“You Should You Should” Review and Activity

by Kathy Porter

As my first book review on Yarn Spinning Mama, I’m thrilled to recommend a book written and illustrated by my very own cousin, Ginny Tilby! It’s called, You Should, You Should.

This timely book is about a lovable hippo. His peers want him to try things they can do well, instead of swimming, which is what hippos do well. He wants his peers to like him, so he tries the different challenges they encourage him to do but, in some cases, he hurts himself. Finally, he tells everyone he should just be himself and do what he knows he can do best.

These days, social media challenges are sometimes dangerous, Ginny’s book encourages children to be happy with who they are and what they do best instead of trying things just to please their peers.

To listen to this talented author and illustrator read her book, click here. To buy a copy, click here.

Sources:

Sawyer J. Wylie, PharmD, Specialist in Poison Information, Utah Poison Control Center. “Dangerous Social Media Challenges.” University of Utah Health. Dec. 15, 2022. https://poisoncontrol.utah.edu/news/2022/12/dangerous-social-media-challenges

Braine, Theresa,” Social media challenges pose dangers to even the most well-adjusted kids, experts say.” Dallis Morning News. Updated at 5:45 AM on Oct 6, 2022 CDT. Tribune News Service. https://www.dallasnews.com/business/technology/2022/10/06/social-media-challenges-pose-dangers-to-even-the-most-well-adjusted-kids-experts-say/

The hats could be made to fit a child’s head or made small to attach to a bulletin board display. Perhaps a display could have the title: You Should, You Should Be You!

Before making the hat, ask the child or children to talk about or list things they are good at doing or things that make them special. Ideas might be singing, drawing, being kind, or being happy. Also, talk about how hippos are excellent swimmers and they can hold their breath for five minutes. Everybody is special and good at something.

Supplies:

A large square piece of paper for each child (grocery store ad, newspaper, gift wrap, or butcher paper), scissors, ruler, tape, and markers, stickers, or crayons to decorate the hat.

Directions:

1. Measure and cut each paper to make a square with 17.5 inch sides. If you use a grocery ad or newspaper fold it diagonally to make a triangle and cut off the excess.
2. Fold and crease the paper in half with the fold at the top.
3. Fold in half again to make a middle crease.
4. Fold top corners to the center to form a triangle.
5. Put a small piece of tape in the middle.
6. Fold open ends up 1 inch on front and back.
7. Repeat on the other side.
8. Fold down the end and tape it down. Repeat on the other end.
9. Decorate the hat in your own special way.