Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

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

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

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

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

The Big Meow by Elizabeth Spires

Illustrated by Cynthia Jabar. 40 p., Candlewick, 2002.

The other cats won't play with Little Cat because they think his voice is too loud, even though his parents reassure him that it's wonderful. When a bulldog chases the cats, Little Cat tries to scare it away with a big meow. At first Little Cat is too scared to do this, but when the dog teases him, he gets angry, and lets out meows that blow the dog away to the next town. After this, the other cats accept Little Cat. This story will help children see how to detach others' "negative" labels from their attributes.

Ages 3-5
Main character's cultural background: non-human
Cultural context: non-human

Molly's Rosebush by Janice Cohn

Illustrated by Gail Owens. 32 p., Whitman, 1994.

Molly recalls her mother's miscarriage a few months earlier. Her parents had gently explained to her that the baby they were looking forward to was not going to be born, because the baby was not strong enough to survive. Molly had worried about her mom and had wondered why miscarriage happens and whether the family would ever have a baby. Her dad had reassured her that no matter what happened, she and her parents would love and care for each other. She was helped to understand the experience both by playing with her doll and through special attention from her grandma, who explains that in all of nature, not all babies get to be born. Molly and her grandma had ordered a rose bush for her mother. Molly recalls that although occasionally a bud does not bloom, and this makes her sad, most of the roses do bloom, and will continue to bloom. An extensive introduction for parents is included. This story offers empathy, validation, and a way through the grief of a miscarriage.

Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American

Friends! by Elaine Scott

Illustrated by Margaret Miller. 40 p., Atheneum, 2000.

This book describes friends as "people who like each other," and encourages readers to think about important aspects of friendship; for example, having fun together, helping each other, teaching each other new things, inviting new people into the friendship, trusting and accepting one another, understanding and respecting each other, and resolving disagreements. The author raises complex issues, such as refusing to do something you shouldn't, even if a friend asks you to. She comments that friends are valuable and special. A note to parents suggests ways to use the vignettes in the book to discuss friendship with children. This book offers children useful insights about friendship.

Ages 5-9
Main character's cultural background: none
Cultural context: multicultural