Tío Armando by Florence Parry Heide and Roxanne Heide Pierce

Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi. 32 p., Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1998.

To resolve grief, children need to keep someone they love in their heart even after the person has died. Lucitita's favorite great-uncle, Tío Armando, comes to live with her, her parents, and her brothers and sister. During a year in the family's life, Tío Armando shows kindness, generosity, wisdom, and a remarkable capacity to bring the family together. He tells Lucitita that he will never leave her. When he dies at the end of the year, Lucitita feels sadness beyond tears, and at the same time understands that he will always be with her, beautifully illustrating this paradoxical combination that is a central component of mourning.

Ages: 5-9
Cultural Context: Latina

Brenda Berman, Wedding Expert by Jane Breskin Zalben

Illustrated by Victoria Chess. 48 p., Clarion, 2009.

Sometimes a blended family comes in the form of the marriage of a favorite uncle who you thought you had all to yourself. Such is the case for Brenda when her favorite Uncle Harry announces his engagement. Brenda will have to share Uncle Harry not only with her new Aunt Florrie, but also with Florrie's niece, her new cousin Lucy. And to top it all off, Brenda has always dreamed very specific dreams of being a flower girl at a wedding, but now the wedding plans will be made according to Florrie's preferences. Brenda is absolutely sure that she'll never like Lucy or forgive Uncle Harry. But when things don't go the way she expects, she enlists Lucy in a plan to make them right. The two girls end up as good friends, Brenda's special vision is acknowledged and appreciated, and Brenda forgives Uncle Harry and accepts her new family. With Brenda, children can learn that even though you can't always have things the way you want them, you can not only survive what feels like disaster, but you can also discover good experiences that you never would have predicted.

Ages: 6-9
Cultural Context: European American

The Little Elephant With a Big Earache by Charlotte Cowan, MD

Illustrated by Elaine Garvin. 32 p., Hippocratic Press, 2004.

Earaches are virtually universal among young children. They can worry kids, particularly when they start during the night, as so often happens. This is the experience of Eddie the elephant, just when his cousins have come to celebrate his birthday with him. His mom takes his temperature, gives him medicine and lots of reassurance, and rocks him back to sleep. In the morning, she takes him to Dr. Hippo. Gentle Dr. Hippo asks Eddie's mom to monitor the fever and malaise and to bring him back if he gets worse. Eddie's infection clears up quickly on its own, and he enjoys his birthday party. Eddie is a good role model - he expresses his concerns, but tolerates discomfort. For example, he hates his bad-tasting medicine, but swallows it, and at Dr. Hippo's office, he wants to go home, but stays. He also takes good care of himself by finding his mom when he feels sick. There are some wonderful details of anthropomorphized elephant life - when it's time for dinner, Eddie's mom tells the kids to squirt themselves off! The illustrations are colorful and child-friendly, with very expressive faces. A separate guide for parents (in a pocket inside the back cover) gives helpful information and advice about caring for and seeking medical help for a child with an ear infection. Fun and exuberant while still acknowledging the realities of kids' fear and pain, this sweet story provides age-appropriate information and reassurance about ear infections.

Ages: 2-7
Cultural Context: non-human

Big Brother Dustin by Alden R. Carter

Illustrated by Dan Young and Carol Carter. 32 p., Whitman, 1997.

Dustin's parents bring home great news: they are going to have a baby girl. Dustin is very excited. He helps get the baby's room ready, takes a class for older siblings at the hospital, and, with his mother, reads a book about having a new baby in your family. But his biggest job is thinking of a name for the baby. He works hard at this, and comes up with the perfect name, MaryAnn, after his grandmothers, Mary and Ann. The story ends with a delightful album of pictures of Dustin and MaryAnn playing together. Dustin has Down syndrome. Illustrated with emotionally resonant color photographs, this story conveys excitement and warmth.

Ages: 3-7
Cultural Context: European American