Mom and Dad Don't Live Together Any More by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Nancy Lou Reynolds.29 p., Annick Press, 1984.

Feelings about divorce can be complicated. In this story, a girl lives with her brother and Mommy in the city, and spends weekends with Daddy in the country. Although she knows it won't happen, she can't help wishing that her parents would get back together again. She likes her life with each parent, and values what's special about her relationship with each one, although there's a sense of disruption in going back and forth, expressed in her wondering whether Santa Claus will know where to find her on Christmas. She struggles to understand why Mommy and Daddy can't make each other happy. But she finds comfort in knowing that she loves both parents and they both love her, "just not together." This sensitive portrayal of a child's complex feelings about divorce, and her work toward resolving what feel like inconsistencies, will resonate with children in similar situations.

Ages 4-8

Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley by Aaron Blabey

32 p., Front Street, 2008.

Being friends is about more than being alike. Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley are great friends, and they’re very different from each other. For example, Pearl likes to run amok, whereas Charlie likes to sit and think. But they’re friends because they care for each other. For example, when Pearl forgets her mittens, Charlie warms her hands in his. They use their strengths to support each other; for example, when Charlie is scared, Pearl helps him feel brave. The acrylic and mixed media illustrations are edgy and warm at the same time. This sweet story will deepen children’s understanding of the meaning of friendship.

Ages 4-8

Even If I Spill My Milk? by Anna Grossnickle Hines

32 p., Clarion, 1994.

Mama and Papa are getting ready to go out for the evening, and Jamie, who is about four years old and who is to stay with a babysitter, doesn't want them to go. He asks for, and receives, assurances of Mama's love, even if she is angry at him, or he is angry at her, or runs away, or is unaffectionate. He concludes that he doesn't want Mama to go out, but he still loves her - just in time for Mama to tuck him into bed before leaving. This story sensitively addresses feelings children might have about staying with a babysitter, and reassures them that their parents can contain and accept their feelings.

Ages 3-6

My Pal, Victor / Mi amigo, Victor by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Translated by Eida de la Vega. Illustrated by Robert L. Sweetland.32 p., Raven Tree, 2004.

Friendship can include finding similarities when differences are present, and appreciating each other’s uniqueness. In this bilingual (English and Spanish) book, Dominic describes what he values about his friend Victor – his imagination, his jokes, his encouragement, and his scary stories. He tells how they enjoy swimming, riding amusement park rides, and having sleepovers together. What Dominic likes best about Victor is that Victor accepts him just as he is. It isn’t until the last page that we see that Victor uses a wheelchair. The colorful illustrations effectively convey the fun the boys have together. Whether or not they use a wheelchair, children will see that disability is only one attribute among many, and less important than the qualities that make a good friend.

Ages 4-8