Reading event reminds kids they have someone to turn to when they’re feeling blue

Muhlenberg County elementary students participated in Read for the Record on Oct. 21, with students at the county’s grade schools and day care centers getting in on the fun.

The book students read is a special one, said Vicki Yonts, director of the early childhood learning program SOAR.

“We’re hoping they will talk a little about who is the person kids can turn to, and to let the kids know there are people who will listen if you have a problem,” Yonts said.

“If You Are Still Feeling Blue” was written by Chandler Greenwell to encourage kids to seek out friends and family who can help when they feel blue.

“It’s about encouraging kids to connect with others to help, and teaches coping skills,” Greenwell said. “If you’re feeling blue, tell somebody else, and that person may teach you a thing or two about what helps them.”

Toni Reynolds had her third-grade class at Longest Elementary open their copies of “If You Are Still Feeling Blue”. She reminded them not to put them in their desk, because the books belong to them to take home.

Toni Reynolds reads “If You Are Still Feeling Blue” to her third grade class at Longest Elementary School in Powderly. Monroe Carden reads along.

As she read the first page, the kids settled in to listen. She asked them throughout the story, if they could relate and a few hands shot up to answer. By the end, when the sad little caterpillar began to feel colorful again, a few ooos and ahhhhs were heard from the crowd.

The story follows a caterpillar who is feeling down. A series of characters teach him what helps them feel better when they are blue, and by the end, the caterpillar has a bunch of new coping tools and is feeling much better.

The book was donated by the Pennyroyal Center, and went to children from preschool to fifth grade, as well as local day care centers.

Yonts said they estimate 2,400 students will participate in the reading event.

Nathan Oiler signs a banner at Longest Elementary, as part of Read for the Record. Everyone who read along signed the banner, which reads “I matter at Longest Elementary”. (Leader-News photos/Stacie Barton)

Greenwell, who authored the book, is a prevention specialist with the Pennyroyal Center, based in Hopkinsville. The Pennyroyal Center provides mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental services in eight western Kentucky counties, with offices in Greenville and Central City.

Read for the Record is a nationwide movement which brings together millions of children as they read on the same day. Muhlenberg County kids have participated in the effort for several years.