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I love books that combine a good story with a good lesson. It’s even better if the lesson can be summed up in one memorable sentence. The book Hunter’s Best Friend at School does all of the above and more. Written by Laura Malone Elliott and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, it is the tale of two racoons who are best friends and want to do everything together and just alike. This doesn’t normally create problems, but when Stripe shows up at school in a mischief-making mood, Humter is faced with the choice of whether or not to follow along. He soon discovers that making the wrong choice not only means they are both in trouble, but also that he is not even happy with the results himself. When his mother discovers his dilemma, she teaches him a great life lesson when she says, “Sometimes being a best friend means you have to help your friend be his best self.” Children and adults alike could benefit from her wisdom…

It’s the time of year for setting goals and planning for the future.  If you like Wyatt, are thinking about how to improve your performance at school, here’s a great book to inspire even the most distracted student to organize and plan their school day with great success.  Annie’s Plan: Taking Charge of Schoolwork and Homework  is written by Jeanne Kraus, a a teacher and an educational specialist with expertise in attention disorders.  Most of the book is directed to students to give them concrete and detailed but  simple techniques for maintaining control of their day.  The last part of the book is written to parents and educators to help them create an environment and plan for success.  By following a plan, both Annie and Wyatt are able to not only meet the expectations of parents and teachers, they are able to enjoy the fruits of their efforts and have a great day!