25 p., Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1984.
Badger is old and unable to walk without a cane, and knows that it will be time to die soon. He isn't afraid of this; just concerned about his friends' experiences of losing him. After writing a brief goodbye note to them, Badger dies - expressed as an extraordinary dream of running down a tunnel. Badger's friends lovingly remember all the things he's taught them to do well. Each of these skills is a special gift. To one of the animals, it seems as if Badger can feel his gratitude for this gift. This story shows children that although sadness is part of death, so is keeping with us something we've gained from our closeness with the person who has died.
Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: non-human
Cultural context: non-human
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Incredible Me! by Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 32 p., HarperCollins, 2003.
In this rhyming book, a girl joyfully celebrates her unique individuality. No one else has the same nose, the same smile, or even the same way of chewing, crying, or itching. Because of this, she sees herself as marvelous, spectacular, adorable, and incredible. This book will promote a positive self-image that's based on uniqueness, rather than competition, perfectionism, or a need to ignore one's limitations.
Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American
In this rhyming book, a girl joyfully celebrates her unique individuality. No one else has the same nose, the same smile, or even the same way of chewing, crying, or itching. Because of this, she sees herself as marvelous, spectacular, adorable, and incredible. This book will promote a positive self-image that's based on uniqueness, rather than competition, perfectionism, or a need to ignore one's limitations.
Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lost and Found: Remembering A Sister by Ellen Yeomans
Illustrated by Dee deRosa. 33 p., Centering Corporation, 2000.
A girl describes her and her family's emotional reactions when her older sister, Paige, dies of cancer. Her sense of emptiness is especially poignant. The girl introduces the idea that someone who has died is "lost" while being clear that Paige has, in fact, died. This allows her to use the metaphor of "finding" Paige to describe finding a new way to be connected to her after her death - she finds Paige in her heart. The illustrations often have a semi-abstract quality and are evocative of the feelings expressed in the text. Each also includes one emotionally loaded word, such as "lost," "sorry," "anger," "alone," "love." This story offers children empathy with their loss and hope for its resolution.
Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: not stated
Cultural context: not stated
A girl describes her and her family's emotional reactions when her older sister, Paige, dies of cancer. Her sense of emptiness is especially poignant. The girl introduces the idea that someone who has died is "lost" while being clear that Paige has, in fact, died. This allows her to use the metaphor of "finding" Paige to describe finding a new way to be connected to her after her death - she finds Paige in her heart. The illustrations often have a semi-abstract quality and are evocative of the feelings expressed in the text. Each also includes one emotionally loaded word, such as "lost," "sorry," "anger," "alone," "love." This story offers children empathy with their loss and hope for its resolution.
Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: not stated
Cultural context: not stated
Sunday, March 7, 2010
My Mom Travels a Lot by Caroline Feller Bauer
Illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker. 38 p., Puffin, 1981.
A girl describes the advantages and disadvantages of her mom's frequent travel. The girl misses Mom's goodnight kiss, and Mom misses some important events. The house is sloppier, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage in the girl's eyes. And Dad just isn't as good at finding the girl's boots as Mom is. On the other hand, the girl gets to go to the airport and to eat at restaurants more often, and gets phone calls, postcards, and presents. And the biggest advantage is that Mom always comes home. This story offers acknowledgment of children's unhappiness about their parents' traveling, along with reassurance that their parents will always come home.
Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American
A girl describes the advantages and disadvantages of her mom's frequent travel. The girl misses Mom's goodnight kiss, and Mom misses some important events. The house is sloppier, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage in the girl's eyes. And Dad just isn't as good at finding the girl's boots as Mom is. On the other hand, the girl gets to go to the airport and to eat at restaurants more often, and gets phone calls, postcards, and presents. And the biggest advantage is that Mom always comes home. This story offers acknowledgment of children's unhappiness about their parents' traveling, along with reassurance that their parents will always come home.
Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
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.
