Bestselling Author Jon Gordon Encourages Kids to Overcome Bullies and Negativity in his First Children’s Book
First day jitters and excitement are a part of every kid's school year.
They wonder – Will I like my new teacher? Who will I sit next to? Will I
make new friends? Will I have any trouble with my homework or other
classmates? To keep kids looking forward to the positive aspects of
everyday, author Jon Gordon has created an illustrated adaptation of his
bestselling fable The Energy Bus, taking children on an
enlightening and inspiring ride that will positively impact them at
school and home.
The
Energy Bus for Kids: A Story about Staying Positive and Overcoming
Challenges (Wiley, August 2012; Hardcover and ebook;
$16.95; ISBN: 978-1-118-28735-4) follows, George, a regular kid
having a bad day. He woke up sleepy, skipped breakfast, nearly missed
his bus and is teased by bullies at school. But when Joy, the bus
driver, puts on the brakes and invites him on board, his attitude starts
to change.
Joy helps George understand that he has the power to choose his
attitude. She also teaches him that he has the power to keep bullies
away and how to deal with them the next time he is picked on. She shows
George that if he believes in himself, has a positive vision for the
future, and fuels his ride with positive energy, he'll find the strength
to overcome any challenge.
The Energy Bus for Kids’ parable format shows children how
to overcome negativity, bullies, and everyday challenges to be their
best and share their positive energy with others. It also explores five
rules for the "Ride of Your Life" including:
1. Create a positive vision
2. Fuel your ride with positive energy
3. No bullies allowed
4. Love your passengers
5. Enjoy the ride
“The earlier we teach kids how to deal with negativity, and its many
forms including the school bully, the better,” says Gordon. “In this
story, kids learn why bullying is wrong and how their positive energy
must be greater than all the negativity. Negativity is a part of
life, but teaching children how to overcome it is one of the most
important things we can do.”
Gordon also shares tips for being a positive
parent and ideas on the power of a positive educator
that are inspired from his own journey to instill positivity in his own
children. In addition, at the end of the story he provides complimentary
resources for parents and teachers, including a discussion and activity
guide for utilizing the book at home and in the classroom, on the book’s
website www.EnergyBusKids.com.
