Chicken Soup for the Soul Books

“This book will definitely help young children understand the importance of tidying up their space. A poem about responsibility is featured at the back and suggestions for how to make cleaning fun for children. The illustrations are colorful and realistic. The Sunshine Squad is a diverse group of children who are sure to inspire others!”

—Children’s Literature

“With help from his friends in the Sunshine Squad, Oliver gets a handle on keeping his room straightened up.

One of (so far) five titles in the series, this episode focuses on themes of cooperation and responsibility. Not only is being unable to find things in his cluttered room a downer, but being told that he can’t go out to play by both parents (who are, like him, brown-skinned and present as African American) until he’s done some cleaning up really puts a crimp in his day—particularly since he doesn’t even know where to start. Enter his fellow squaddies, a diverse group of kids who pitch in to provide basic principles, from sorting toys into piles to turning chores into games…but properly leaving the heavy lifting like making the bed and folding clean clothes for him to do. The illustrations are so bland that even at its messiest, Oliver’s spacious room has an uncluttered look, but his urban neighborhood’s thorough diversity as well as views of his dad dusting and vacuuming the apartment while his mom washes dishes send unspoken messages of their own. The main points are further articulated in a closing poem about taking responsibility and a set of prose guidelines for establishing a fun cleanup routine. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Message-driven, but the advice and the values are both worth considering. (Picture book. 6-8)”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Mia decides to try something new and invite the new girl! Lily, is the name of the new girl, and now the newest member of the Sunshine Squad. Lily even helps Mia try more new things! An additional short short story about trying new things is at the back of the book and tips for trying new things are included as well. The illustrations show diverse skin colors of children in a city setting. Wonderful story with a very helpful message.”

—Children’s Literature

“In this new series from the Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational series, animals demonstrate concepts of taking turns and celebrating differences. Jaguar and Sloth are friends even though one is fast and the other slow, and two penguins learn it is better to share. Both books rely on repetition and rhyme with the entire text in dialogue balloons, making these fun books for young toddlers to emergent readers. The full-color cartoonish artwork adds charm. The books end with a note to parents on how to extend the theme of each book.”

—BayViews

“The book features a note to parents section at the back that is very informative and provides helpful information about encouraging children to take turns. The illustrations of a snowy winter wonderland are colorful and engaging for little ones. This is a must for any parent or caregiver of a toddler!”

—Children’s Literature

“In this new series from the Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational series, animals demonstrate concepts of taking turns and celebrating differences. Jaguar and Sloth are friends even though one is fast and the other slow, and two penguins learn it is better to share. Both books rely on repetition and rhyme with the entire text in dialogue balloons, making these fun books for young toddlers to emergent readers. The full-color cartoonish artwork adds charm. The books end with a note to parents on how to extend the theme of each book.”

—BayViews

“This is a wonderful message for young children as they interact with peers who might move at a different pace. The illustrations are colorful and engaging for young children. This book would make a great addition to a home library or early childhood classroom.”

—Children’s Literature