Telling Isn't Tattling by Kathryn Hammerseng

Illustrated by Dave Garbot. 31 pages. Parenting Press, 1995.

The first page of this book explains the difference between tattling and telling. The following pages offer 13 vignettes, followed by a question about whether a character was tattling or telling. The clear implication is that tattling is not appropriate, but telling is not only appropriate, but necessary. The vignettes include abusive or potentially abusive situations such as one in which a mom asks her daughter not to tell about dad's violence toward mom, one in which a boy asks a girl to pull her pants down, one in which a girl's dad's (male) friend suggests that he touch her all over, and one in which a stranger promises children ice cream if they get into his car. The author explains that it's appropriate for children to tell in these situations. This book will help children understand when they should tell a trusted adult, which could help avert otherwise dangerous situations.

Ages: 5-8
Cultural Context: multicultural

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Illustrated by Mike Gordon and Carl Gordon. 32 pages. Rising Moon, 2003.

A little girl asks her Mommy whether princesses wear hiking boots, and Mommy responds with a rhyming yes. Princesses ride bikes, climb trees, play in puddles, sand, and dirt, and even do chores and follow rules. Princesses even snort when they laugh sometimes, snore, and have bad days when they cry and fuss. The girl asks her Mommy whether princesses are at all like her, and Mommy invites her to look inside herself for the answer. The last page has a mirror for the reader to see a princess. This story lets girls know that they can be any kind of princess they want to be - and lets boys know that princesses need not be restricted in the ways they might assume.

Ages: 4-8
Cultural Context: multicultural

Do Not Open by Brinton Turkle

32 pages. Dutton, 1981.

Unlike her cat, Captain Kidd, Miss Moody isn't afraid of storms; all of her favorite possessions were washed up on the beach after a storm. She isn't even scared of a monster in a bottle who starts wars and causes nightmares. In fact, she tricks the monster into non-existence (with help from Captain Kidd), and gets what she wants most - her clock begins to work. Timid children may find the illustrations of the monster too scary. For those who don't, Miss Moody is a good role model for staying confident and keeping your wits about you in scary situations.

Ages: 5-8
Cultural Context: European American

Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball by Vicki Churchill

Illustrated by Charles Fuge. 22 pages. Sterling Publishing Company, 2001.

A little wombat is sometimes in the mood to curl up small and quiet, other times to jump or scream and make noise; sometimes to walk or run around, other times to be very still; and still other times, to make messes or silly faces. The end of the day is a special time for curling up in a cozy place. Illustrations are bright and exuberant. Although this rhyming book doesn't identify emotions by name, it addresses awareness of inner states on a less verbal level, encouraging a healthy sense of self-observation and self-acceptance.

Ages: 1-3
Cultural Context: non-human