Childhood Fears10 PICTURE BOOKS THAT HELP CHILDREN DEAL WITH LIFE’S CHALLENGES Is your child angry and rebellious? Does she dread going to the dentist or facing a bully at school? Sooner or later all children have problems. Some children experience divorce, death, or trauma at an early age. Others simply confront the normal fears and frustrations of growing up. Many parents and teachers have discovered that books can be wonderful therapy for children. Without life experience, children do not know what to do when problems arise. Books teach children the consequences of behavior–what actions get rewarded and what doesn’t work. Books also suggest ways children can cope with their emotions if a problem can’t be solved. In addition, a well-chosen book can provide a way for parents and teachers to talk indirectly about difficult subjects. Sometimes a book will feature an animal character or use humor to make a point. This allows children to get some distance from their frustrations or even laugh about them. The following is a list of 10 books that help young children deal with common problems: THE KNIGHT WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK by Barbara Shook Hazen Brave Sir Fred has a secret. Although he’s not scared of spiders and monsters, Sir Fred is afraid of the dark. A good book about facing and overcoming fears. Ages 4 to 8 THE TENTH GOOD THING ABOUT BARNEY by Judith Viorst When Barney the cat dies, everyone is sad. Barney’s family decide to have a funeral and think of all the nice things they can say about Barney. A good book about death and grieving the loss of a loved one. Ages 4 to 8 GRUMLEY THE GROUCH by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat J. Grumley Badger is the biggest grouch in the neighborhood. But when he meets Brunhilda, he find he’s met his match. But soon the two grouches discover that there are actually things to like in the world. A book about attitude adjustment. Ages 4 to 8 THE RAT AND THE TIGER by Keiko Kasza Rat and Tiger are friends. But Tiger is a big, tough fellow who always gets his way. What can Rat do about it? A story about bullies and what to do about them. Ages 3 to 7 JULIUS, THE BABY OF THE WORLD by Kevin Henkes Lilly mouse is jealous of her new baby brother, Julius. So Lilly seeks revenge in a number of hilarious ways. She paints a family portrait and leaves Julius out and she tells him, “If you were a number, you’d be a zero.” But things change fast when a visiting cousin insults Julius. A wonderful book about jealousy and love. Ages 3 to 7 THANK YOU, MR. FALKER by Patricia Polacco Unlike other children Trisha cannot learn to read. All the letters and numbers get jumbled in her head. A personal tribute to the teacher who helped the author overcome a painful learning disability. Ages 5 to 8 TWO HOMES by Claire Masurel Sometimes Alex lives at Daddy’s house and sometimes he lives with Mommy. But wherever he goes, Alex is loved. A comforting story that reassures children of divorced parents that they are still loved by both parents. Ages 3 to 7 LEO THE LATE BLOOMER by Robert Kraus A book that shows children that it’s O.K. if they can’t do everything other children can do. Leo, a tiger cub, can’t read, write, draw, or talk and his father is worried. But Leo’s mother knows her son just isn’t ready yet. A good book to build self-esteem. Ages 4 to 8 THE BIG ORANGE SPLOT by Daniel Pinkwater Mr. Plumbean paints his house in an imaginative and colorful way then landscapes his yard with palm trees, a hammock, and an alligator. But the neighbors don’t like it. A book that teaches children to think outside the box. Ages 3 to 8 LOUD EMILY by Alexis O’Neill This picture book champions the cause of loud children and spunky girls. Smart, sassy, and engaging with a satisfying conclusion. The unusual illustrations give the book a charming, homespun look. Ages 3 to 7 |
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