Abracadabra!: The Magic of Trying

This clever book teaches children how to face challenges and keep trying, despite setbacks, as a group of birds learn to fly.

Today was an important day at the little birds’ school.
Today was the day they all learned how to fly!
They jumped off the branch, opened their wings, and…flew! 

All of the little birds have learned to fly…except Little Owl. The others explain that it’s easy: all he has to do is say “abracadabra!” At first, it doesn’t work, and Little Owl thinks the “magic” word is broken! But as he gets better and better, he realizes that the real magic is in himself.

Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Ara J. Schmitt, PhD, that discusses ways to develop perseverance with your child.

Excerpt:

The development of perseverance is complex and unique to each child. The child’s environment, opportunity to take on new challenges, and the presence of an encouraging support system all play a role. The development of perseverance is aided by three key psychological concepts: strategies, effortful control, and a growth-oriented mindset. These concepts are crucial whether the challenge is posed by a classroom teacher, an athletic coach, a music instructor, or you!...

Some kids naturally persevere in the face of challenges, but most kids learn the skills necessary to persevere through the loving support of caregivers. By fostering task-specific strategies, effortful control, and a growth-oriented mindset, caregivers can help children become happy and successful adults!

Maria Loretta Giraldo is an Italian children’s writer based in Verona, Italy. She is the author of over 100 books published and translated all over the world. She works for publishers such as Giunti, Rizzoli, De Agostini, San Paolo, and many more. She is a long-term artistic partner of Nicoletta Bertelle. Follow her on Facebook: @marialoretta.giraldo1.

Nicoletta Bertelle has illustrated more than 80 books for many Italian and foreign publishers. One of her books was chosen by Rai TV for a cartoon, and she was selected in 2002 for the White Ravens list. She is published by Giunti, San Paolo, Grimm Press, and many more. She lives in Padua, Italy. Visit her at www.nicolettabertelle.it and follow her on Facebook: @nicolettabertelleillustratrice.