Tyaja Uses the THiNK Test

Reviews

"Mindfulness teacher Ms. Snowden begins this book by saying, "Let's talk about the power of words," and that is exactly what it accomplishes. This is an easy-to-understand book about the importance of consciously selecting words that are True, Helpful, Necessary, and Kind. When Ms. Snowden writes the acronym THNK on the board, she explains that the missing "i" represents the thinker in the THiNK Test. Later that day, Tyaja, a little black girl with kinky-curly hair, decides to tell her friend Rosie, a little white girl, that she does not like Rosie's new haircut. Suddenly "four tiny winged people" appear, each representing one of the words in the THiNK Test acronym. These wee advisers give Tyaja enough information about the words they represent to help her determine whether what she wants to tell Rosie passes the THiNK Test. "Isn't there a difference between an opinion and the truth?" asks Mr. True. Miss Helpful suggests that, since Rosie can't do anything about her haircut anyway, Tyaja's offering that opinion is anything but. This book is part of a series (Sergio Sees the Good, 2019, etc.) that features children of different races and abilities in various social learning situations. In this particular offering, the skin tones and facial features of some of the characters change significantly from page to page, which may distract readers. A great book to share with children for social-emotional learning. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-10) " — Kirkus Reviews

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 5 Stars!

What did you like about the book? This book is a wonderful tool to help children make the right choices in communicating with others.One young girl named Tyaja puts this process to the test when she wants to comment on her friend’s new haircut. Tyaja does not like her haircut and feels that she is being truthful and it is necessary to tell her friend how she feels. However, she is visited by the “THINK fairies” and they help her work through this dilemma. This was important because children can walk through their own scenarios and determine what they would do in situations in their own lives.

To whom would you recommend this book? Perfect for children between the ages of five and eight.

Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries, anyone who works with children between the ages of five and eight.

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

"These delightful, captivating books are full of powerful practical methods for kids - and their parents." — Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, and Buddha’s Brain