PHOTO SOURCE: Timmary on DepositPhotos.com
Are you familiar with the idea of a “bucket filler?” I only learned about it myself a few years ago. It’s something that they implement in some schools.
“Buckets” are an imaginary thing. Everyone has a “bucket.” The idea is that you are suppose to show kindness, empathy and good behavior towards others. It can be in the form of a friendly greeting, words of encouragement, helping out a friend with their homework and other good deeds.
When you “fill” someone’s “bucket” with these behaviors and gestures, you also fill your “bucket.”
You can also “dip into” or take away from someone’s “bucket” (and your own) by doing the opposite behaviors such as being mean, bullying, name calling, or other negative behaviors.
It’s an interesting concept, one that I appreciate because I can use it in my work setting too since most kinds in our school district are familiar with the concept (the lower elementary kids still use “buckets”).
There is an adorable new book that was released this month that helps emphasis the idea of “filling buckets.”
The book is called Buddy the Bucket Filler. It’s written by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud, and illustrated by Julia Seal.
Carol McCloud is the author of the Bucket Fillers series of books.
Buddy, a boy who lives in the city, can’t wait to visit his Uncle Frank, who lives in the countryside. Chicken coop and farm animals… there’s never a dull moment when hanging out on a farm. When Buddy’s dad drops him off at Uncle Frank’s, he gives Buddy his allowance. Buddy can spend the money on anything he wants! This will be the best week ever! How will Buddy choose to spend his allowance? Find out through this heartfelt story that illustrates the concept of bucket filling – acts of kindness that increases happiness for all.
I received a copy of the book to review.
First and foremost, I love the illustrations are charming. They are very colorful and help to bring this story alive.
This book is easy enough to read. It’s geared towards children ages 5-7, but younger and older children can read and enjoy this book as well. Plus the wonderful things Buddy does in the story to fill buckets can be utilized by children regardless of their age.
I think this book would make a great bed time story, as well as something that could open up a family discussion on other ways we can fill other people’s “buckets,” INCLUDING adults because I think adults should take this concept to heart too. Obviously as adults we won’t look think of people having cute plastic sand buckets that need to be filled, but we can take heart the idea of this book and be kind, empathic and caring towards others.
Look for this book on Amazon(non-affiliate link), as well as where other books are sold. It’s published by Cardinal Rule Press (CardinalRulePress.com). Check out their website for more wonderful books.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of the book in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
