Illustrated by Mary Gallagher. 32 p., Free Spirit, 2006.
When children are in foster care, they are often traumatized, confused, and full of conflicting emotions. This book explains that parents usually take good care of children, but sometimes they have problems that lead them to need help with this - problems like homelessness, substance abuse, and violence. Although relatives may help take care of children, so can police, social workers, and foster parents. The recurrent message of this book is "Kids are important. Kids need to be safe." Ms. Nelson explains in very simple language what foster parents do, and acknowledges some of the feelings kids have when they're in foster care. Notes for adults describe children's experiences in foster care and suggest caring responses, and refer adults to resources such as books and organizations. This book can be a soothing source of empathy for young children in foster care.
Ages: 3-8
Cultural Context: multicultural
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Jack's Talent by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
32 p., Farrar Straus Giroux, 2007.
Sometimes children may not be aware of attributes they could be proud of. Such is the case for Jack as he starts school. His teacher, Miss Lucinda, asks all the children in his class to tell her what their special talent is. When it's Jack's turn, he says that he isn't good at anything. But Miss Lucinda recognizes that he's good at remembering - he has remembered all the other children's names and talents. This story not only encourages children to identify their talents, but also shows them how to do this and gives examples of big and small things they can be proud of - from soccer and spelling to bug catching and dog training.
Ages: 2-6
Cultural Context: multicultural
Sometimes children may not be aware of attributes they could be proud of. Such is the case for Jack as he starts school. His teacher, Miss Lucinda, asks all the children in his class to tell her what their special talent is. When it's Jack's turn, he says that he isn't good at anything. But Miss Lucinda recognizes that he's good at remembering - he has remembered all the other children's names and talents. This story not only encourages children to identify their talents, but also shows them how to do this and gives examples of big and small things they can be proud of - from soccer and spelling to bug catching and dog training.
Ages: 2-6
Cultural Context: multicultural
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sharing Is Fun by Joanna Cole
Illustrated by Maxie Chambliss. 32 p., HarperCollins, 2004.
Andrew's friends Emily and Joshua are coming over for a play date. He and Mommy get ready by baking cookies and preparing a pitcher of juice. They also put away toys that Andrew doesn't want to share, and Mommy reminds him to share his other toys. The three preschoolers have fun playing, mostly each on his or her own. At one point Andrew wants to play with his fire truck while Emily is playing with it, and Mommy tells him it will be his turn when Emily is all done. He finds another toy to play with while he's waiting. Sharing is an important part of friendship, and this story shows young children how to share, and a way to cope when they can't have what they want.
Ages: 1-4
Cultural Context: European American
Andrew's friends Emily and Joshua are coming over for a play date. He and Mommy get ready by baking cookies and preparing a pitcher of juice. They also put away toys that Andrew doesn't want to share, and Mommy reminds him to share his other toys. The three preschoolers have fun playing, mostly each on his or her own. At one point Andrew wants to play with his fire truck while Emily is playing with it, and Mommy tells him it will be his turn when Emily is all done. He finds another toy to play with while he's waiting. Sharing is an important part of friendship, and this story shows young children how to share, and a way to cope when they can't have what they want.
Ages: 1-4
Cultural Context: European American
Sunday, March 1, 2009
How To Be by Lisa Brown
32 p., HarperCollins, 2006
Imagination is not only fun, but also, it's good for you. In encouraging children to make believe they are a bear, a monkey, and other animals, this story shows them that learning these animals' attributes will also teach them how to be human. For example, when you make believe you're a bear, you should be brave, and to be a person, you should also be brave. Together, the text and the rather old-fashioned color illustrations inspire a sense of playfulness. Children will understand that they can take make-believe with them into all aspects of their lives.
Ages: 0-3
Cultural Context: European American
Imagination is not only fun, but also, it's good for you. In encouraging children to make believe they are a bear, a monkey, and other animals, this story shows them that learning these animals' attributes will also teach them how to be human. For example, when you make believe you're a bear, you should be brave, and to be a person, you should also be brave. Together, the text and the rather old-fashioned color illustrations inspire a sense of playfulness. Children will understand that they can take make-believe with them into all aspects of their lives.
Ages: 0-3
Cultural Context: European American
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About the Author
- Jacqueline Golding, Ph.D.
- Jacqueline Golding, Ph.D. is a psychologist in private practice in Pleasanton, California who works with children, teens, and adults. A graduate of Yale University, Dr. Golding earned her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Central Contra Costa County Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health Service in Concord, California. She holds an appointment as Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco and has published over 100 articles in scientific and professional journals on topics such as trauma, depression, and cultural issues in mental health. Dr. Golding is represented by the Levine Greenberg Literary Agency.
