Some Kind of Wonderful: The Art of Paying It Forward

Welcome to the world of Just Jessica. This book, Some Kind of Wonderful, is the sixth in a series of fun rhyming books focused on serious subjects and geared to help children learn new ways to work together and feel good about themselves. The series provides a roadmap to self-awareness that utilizes social and emotional learning experiences which help guide them along the way. The act of being kind to one another can sometimes be seen as a lost art and possibly the last thing a child is interested in. However, not only does Some Kind Of Wonderful present others with actual tangible acts of being kind, but lessons that reinforces the belief that almost always these acts leave the good deed doer, feeling fulfilled, different and good about themselves. Often times children who struggle with poor self esteem issues and the corresponding interference it can cause in school and family life are so preoccupied that performing acts of kindness may be the last thing on their minds. They become preoccupied with their own problems and stuck in that mindset that is hard to escape. These thoughts are often reinforced and acted out in a learning environment leading to more poor self-esteem. Often, performing simple acts of kindness directed towards others can break this vicious cycle leading to an improved sense of self and a sense of a positive role an individual plays in their community. An awakening to the positive effect they can have on others can be life changing. This improved sense of self frequently leads to improved social engagement and a decrease in their negative preoccupation on themselves and their unique difficulties.

Feeling awkward, uncomfortable and isolated from your community is difficult for anyone to overcome. Being preoccupied with a poor self-image can only interfere with working collaboratively in the classroom or home communities. All these distressing emotions can get in the way of learning, the pursuit of happiness and the art of caring. These derogatory feelings prevent children from finding new and better ways to solve problems, get things done and ultimately feel good about who they are. Some Kind of Wonderful, helps children look at themselves as not alone, but as integral parts of larger groups. They learn various small ways to begin to express kindness in their communities, belong and maybe experience that magic spark that comes from giving. Words cannot express the transformation that can occur when a child steps out from inside themselves and experience a caring world where they are a part of and have some control over. This feeling only grows like the mustard seed. Remember, it's never too late for us two grow and learn, "it is better to give than receive."