an adventure! Explore and enjoy!

• No matter how tough things get … never give up!

• Don’t try to be beautiful. Just be real … and that is already beautiful enough.

• If you continue to focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow.

• Never put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.

• I am committed to being a happy, healthy, friendly, beautiful, positive, thoughtful, kind person.

• I am a unique and very valuable person.

• I choose to try my best in everything I do and say.

• I am thoughtful of others, even though they may not be of me.

• I am an individual with a unique personality.

• I am an individual with my own unique gifts and abilities.

• I am my own person. I do not have to be like anyone else … and I will not expect that they be like me.

• I respect myself, and I understand that other people are different to me.

• I love myself – with no ‘buts’. I love myself – just as I am.

• “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” (Dr. Seuss)

• I am growing in my confidence more and more every day.

• What I say about myself matters.  What others say about me doesn’t matter as much.

• “You can stay in your corner waiting for others to come to you. But sometimes you have to go to them.” – Piglet

• I am willing to learn something new every day.

• I am a beautiful person, on the inside and on the outside.

• Today is the first day of the rest of my life … and I plan to enjoy it.

• No job will be too hard if I can simply divide it into small tasks.

• I need to listen to my inner dreams & ambitions - those are the sounds that no one else can hear.

• The person who makes no mistakes is the one who never does anything. It is OK if I make mistakes - at least I am doing something!

• No one knows what they can do until they try. I will be a try-er!

• I will be glad of life because it gives me the chance to love, to work and to play, to look up at the stars and dream big.

• I will give the world (others) the best that I have, even if I get nothing back in return – except the satisfaction of having given my best.

• The time is always right to do what is right.

• Everyone has in them something precious that is found in no one else – that includes me!

• It is not who is right, but what is right that matters most.

• Today I choose to be: happy, friendly and kind.

• I refuse to let anything or anyone steal my joy and peace.

• The only person I can change is me … and I choose to be open to making a positive change.

• I refuse to let the fear of striking out get in my way or stop me from trying.

• "No one knows what they can do until they try."

• "The only person who makes no mistakes is the one who never does anything." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

• "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." Babe Ruth

• "Listen to your dreams - those are the sounds no-one else can hear." (Kobi Yamada)

• "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, & to work, & to play, & to look up at the stars." (Henry Van Dyke)

• The big picture of who I am ― and will be is like this:

       o   The person I am today is a result of the          choices I made yesterday.

o   The person I will be tomorrow will be affected by the choices I made yesterday and will make today.

  o   The person I become in the future will be a result of the choices I made yesterday, make today and will make tomorrow.

• If I find I am on a road to nowhere, I will find another road.

• I am willing to learn something new every day.

• I am a beautiful person, on the inside & on the outside.

• When I need a break to re-energize myself, I will take it and not feel guilty.

• "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." (American Proverb)

• "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." (Henry Ford)

• "If you are on a road to nowhere, find another road." (Ashanti Proverb)

• "Give the world the best that you have, & the best will come back to you." (Madeline Bridges)

• "The time is always right to do what is right." (Martin Luther King)

• "Everyone has in them something precious that is in no one else." (Martin Buber)

Feel free suggest other inspirational quotes that you may come up with so that I can add them to the list. Use the comment box and please include your name so that I can acknowledge the source.

CIRCLE TIME QUESTIONS FOR Olivia's Jar of Inspiration

CIRCLE TIME ACTIVITIES ...

CSI — SILENT STATEMENTS

“CHANGE SEATS IF … “

·      you enjoyed the story

·      if you have ever held a stick insect

·      you think the story could happen in Australia

·      the story is just about hot chocolate

·      you have ever tasted home-made pickles or jam

·      you think Olivia did the right thing in talking to her Marmar

·      you think you have ever felt like Olivia

·      you thought Marmar should have asked more questions about Olivia’s problem

·      you think you know what Olivia’s problem was about

·      you think that Olivia’s Marmar is the hero in the story

·      you know why Marmar’s project was unfinished

·      you think you understand what mirror-talk is about 

·      you know a person just like Olivia

·      you would change something about the story

OPEN-ENDED STATEMENTS

·      The best thing about the story was…

·      The story made me feel…

·      The character I liked best was…

·      I think the story is about…

·      The hero of the story was…

·      The character in the story most like me was…

·      If I were Olivia, I think that I would have…

·      I think the most important part of the story was…

·      What puzzled me about the story was…

·      Something I would like to change in the story is…

·      I think that the main message in the story is…

·      If I were Olivia’s Marmar I would…

·      If I were one of Olivia’s friends I would …

·      I think the link between Olivia’s sadness and the picture she had of herself was…

·      In this story another word for inspiration could be…

·      Something sweeter than chocolate and honey is…

·      When Marmar said ‘sickly-sweet’ I think she meant…

OPEN-ENDED JUSTIFIABLE STATEMENTS

Any of the above open-ended statements can be used with ‘because’ added on the end as well as:

·      The story was interesting because…

·      The character in the story I liked the most was… because…

·      I think Olivia’s problem was… because…

·      I think that ……… is the hero in the story because…

·      The link between Jessica’s sadness and the picture she had of herself was… because…

·      I think Olivia’s Marmar chose to use scrolls because…

·      Instead of scrolls I think I would have used…because…

·      I think Marmar got in ‘such a mess’ because…

·      I think it took a couple of weeks before Olivia began to feel different because…

·      When I heard that Marmar’s project was unfinished I thought… because…

·      When I heard ‘Pickled Inspiration’, I thought… because…

·      I think that Olivia’s favourite scroll was… because…

·      When Olivia’s mum cried I was… because…

PAIR SHARE (with the person next to you in the circle):

·      What was the best part of the story? Why?

·      What was Olivia’s problem? Why?

·      Who was your favourite character in the story? Why?

·      What was the turning point in this story? Why?

·      Were there any issues of right and wrong within this story? If so what were they?

·      Why do you think that Marmar focused on self-talk rather than on Olivia’s sadness?

·      Why do you think it took a couple of weeks before Olivia began to feel different?

OPEN GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS...

 for older students.

Reminder: This is also an opportunity for the teacher / facilitator to come back to any observations during the previous CIRCLE TIME activities and open them up for discussion.

·      Are there any deeper issues of concern about Olivia’s sadness which suggest she perhaps should speak to a trained counselor or psychologist? If so, what might they be?

·      What other responsibilities might Olivia’s Marmar have had?

·      Why do you think that the last piece of inspiration was not written on a scroll?

·      What responsibility might Olivia’s friends or teachers have?

·      What issues of self-harm might arise from this story?

·      What does this story say about our thoughts, words and feelings?

·      Look up the extensive list of Inspirations on this blog and discuss.

·      What is a catastrophe? What is a catastrophiser? Draw up a class CATASTROPHE SCALE.

·      What is the difference between a tradition and a legacy? Which Which is more relevant to this story?

FOR EXTENDED CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CLICK HERE

For an extensive list of Inspirational Quotes CLICK HERE

I AM SPECIAL POEM

FAITH THOUGHTS