Martine Agassi

Unlike most no-hitting books, this one describes more than one reason a kid might hit, and focuses on other, good things hands can do.

This board books doesn't focus on what children cannot do with their hands (hitting) but on everything that they can do. The pictures in the book are bright and colorful, there is no white space on the pages, the texturized backgrounds give the story a familiar feeling to children. They recognize the bricks on the building and the stripes on the wallpaper as things they have seen, which makes it easier to picture themselves in these situations. Children of all races and ethnicities show more participate in these productive activities. The last page of the book even offers helpful advice to deal with a child that is hitting and constructive ways to channel the anger they are feeling. show less

Summary
This book begins by explaining different shape, size, and colors of hands. Then it goes on by explaining what our hands are for like for saying hi, communicating, shaking hands, waving, and drawing. Hands are not for hitting because it hurts when we hit. It ask us why we may hit our friends maybe because we’re sad, jealous, scared, angry, or bossy. We can help those feelings by using our words, solve the problem together, listening, or telling a teacher. We use our hands for show more learning, painting, helping, taking care of yourself, or making music but not for hitting.
Personal Reaction
I love reading this book and the other books in the series because when we’re having behavioral problems in the classroom. It gives me another was I can reach the children other than just talking to them. I think the book shows children how to express their feelings or shows them different ways they can use their hands without making them feel bad about themselves.
Extension
We can trace our hands and cut them out and write (or teachers write) what we can do with our hands. Another activity we can do is make a song for when we feel angry or sad so it can remind us that hitting hurts or make us think of other ways to solve our problems. show less

Martine Agassi is a very talented author and this book portrays an educational understanding on why violence and hitting is never okay. It goes through a series of emotions that relay compassion and promoting good attitudes and respect that should be portrayed to everyone as they grow up.