Squirrel's New Year's Resolution facts for kids

Squirrel's New Year's Resolution is a fun children's picture book from 2010. It was written by Pat Miller and beautifully illustrated by Kathi Ember. The story follows a character named Squirrel as she tries to understand and make a New Year's resolution. At first, she has no idea what a resolution is. Her friend Bear helps her learn about it.

Squirrel then spends her time helping her friends, like Skunk, Mole, Turtle, and Porcupine, with their own resolutions. But even after helping everyone else, Squirrel still can't think of a resolution for herself. In the end, her friend Rabbit points out that Squirrel has actually been making a resolution all along: to help someone every single day. This book teaches about friendship, helping others, and setting goals.

What is a New Year's Resolution?

A New Year's resolution is a promise you make to yourself. People usually make these promises at the start of a new year. The goal is to improve something in your life. It could be about learning a new skill. It might be about being kinder to others. Or it could be about taking better care of yourself.

Why Do People Make Resolutions?

People make resolutions for many reasons. It is a chance for a fresh start. The new year feels like a clean slate. It is a time to think about what you want to achieve. It is also a time to consider how you can grow. Many people use resolutions to set personal goals. They aim to become better versions of themselves.

Common Types of Resolutions

Many resolutions focus on health. People might promise to exercise more. They might decide to eat healthier foods. Other resolutions are about learning. Someone might resolve to read more books. They might want to learn a new language. Helping others is also a popular resolution. This could mean volunteering or being more helpful at home.

The Story of Squirrel's Journey

In the book, Squirrel is curious about New Year's resolutions. She hears her friends talking about them. But she doesn't know what they mean. Bear explains the idea to her. He tells her it's a promise to do something good. Squirrel then wants to make her own resolution.

Squirrel Helps Her Friends

Squirrel meets several friends who are trying to make resolutions. She offers to help each one.

• Skunk wants to stop stinking. Squirrel helps him find a way to smell better.
• Mole wants to see the world. Squirrel helps him explore above ground.
• Turtle wants to be faster. Squirrel encourages him to move a little quicker.
• Porcupine wants to be less prickly. Squirrel helps him find ways to be gentle.

Squirrel's Own Resolution

After helping everyone, Squirrel feels a bit sad. She still hasn't thought of a resolution for herself. She feels like she's missed out. But then Rabbit, her wise friend, points something out. Rabbit tells Squirrel that she has been helping others all along. This act of kindness was her resolution. She had resolved to help someone every day. She just didn't realize it.

Lessons from the Book

Squirrel's New Year's Resolution teaches important lessons. It shows that helping others is valuable. It also teaches that good deeds can be a resolution. Sometimes, we do good things without even planning them. The book highlights the joy of giving. It also shows the power of friendship.

The Importance of Helping Others

The story emphasizes how important it is to help friends. Squirrel goes out of her way for others. Her actions make a big difference. Helping others can make you feel good too. It creates a positive impact on the world. Even small acts of kindness count.

Discovering Your Own Strengths

Squirrel learns about her own strength. She discovers her natural kindness. The book shows that resolutions don't always have to be grand. They can be simple acts of goodness. It encourages readers to look at their own actions. They might find they are already living out a good resolution.

About the Author and Illustrator

Pat Miller is the author of Squirrel's New Year's Resolution. She has written many books for children. Her stories often teach about important values. Kathi Ember is the illustrator. Her artwork brings the characters to life. Her drawings help tell the story. They make the book enjoyable for young readers.