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Kindness and Forgiveness
Ouch, You Hit Me follows a young schoolgirl who, after an incident in the sand bin, aims to navigate and resolve interpersonal conflicts, showcasing the importance of communication over physical reactions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration behind the story came from my 5-year-old daughter and the conflicts she was having at school. She struggled a lot with speaking up for herself, and I realized this was a conversation we were having often. I noticed that if she struggled with it then I’m sure others did as well. So I decided to write a book about it to make it a teachable topic.
The art in the book is charming. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lalsho Bujer?
I found Lalsho on Fiver. It was difficult at times because she is located in a different country, so we had a big time difference, but overall her work is amazing and we pushed past obstacles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A few themes that were important to me are conflict resolution between children, teachers modeling language for children, and lastly kindness and forgiveness.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is titled We’re All Friends–a story about a boy named Knox and the valuable lesson he learns to include others when playing. He learns through a teachable moment that it is okay to have more than one friend in Pre-K. It will be available this upcoming May.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Compassionate and empowering, Ouch, You Hit Me, is a guide to help children navigate age-appropriate behaviors. This book is a great visual for children learning to use the power of words.
Ouch You Hit Me: a no hitting book for school-age children
Ouch, You Hit Me: A No Hitting Book for School-Age Children, by Precious Batten, offers a profound and practical lesson on conflict resolution, tailored specifically for young minds. This narrative introduces readers to Naomi, a character who experiences the challenges and complexities of interpersonal relationships firsthand when an incident occurs with her friend, Lori, in the school sand bin.
Batten’s tale is not just a story; it’s a valuable lesson in communication and self-control. As Naomi encounters the dilemma of her friend’s impulsive behavior, the narrative unfolds to reveal the importance of using words over physical reactions. This moment of conflict serves as a crucial teaching point: Naomi stands up for herself verbally, demonstrating to readers the power of articulate self-expression and the significance of advocating for one’s own well-being in a respectful manner.
What makes Batten’s approach particularly effective is the inclusion of an adult’s guidance, illustrating the valuable role that mentors and caregivers play in shaping a child’s understanding of right and wrong. This interaction not only resolves the immediate conflict but also imparts a lasting lesson on the importance of patience and understanding in friendships. The book’s illustrations are as compelling as its narrative, with vivid, eye-catching images that beautifully capture the emotions and actions of each moment. These illustrations serve as a visual reinforcement of the story’s messages, making the book accessible and engaging for children at various stages of literacy. Ouch, You Hit Me is not only an excellent tool for reading practice but also a quick and effective method for imparting important social skills.
Precious Batten’s Ouch, You Hit Me is an essential read for school-age children, offering a compelling narrative, valuable lessons in communication and empathy, and striking illustrations that bring the story to life. It is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, well-crafted children’s literature can have on developing minds, teaching them not just to read, but to understand and navigate the complexities of human relationships.
Pages: 26 | ASIN: B0CHWMCRX6
LITERARY TITAN 