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

My Family is Forever by Nancy Carlson

32 p., Viking, 2004.

Families are forever, whether they're formed by adoption or by birth. In this story, a little girl tells about her family, which was formed by adoption. Although she doesn't look like her parents, she has her dad's cooking skills and her mom's dancing skills. Her family helps each other and loves each other no matter how things are going, and she knows that her family will always be with her. The girl feels confident that her parents wanted her very much and that she's very special to them. This doesn't mean that she doesn't wonder about her birth parents, but she does feel sure that they wanted her to have a loving family - which she does.The author's colorful, distinctive illustrations are full of the energy of childhood and the girl's joy in feeling secure with her family. Children will feel reassured to know that love and caring make a family

Ages 4-7

Jess Was the Brave One by Jean Little

Illustrated by Janet Wilson.32 p., Viking, 1991.

Claire wishes she were as brave as her sister, Jess. Jess is brave when they get shots at the doctor's office, climb trees, meet big dogs, and watch scary TV shows. She's not afraid of the dark or thunderstorms. Their father attributes Claire's fearfulness to an excessive imagination. But when bullies take Jess's teddy bear, Claire uses this imagination bravely to get them to give the bear back. This story shows children that they can be brave even though they think of themselves as fearful - and in fact, the source of their fears can also be a source of courage.

Ages 3-7

My Red Balloon by Eve Bunting

Illustrated by Kay Life.32 p., Boyds Mills, 2005.

When a parent has been away, even the joy of homecoming can be tinged with worry and concern. Bobby’s father is coming home from the Navy, and Bobby is taking a special heart-shaped red balloon when he and Mom go to meet his ship. Mom has told Daddy that he will have the balloon when they reunite, and to Bobby, this means that Daddy will know it’s him by the balloon. He worries that Daddy won’t recognize him, so when the balloon comes loose and flies away, he bursts into tears. But the balloon floats over to the sailors, and Bobby sees Daddy and calls to him. Daddy tells him that he know the balloon was his, and then he found Bobby in the crowd. The red balloons stands out in the realistic, pastel-colored watercolor illustrations. When a parent is away for a long time, this story offers children reassurance that they can count on the relationship.

Ages 4-7