Old Pig by Margaret Wild

Illustrated by Ron Brooks. 33 p., Dial, 1996. Old Pig and Granddaughter do the chores together every day, until one day Old Pig doesn't get up for breakfast. Knowing that she is going to die soon, she puts her affairs in order and takes one last long, slow walk around the town with Granddaughter, enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. She allows Granddaughter to care for her tenderly one last time. This story offers a sweet image of a loving goodbye. Ages 3-7

Hot Day on Abbott Avenue by Karen English

Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe. 32 p., Clarion, 2004. It can be hard to stay best friends when you're angry, and, as a neighbor points out, "Hot days sure can make tempers short.". On the hot, hot day in this story, Renée is furious at Kishi because Kishi bought the last blue ice pop, Renée's favorite, from the ice cream man. Kishi retorts that blue ice pops are her favorite, too. Each one plays alone a little, but mostly they do nothing. Adults try to get them both to help with things, but they see right through this, and refuse. But neither girl can resist the chants that go with double-Dutch jump rope, and both join in with a group of their friends. Gradually, the fun of jumping rope replaces their anger. And when the ice cream man comes again, all the girls except Renée get blue ice pops - and there are no more left. This time, Kishi shares with Renée, and soon the two feel good about being best friends again. This story is illustrated with stunning cut paper and found-object collages that are full of depth, texture, and energy. With Kishi and Renée, children will understand that even when you're angry, it's possible to soothe yourself, repair relationships, and be friends again. Ages 5-8

I'll Protect You From the Jungle Beasts by Martha Alexander

32 p., Dial, 1973. A toddler in one-piece pajamas assures his teddy bear that he'll protect Teddy from lions, tigers, and hyenas. As the child begins to feel that he's lost in the woods, the bear grows bigger and comforts the frightened child (who attributes his shaking and perspiration to fever), finally carrying him home to bed. The next morning, Teddy is back to his normal size. This story shows children at least two ways to cope with fear: to talk to themselves in a comforting way (as the boy talks to the teddy bear) and to use a comforting object (in this case, the bear). Ages 3-5

Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis

32 p., Harcourt, 2005.

Starting kindergarten can be scary, even if you know all about it because your older sister was once in kindergarten. Such is the case for Dex, who verbalizes that kindergarten is going to be "a piece of cake," but his facial expressions tell us otherwise. And also, his toy dog, Rufus, is just a little scared. Dex's sister, Jes, gives him lots of reassurance, but he still has lots of worries, and she has to drag him to his classroom. There, he acknowledges that there are "some kind of good surprises abotu kindergarten" - for example, his friend from preschool is in his class. The children hear stories, make art, cook, write, look at books, build with blocks, play dress-up, go to the library, and eat lunch at the cafeteria. Dex learns that there are custodians to help you when you accidentally spill your milk. But at the end of the day, Dex can't find Rufus. He's panicked. His teacher enlists Jes to help him look, and they retrace his steps, but they can't find him. Finally, Dex finds Rufus in the classroom. With happy relief, he decides not to bring Rufus to school any more. As the story ends, Dex looks forward to learning in kindergarten - he's already learned that "kindergarten rocks!" The colorful, almost childlike illustrations clearly express Dex's emotions. Children will learn that kindergarten rocks - and that even though you might lose your equanimity when you face a big change like starting kindergarten, you'll find it quickly.

Ages 4-8

Grandpa Loves by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Illustrated by Kathryn Brown. 26 p., HarperCollins, 2005. Children and grandparents can have a unique bond. In this story, a little pig's grandpa loves to do lots of fun things through all the seasons, always with the little one. Illustrated with gentle watercolors, this story clearly conveys the feeling that Grandpa is a loving, special friend and companion to the little one, and the sense that the little pig feels lovable as a result. Children who have a special grandpa will join with the little pig in the feelings of security and happiness in this relationship. Ages 4-6

Healing Stories in Be Inkandescent ezine

I'm delighted to announce that questions and answers about Healing Stories are featured in today's parenting column of Be Inkandescent, an ezine for entrepreneurs. The column, which you can access here, includes discussion of the benefits of stories, tips for using stories with children who are experiencing change or stress, and other questions that parents might have. I hope you enjoy reading it!