Cornelia Maude Spelman Bücher

Dinas Eltern lassen sich scheiden. Doch auch nach der Trennung bleibt für Dina und ihre Schwester Ruth noch vieles beim Alten. Nur, dass die ganze Familie zusammen ist, passiert nicht mehr so häufig.

I feel good about myself. Somebody loves me just as I am. I don't have to look like anyone else, be the same size, or do the same things. It's fine to be me. This book offers children positive and upbeat examples about being themselves. The author portrays a very young guinea pig and friends feeling good about themselves through common situations readers will relate to. Together, the text and art will foster self-esteem and independence.

Young children often experience anxiety when they are separated from their mothers or fathers. A young guinea pig expresses her distress when her mother and father go away. "Missing you is a heavy, achy feeling. I don't like missing you. I want you right now!" Eventually the little guinea pig realizes that sometimes she and her parents can't be together. When that happens, she knows that others can help. "They can snuggle with me or we can play. It helps me to be warm and close to someone. They remind me that you'll be back."

When Mama and Daddy Bear tell Dinah that they are getting a divorce, Dinah is very sad and scared. Where will Daddy go? Will she see him again? Over time, though, Dinah learns that while Daddy isn't living with them anymore, many of the best things stay the Mama will always be her mama, Daddy will always be her daddy, and they love her very much. A brief note for parents is included.

Children often feel afraid. This book, with its comforting words and illustrations, will help children address those fears and learn some new ways to cope with being afraid. First, a little bear describes some of the things that frighten him, like bad dreams or big, tall slides, or when his mother goes away. Sometimes, he just feels scared and doesn't know why! But he learns there are things he can do to make himself feel better. A "Note to Parents and Teachers" reinforces the positive messages in the book.

In simple, reassuring language, therapist Cornelia Spelman explains that a child's body is his or her own; that it is all right for children to decline a friendly hug or kiss, even from someone they love; and that "even if you don't want a hug or kiss right now, you can still be friends." She goes on to define private parts and stresses that "it's important to tell if someone tries to touch your private parts."

Everybody-moms, dads, grandpas, grandmas, friends, and people you've never met-is somewhere in the world, doing something right now, even if you can't see them.