Kindergators: Hands Off, Harry!: A Gentle Story about Learning Personal Space and Respect for Children

Kindergators

by Rosemary Wells

“Wells' details of the kindergarten classroom are spot-on, and, as always, her illustrations, rendered here in textured mixed-material collages, perfectly capture young children's body language and emotions.” -Booklist

Beloved picture book author-illustrator Rosemary Wells brings her signature humor and trademark knack for understanding young readers to issues of personal space in the first book in the Kindergator series. Perfect for classroom use or for reading and sharing at home.

"Guess what happened at school today!"

Kindergators work and play happily in Miss Harmony's class. But Harry isn't being a good classmate! He's disrupting Friendly Circle, causing accidents, and upsetting the class. Can the Kindergators find a way to help Harry learn to respect personal space?

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Teaching, Animals, Kids, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've enjoyed reading so many books by Rosemary Wells that I just assumed this would be a hit. I no longer have a kindergartener, our youngest just "graduated," so I figured that this wouldn't be too babyish for her yet. The narrative was interesting and the illustrations are very likable, even for alligators. I liked the mixed media for the textured skin of the little alligators, it was very subtle and creative mixed in with the rest of the cartoon-like illustrations.

The story is probably useful for teachers and parents to describe appropriate and inappropriate behavior and the proper uses of our hands (shake a hand, hold a hand, lend a hand). But truly, the story seemed a bit forced, as if the lesson was more important than the story and it just seemed overly didactic. It's so hard to have a lesson incorporated into a story seemlessly, where the lesson does not overwhelm the story.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't decide whether this book is brilliant or horrific.

Brilliant
~First book I've read in a LONG time where the students' names seem authentic (Babette, Miracle, Jazzmin, Raul).
~Harry isn't miraculously "cured" of naughty behavior...
~...AND HE KEEPS MESSING UP.
~Benjamin's too-small spare set of clothes made me LOL.
~Classroom meetings, thinking chairs, super-cheesy teacher -- sounds like a real classroom to me!

Horrific
~What if a teacher uses this book TOTALLY SERIOUSLY, rather than with a half-smile at its earnestness (which is how I would probably use it)?
~Honestly, if a teacher used this book with a completely straight face, I'd love to see how students react to its message.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is didactic which I usually don't enjoy but my Kindergartner LOVES this book. He relates to the problems the classmates face when one child doesn't behave well. It was also good for him to see that Harry was awarded the gold star (for his improvement) even though the other kids followed the rules the whole time. The illustrations were great and we loved the appearance of texture on the gators skin! This is BY FAR our favorite Kindergarten book.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so much about this book.
1. How to use time out as an effective tool for self reflection and not simply punishment
2. Focusing on respect as a primary attribute to teach kids (respect for each other and respect for scenarios).
3. Redirecting other kids away from the child you’re attempting to discipline/teach so that doesn’t become a show for the other children.
4. Actions have consequences.
5. How we can use our hands positively and negatively, and presenting examples of both.
6. Discussing behavior with everyone so it’s an opportunity to learn for all (when that behavior is affecting many), having that discussion include the children’s voices so they are actively learning how to come up with solutions on their own, and allowing those who have been harmed the space to be heard.
7. The importance of true apologies and reconciliation.
8. How issues are not often resolved once and never come up again but are sometimes an ongoing process.
9. Allowing for those who have made mistakes to change and honor their repentance and change instead of writing them off. Also providing them the opportunity and space to demonstrate that change.
10. Praising and reinforcing when that good change has come about instead of using further negative language or reminding them of how they had messed up previously.

Look at that list! So much good stuff to unpack with your kiddos! You could keep coming back to this book over and over again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story about kindergators clearly written by a kindergator teacher! Harry has a hard time keeping his hands to himself. Throughout the day with prompting, discipline, reminders, and encouragement, he finally wins the day by using his hands for helping and not hurting. In the back are suggestions for educators on how to use the story in the classroom. I love the neon colors, and the texture in the art. The gators look so touchable! But only have actual texture on the cover.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the artwork in this book. This book is about an annoying kid who keeps getting into trouble and doesn't know how to be mindful of other people's personal space. I also liked the note about tone in your apologies and being sincere. It's cute but must be read more than once because of the length for the target age group.

[Danielle Mootz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I literally love the idea set forth in this book to help Harry keep his hands off everyone else and their things. I got a little Harry at home that needs to learn how to respect other people's personal space too!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've been reading a lot of books about being respectful lately and this is by far my favorite. It's a fun story but also one that resonates and does a really good job of showing certain behaviors from the perspective of others.

[Well-Read Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may have your own Harry out there and this book just might help you deal!

https://wellreadmama.com/from-one-mot...

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool patterns on the clothing

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach kids about personal space and making good choices with hands.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many children that need movement and are just a hands-on type of kid. On the flip side, it is hard on the other students when they have a classmate that does not know how to respect others personal space. In this book, Harry could represent many of those children on either side of the coin. Harry finds himself getting in trouble because he knocks over others, pokes at others and just has a hard time staying still and keeping his hands to himself. The story is gentle and makes for a good teaching tool for preschoolers and kindergarteners on the importance of learning personal space. The students help Harry's teacher problem solve and offer a solution to help Harry remember the hands rule. It ends with a happy outcome for Harry that gives him a feeling of importance. Something children need when they do not understand how to make the right choices when it comes to personal space.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork was really cute, and parts of the story were great, but overall, it didn't excite me. I had trouble with the ways that the teacher handled troublesome Harry. He was clearly desperate for attention, even negative attention, but the teacher's "punishments" only permitted him to draw more attention to himself. It was only when one of the kids came up with an innovative idea that Harry learned his lesson. I'm not sure that the author meant to portray the teacher as mildly incompetent, but that's how she came across to me.

[Jesika La Bryer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traditional Literature: Picture Book. Copyright: 2011
Being the mother of boys I had an instant connection to the book. Harry is a typical little alligator who does not respect others space, he is not a very nice friend and he upsets his classmates. Together Mrs. Harmony and the Kindergators teach Harry to respect others personal space. I think this would be a great book for kinders (hence the name) to teach about personal space in a humorous, lovely illustrated book.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect story for introducing rules in the classroom. Harry cannot keep his hands to himself, and the other students are annoyed by it. The teacher redirects other students while as the same time working on Harry's behavior. The story culminates in a gathering at the friendship circle where everyone has a chance to share how Harry's behavior makes them feel. A note at the end of the book suggests ways to encourage classroom harmony.

[Jessica Fell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cute story about a "kindergater" who keeps doing things that get him into trouble. I liked this story because it is funny, entertaining, and teaches young children lessons about personal space and good and bad consequences to their behavior. I think this is a good book for children in preschool or kindergarten because the book focuses on teaching children behaviors they need to know as soon as the get into a social environment.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindergators: Hands off, Harry is a great book to discuss citizenship in the classroom. Harry, an alligator is rude to his friends until after a class meeting, he apologizes. I liked the book. It was long enough to use for a lesson, but not too long so that other activities could be used to extend the content knowledge. The author chose to use alligators as characters to keep the students' attention. This book is a concept Kindergarten level book.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)]

Harry doesn't get appropriate personal space, following directions, or manners. The other children and the teacher are a bit fed up. I can see where this is going...not sure that the solution would be appropriate. But maybe I am looking at this one too much from my administrator lens.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, Rosemary Wells does didactic a lot better than, say, Joy Berry, but this is still incredibly didactic. Useful for teachers and parents, but I feel kind of sorry for Harry, who is basically Max in an alligator suit and therefore should triumph over all the Rubies!

[Suburban Homeschooler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. For K-1 to learn about personal space. Not my favorite example of a teacher handling this type of child. I do like..."you used your hands for helping!" Drawing attention to all the good and positive ways kiddos can be.

[Kate Copeseeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son has had some "hands off" issues this year, and this fantastic book not only has some great conversation starters for before and after reading this story (at the back of the book), but it models how not to behave. I also love that the main character redeems himself in the end.

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for kids who need to learn how to play well with others. Excellent!

Check out my blog for more:
http://bookgirlknitting.blogspot.com/

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Really preachy, but good if a child needs to learn to keep his hands to himself.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!

[Lynda Shoup · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+ for the early learning crowd! Wonderful book about personal space and problem solving.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably very good for a school reading.

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

i hope this ends up being a series

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tongue in cheek classroom humor- all manner of 'inside' jokes about classroom vocabulary.
Amusing and a pleasant lesson in cooperating at school. Great teacher gift, cute kindergators!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad to see Rosemary Wells can draw something other than bunnies.

[Deb Tyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best line..."Harry is disrespecting the thinking chair!" HA! :)

I wish I could feel the texture of the alligators' skin in this picture book.