Azmaira H. Maker Ph. D.

Family Changes is a helpful book for younger children who are confused about separation and divorce. The story features a rabbit family with Zoey worried that her parents are getting a divorce. she asks her mother what separated and divorced mean. As they drive to school, she gets a stomach. She talks to her best friend about the divorce and she tells her that she is worried it is her fault (a common concern with children). Her father comes to the school for a visit on the Treasure Hunt Day, and he explains why adults get divorced a reassures her that it is not her fault and that they will continue to love and take care of her. Reading that Zoey's parents are not divorced because of something Zoey did (or didn't) do, can reassure youngsters that their own parents are not getting a divorce because a child forgot to do their homework, or some other small transgression. The story touches on several key issues that children worry about - will their parents still love them, will they have two homes now, did they somehow cause the divorce, etc. I really liked the illustrations, especially the warm fuzzy feeling when Zoey was with either of her parents.

I liked that the book opened with a not to adults and that there were a list of possible questions that children might ask parents about divorce and separation.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (more)

This is a gentle guide to assist parents, teachers and care takers help children who are close to the victim or have witnessed a traumatic death.

Starting with a personal note to the child, the author directly heads into a few words for the parent or adult using this book. This section is probably the most important and should be read through with care, since it isn't a book or its pictures which help children, but the personal interaction and ability to deal with the issue on an individual level. The author simply entitles these two pages 'Note To Adults' but I think it would have be beneficial to add a little more urgency to make sure these leading two pages aren't ignored or shoved aside because this is what determines how well the rest of the text and photos come across.

This isn't a book full of text, but rather harbors a lovely presentation of what a child might be thinking, questions it might have, and/or fears it might be hiding. Each two-page spread contains a big photograph of everyday children doing everyday things but slightly blurred with a dreamy effect. A few short, easy and direct phrases accompany each photo, which bring up simple starting points in thoughts and questions from which kids can open up or consider how they might respond. It's simple enough for even younger children to understand.

The wording and pictures are well done, and the book offers a wonderful basis for opening up to otherwise difficult but necessary discussion. But while the formatting is smooth, the set-up doesn't really invite to pause and discussions. Instead, the book lures to be read through like a normal picture book. But if done in this manner, it looses its value and doesn't offer much help or comfort. When my kids picked this up on their own, they were quite upset, which surprised me but also emphasized how important the notes to the adults are in the beginning.

As with all self-help and assistance books, this isn't one to be used without careful consideration of the child and the circumstances first. It is very focused on a certain target audience: young children who have witnessed a traumatic death of one of their friends or stand extremely close to such an experience. And even then, not all children have the same needs. Still, in the right circumstances and with proper use, this can be a helpful book.

I received a complimentary copy and found this useful enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.… (more)