Tooth Fairy's First Night by Anne Bowen

Illustrated by Jon Berkeley. 28 p., Carolrhoda, 2005.

Here’s a story about losing a tooth from a tooth fairy’s point of view. Sally is seven years old, and is becoming a tooth fairy just like her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. To be a real tooth fairy, she has to get her first tooth. Having been advised to be patient, to look on the bright side of things, to get that tooth, and to be sure not to wake a child, she flies off into the night. Under the child’s pillow, instead of a tooth, she finds a note telling her that she’ll have to find the tooth using clues the child has left for her. As she finds each clue, she uses her foremothers’ advice, and she finally finds the tooth. And she leaves the child with her own treasure hunt. Accompanied by lovely, night-hued watercolor illustrations, this humorous, encouraging story shows children a new side of losing a tooth.

Ages 5-8

My Grandpa Had a Stroke by Dori Hillestad Butler

llustrated by Nicole Wong.32 p., Magination, 2007.

When someone close has a stroke, this can require a significant adjustment for children. Ryan loves to fish with Grandpa every Saturday, until one Saturday Grandpa can’t come because he is hospitalized with a stroke. His father explains in a gentle, age-appropriate way what a stroke is, and his mother validates the need to cry when you’re sad, regardless of your age. As Ryan visits Grandpa at the hospital, and then later at a rehabilitation facility, he feels worried and distressed when Grandpa doesn’t look quite like himself and says uncharacteristic things. It’s hard for him to see his grandfather like this. Ryan’s mother reassures him that although Grandpa may never be the same, he is still Ryan’s grandpa and still loves him. Eventually, Grandpa comes to live with Ryan. He seems unhappy at first, but Ryan thinks of the perfect way to cheer Grandpa – and himself – up: with Mom’s help, he takes Grandpa fishing. Both Ryan and Grandpa find a new way to do what they’ve always loved doing together. An afterword for parents gives helpful suggestions about ways to talk with kids about a stroke, respond to kids’ feelings about it, and help kids cope. The softly colored illustrations suggest a world of kindness and caring. With Ryan, children will feel they’re not alone, and will find ways to cope with a loved one’s stroke.

Ages 5-8

Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobbie

32 p., Little, Brown, 1997.

Toot and Puddle (two pigs) are best friends. Puddle likes to stay home, and Toot likes to travel. When Toot takes his longest trip ever, he has adventures around the world, while Puddle has adventures at home. Toot's story is told in his postcards to Puddle. They are happily reunited at the end of the story. There is a nice sense of equality of the two friends' experiences. Children will understand that friendship gives both individuals room to be themselves (even if it means being apart) as well as joyful togetherness.

Ages 3-7

Harriet's Recital by Nancy Carlson

32 p., Carolrhoda, 2006.

Worries about performing are common among children. They will identify with Harriet, a little dog who loves her ballet class, but is terrified by the thought of a recital. As her class is dancing onto the stage, Harriet is crying, saying she can’t do it, and rejecting her teacher’s suggestion to take a deep breath. But she has to go on stage anyway, and once there, she takes two deep breaths, begins her steps, and finds herself dancing. When she is absorbed in her dance, she seems to forget all about her fear. The recital ends with compliments from her parents. The author’s vibrant, charming, illustrations clearly convey Harriet’s changing emotions. Harriet shows children that even when they’re scared, they can perform well.

Ages 3-7