About Side by Side Books
Side by Side Books are a new teaching tool created for educators and parents of young children.
The books are formatted in a unique way to help children understand the perspectives of others, develop empathy, and grow their emotional connection with others.
The book design sets out two perspectives of the same story, one on each side of the open book pages. It provides opportunity for parent/teacher/reader to pause and engage children in discussion about the differences or similarities of the same situation from two different perspectives, to discuss emotions, points of view, and differences in a way that is fun and easy to understand.
The books feature colourful, whimsical pictures by illustrator Saavi K that will capture children’s attention and present learning in a fun and enjoyable way.
About the Book
Shellie Goes on an Adventure
When Shellie the turtle falls out of the backyard fountain, she’s thrilled by the chance to go on an adventure. But her family is worried that she’s lost and has no idea where to start looking for her!
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Shellie Goes on an Adventure is the first book in the Side by Side Books series. These unique books are formatted to tell the same story from two points of view: in this case from that of the adventurous turtle and of her very worried family.
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Side by Side Books are formatted to help children understand the perspectives of others, develop empathy, and grow their own emotional connection with others. These books are powerful tools for parents and educators to introduce young children to situations that change based on different perspectives. They provide an opportunity to discuss emotions, points of view, and differences in a fun way
Melanie Zigman
About the Author
Melanie Zigman recently retired and decided to pursue her passion and write a children's book. Shellie Goes on an Adventure is based on a true story, and the Side by Side Books concept sprang out of a conversation around her own family turtle’s harrowing escape, and how fun it must have been for the turtle, despite being so scary for her family.
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When she isn’t writing, Melanie enjoys kayaking, hiking, and volunteering. She lives in Collingwood, Ontario.
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