Title: Will Sheila Share?
Author/Illustrator: Elivia Savadier
Reading Level: Baby - Preschool
Hardcover: 24 Pages
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Sharing could be a mighty hard thing to do for toddlers. Many parents fret about their little ones refusing to share, but actually its quite natural and even developmentally appropriate. According to the noted pediatrician Dr. William Sears, toddlers don't really understand the concept of sharing until at least the age of four. Between the ages of 2 to 4, they are self-centered and possessive (even obsessed) about their precious belongings. If you have ever been to a play date, you might be able to relate with this problem very well. Two angry red-faced toddlers bickering over some toy might be the last thing you might want out of a play date. But, it is rather inevitable and pretty much what you can come to expect from it. Toddlers tend to be selfish and think everything revolves around them. They exhibit an 'EVERYTHING-IS-MINE' attitude and are reluctant to share their possessions with other kids. Toddlers are so overcome by fear of sharing that they think that they may never get it back again. Taking turns is still a wary concept for them. What could be a realistic expectation at this point, would be something called "Parallel Play", as they love to play side by side. You can surely anticipate trouble and tantrums(!) when you expect them to play 'with' one another AND share toys during a play date. As Parents, I encourage you to introduce the concept of sharing, by role modeling and appreciating good behavior, but please wait until kindergarten in order for them to grasp (and model) the concept of sharing!
In an attempt to address this intricate issue, the author of this picture book shares a little story about a girl named Sheila, who refuses to share her toys. To much of her friends disappointment, the angry, red-headed Sheila wants to keep her ball, bunny and candies to herself. Her friends wonder if Sheila will share. Apparently, When Sheila eats a box of cereal or some green beans, she has no problems sharing. When Nana comes to visit, she always shares a hug and a kiss. She even takes turns eating berries and drinking juice with Nana. But, Why wouldn't she extend that same good behavior towards her friends? With a little prod and lots of praise from Nana, Sheila eventually comes to understand that not sharing upsets people and sharing makes her happier than keeping everything to herself. The story is engaging, short and simple and the wondrous illustrations beautifully captures the fearful emotions of the child who finds herself in a perplexing situation. In real life, it might take longer than what it took Nana to turn the behavior around, but the book conveys a powerful message, that too in toddler's terms. This is one of my daughter's favorite books and I highly recommended it to parents of toddlers (Ages 2 - 5).
My Rating: 4.5/5
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