The following list of books and toys is divided into the following categories:
- Teenagers
- Grief
- Divorce
- The Stolen Generation
- Stress and Anxiety
- Sexual Abuse
- Disability
- Self-esteen
- Friendship
- Memory Loss
- Dealing with Feelings
- Same-Sex Parent Families
- Homelessness and Mental Illness
- Diversity and Individuality
- Everyday Heroes
- Drought
- Conflict
- Refugee Issues
- Unclassified
Further resources can be found online at St. Luke’s Innovative Resources, http://www.innovativeresources.org/
* * * Teenagers * * *
Scott Sells, Parenting your out of control teenager: 7 steps to re-establish authority and reclaim love, St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002. Available from Relationships Australia NSW Library Phone (02) 9806 3211 Fax: (02) 9806 3260 ($30+ postage)
Michael P. Nichols, Stop arguing with your Kids: How to win the battle of wills by making your children feel heard, The Guilford Press, New York, 2004. Available from The Human Condition Bookstore (Kew, VIC) Phone: (03) 9855 2220
* * * Grief * * *
Molly Carlile, Jelly Bean's Secret, St. Luke’s Innovative Resources, Bendigo, 2004. Phone: (03) 5442 0500, http://www.innovativeresources.org/
This novella for primary school-aged children is the moving story of Abby, her brother Zac and their love for their very special Grandma 'Jelly Bean'. It is also a story about hunting for treasures for their 'secret project'. Through this sensitive yet frank book young readers will learn about dying and the rituals and feelings that accompany this inevitable time. Educators, parents and counsellors can use the story and the learners' guide to assist children to move through grief while also experiencing the surprising gifts that loving and remembering bring. This book does not present or endorse a specific religious tradition.
It was written as a therapeutic tool by Molly Carlile, and has guidelines for its use in the back – could be used by parents with kids in grief too…..a chapter book.
Mike Dumbleton, Passing On, Red Fox, Sydney, 2001.
An uplifting book that will inspire reverie and reinforce the fact that our most cherished relationships never die. A beautiful book in rhyme…I love this one!
Margaret Wild and Anne Spudvilas, Jenny Angel, Puffin Books, Camberwell, 1999.
Jenny is an angel. A guardian angel. At least that's what she believes. If she stays on guard tonight and every night, maybe the doctors will be wrong and Davy will not die. A beautiful and sensitive story for children (and adults) about grief and loss - about moving from denial to acceptance.
Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown, When Dinosaurs Die, Little, Brown and Company, New York, 1998.
This is one of a series of ‘Dinosaur’ books covering topics like divorce, good health, safety, Protecting our planet, etc. It is a delightful book. I think it is respectful to children, covering the physical and emotional aspects of death, and including a glossary in the back. It encompasses different spiritual and religious beliefs and doesn’t ‘mince words’. As it says on the back cover, it doesn’t tell a story about grief, but addresses children’s fears and curiosity head-on. For primary school children.
* * * Divorce * * *
Linda Espie, It's Just Different Now
This is a moving, compassionate and beautifully illustrated book about children's grief after separation and divorce. Suitable for 3 – 7 year olds.
Claire Masurel and Kady MacDonlad Denton, Two Homes, Candlewick Press, Cambridge, 2001.
If you're looking for a picture book about separation or divorce this book offers a positive, matter-of-fact, child-centred approach. A story about being loved wherever you are.
Edward Teyber, Helping children cope with divorce, Jossey Bass, 2001. Available from The Human Condition Bookstore (Kew, VIC) Phone: (03) 9855 2220
Named one of the 10 Best Parenting Books of the Year by Child Magazine, this revised edition teaches you to minimize stress during initial breakups and ultimate separation, explain divorce so children don’t blame themselves, protect children from parental hostilities, and navigate conflicts of loyalty and alliance.
* * * The Stolen Generation * * *
Edna Tantjingu Williams, Eileen Wani Wingfield and Kunyi June-Anne McInerney, Down the Hole, Jukurrpa Books, Alice Springs, 2000.
Written and illustrated by three aboriginal women, all born in central and northern South Australia, this is a story of the stolen generation that tells it like it is.
* * * Stress and Anxiety * * *
Virginia Ironside and Frank Rodgers, The Huge Bag of Worries, Hodder Children’s Books, Sydney, 2004.
Wherever Jenny goes, her worries follow. They are there when she swims, when she watches TV, even on the toilet. Jenny wants them to go away, but who can help her? Jenny feels she can’t tell anyone about the huge bag of worries, but the kindly old lady next door convinces her to open the bag and deal with them one by one. A beautiful metaphor for therapy.
Anthony Browne, Into the Forest, Walker Books, London, 2005.
Anthony Browne's beautiful and surreal imagery reveals a child's terror in ordinary life. This story draws on some of the fairytale tradition's most terrifying images, yet ends with reassurance and a longed-for homecoming. An extraordinary book, full of hope.
* * * Sexual Abuse * * *
Sheri Patterson, Judith Feldman and Ray Bowler, NoNo the Little Seal, St. Luke’s Innovative Resources, Bendigo, 2004.
NoNo has a secret, but it makes him feel scared and mixed up inside. Is it wrong to tell? Who can he tell? Although the subject of sexual abuse is sensitive, children and adults alike will be captivated by the truly magical illustrations and the dramatised audio CD of the story and songs. Originally developed in the US. The CD is the story read by an Australian voice. Developed as a training vehicle for personal body safety messages. Also has suggestions for using the book as a learning tool in the back.
Nicole Reading, Rosy and Jack, St. Luke’s Innovative Resources, Bendigo, 2004.
Rosy and Jack are a sister and brother who have had bad things done to them. They were touched by someone in ways they didn't like and told to keep it a secret. Rosy and Jack decided this was a bad secret. But who could they tell? And what would happen? Here is a highly original picture book for anyone who needs courage to make a stand against bad things. This is a story about sexual abuse and what can be done to stop it. Above all, this is a story about hope and healing. Similar to Nono – fewer words. Again, the children have a positive experience of telling.
* * * Adoption * * *
Marion Dane Bauer and John Butler, A Mama For Owen, Simon and Schuster, New York, 2007.
Inspired by the tsunami of 2004, acclaimed storyteller Marion Dane Bauer and celebrated illustrator John Butler depict this heart-warming true tale of healing, adoption, and rebirth – with splendid illustrations and oodles of love. Gorgeous story because it’s true! I guess it’s about finding love in other places when those very close to us are lost to us.
* * * Disability * * *
Michael Broad, Broken Bird: A tale of true love, Puffin Books, London, 2007.
A story of a bird with only one wing who refuses to believe he will never fly … happiness comes when he finds Scary bird, who also has one wing.
Russell Deal and Ray Bowler, The Wrong Stone, St. Luke’s Innovative Resources, Bendigo, 2002.
"I want you to build me a wall with only perfect stones," the big architect said. All the stones tried to put their best faces forward. They hid their ugly bits. But there was one stone that didn't seem to fit. He was the "Wrong Stone" and all the others were laughing at him. Will it be the crusher for him? A lovely simple story about the fact that there’s a right place even for those who feel different. Goes along with the packet of stones.
* * * Self-esteem * * *
Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, Giraffes Can't Dance, Orchard Books, London, 1999.
A beautiful rhyming picture book that challenges social stereotypes and shows us that anything is possible if we believe in ourselves.
Ambelin Kwaymullina, Crow and the Waterhole, Fremantle Press, Fremantle, 2007.
Each morning, Crow stared into the waterhole and saw another crow staring back. Crow thought Crow-in-the-waterhole was the most wonderful bird she had ever seen. ‘I wish I could be like her.' Finally, Crow flies away to seek her destiny, hoping to become as wonderful as Crow-in-the-waterhole. She travels far and wide, helping others along the way, only to find that her true destiny lies within.
* * * Friendship * * *
Oliver Jeffers, Lost and Found, Harper Collins Children’s Books, Great Britain, 2005.
On his doorstep, a little boy finds a penguin looking sad and lost. He tries to help the wordless bird by returning it to the South Pole. Realising his mistake, the boy returns for the penguin, misses him, finds him, hugs him. A beautiful book about friendship. The boy and the penguin never gush; they just quietly enjoy being together. A lovely book to read aloud.
Michael Rosen and Bob Graham, This Is Our House, Walker Books, London, 1996.
George has a house made from a big cardboard box and he says that no one else at the playground can come in. But when George leaves his house for a moment, everyone piles in, and on his return, George gets a taste of his own medicine. This is the tale of a little boy who makes a big discovery – that letting everyone into his playhouse is a lot more fun than keeping them out.
Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks, Fox, Allen and Unwin, Crow’s Nest, 2000.
An archetypal drama about friendship, loyalty, risk and betrayal. They say it is as rich for adults as for children.
Bernard Waber, Ira Says Goodbye, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1988.
Ira confronts a rollercoaster of emotions when he learns Reggie is moving away. How do you say goodbye to a best friend? A warm, wise, and ultimately reassuring book for kids.
* * * Memory Loss * * *
Reeve Lindbergh and Kathryn Brown, My Little Grandmother Often Forgets, Candlewick Press, Cambridge, 2007.
Sometimes Tom’s grandmother forgets the way home from the market, or that Tom’s name is Tom and not Roy. But Tom doesn’t mind. He loves to help his grandmother and just spend time with her. The special bond between a beloved grandmother affected by memory loss and her devoted grandson is based on the author’s and her son’s relationships with her own mother in the last years of her life.
* * * Dealing with Feelings * * *
Trace Moroney, When I'm Feeling Angry, The Five Mile Press, Rowville, 2005.
When you're really angry you feel like you're going to explode. It's okay to be angry sometimes, as long as you don't hurt anyone. What to do when your child is feeling angry? In Notes for Parents at the back of this book, an Australian child psychologist has added some helpful insights.
Trace Moroney, When I'm Feeling Jealous, The Five Mile Press, Rowville, 2005.
Feeling jealous can sometimes make you do silly things. But always remember that everyone is special - and that means you too!
Trace Moroney, When I'm Feeling SadThe Five Mile Press, Rowville, 2005.
Have you ever been so sad that the world seems gray and droopy? Does being sick or hearing a family argument make you want to cry and cry until it floods? The little rabbit knows how it feels to be sad and just what to do to feel better. Read along, and you too might find that a great big hug is all you need to make the sadness go away.
All these Feelings books are written by psychologists and produced locally for quite young children, and they have brief notes to parents at the back.
Chara M. Curtis and Cynthia Aldrich, Fun is a Feeling, Illumination Arts, Washington, 1992.
An inspiring story that encourages us to find the fun hidden in many of life's experiences and to treasure each of our feelings. An encouragement for imagination.
Catherine O’Neill and Toni Goffe, Relax, Child’s Play (International), Sydney, 1993.
Stress is part of modern life. Relax helps us to recognise the symptoms, understand the causes, and to find ways to relax body and mind. This picture book is a great tool for children and adults to explore together. It ‘normalises’ a whole range of feelings, and has some great child-friendly exercises for dealing with stress at the end.
* * * Same Sex Parent Families * * *
Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell and Henry Cole, And Tango Makes Three, Simon & Schuster, New York, 2005.
Based on a true story, this picture book has become widely recognised as a metaphor for creating conversations with kids about same sex parenting. But at another level it is simply the beautiful story of two penguins - patient, loving fathers who knew just what to do.
Bobbie Combs, Desiree Keane and Brian Rappa, ABC - A Family Alphabet Book, Two Lives Publishing, Ridley Park, 2000.
A book that shows young children that all families are different, while teaching them the alphabet. It includes positive messages about same-sex parenting. This one is very American – talking about “Moms” throughout, .but it is good in that it deals with two-Mom and two-Dad families.
Nancy Garden and Sharon Wooding, Molly's Family, Farrar Straus Giroux, New York, 2004.
When family pictures are put up on the kindergarten wall, Molly realises something isn't right. She is the only one with two mothers. With the help of her teacher and parents she realises that every family is different from another in some way.
* * * Homelessness and mental illness * * *
Nathaniel Lachenmeyer and Robert Ingpen, Broken Beaks, Michelle Anderson Publishing, Melbourne, 2003.
Through thestory of a small sparrow and the kindness of a homeless man, Broken Beaks shows how we might change our attitudes to homelessness and the plight of the mentally ill on our streets.
* * * Everyday Heroes * * *
Bernard Waber, Courage, Houghton Mifflin Books, New York, 2002.
Explored here are the many and varied kinds of courage that celebrate the moments, big and small, that bring out the hero in each of us being the first to make up after an argument or going to bed without a nightlight. A natural, read-aloud book likely to spark valuable adult-child dialogue and to help youngsters conquer their own fears.
Bernard Waber, Ira Sleeps Over, Houghton Mifflin Books, New York, 1972.
Ira is worried about a sleepover because he still takes his teddy bear to bed with him at night. But by the end of this delightfully familiar story Ira realises that he's not the only person who likes the comfort of sleeping with a teddy.
Valerie Coulman, Sink or Swim, Lobster Press, 2005.
Ralph is an exception amongst young bulls. His cheerfulness in the face of adversity, and his refusal to settle for the conventions of bovine behaviour, make him a great role model for young children. Swim, Ralph, swim! A very cute book showing how far determination can get a cow. Or anyone, for that matter!
Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Life Doesn't Frighten Me, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, New York, 1978/1993.
This brave, defiant poem celebrates the courage within us all, young and old. Fearsome images are summoned and dispelled by the power of faith.
* * * Drought * * *
John Heffernan and Freya Blackwood, Two Summers, Scholastic, Lindfeld, 2003.
In this powerful portrayal of a rural Australian landscape devastated by drought, we not only see the cycles of nature at work but also the resilience of those people who eke out an existence on the land. A poignant book about drought.
* * * Conflict * * *
Psychologists for the Promotion of World Peace, The Australian Psychological Society Ltd., Wise Ways to Win, Michelle Anderson Publishing, Melbourne, 1997.
This children's picture book can be read for fun and as a learning tool. The story is based on sound conflict resolution strategies and can be a valuable aid to parents and teachers in assessing children to effectively and peacefully resolve conflict. Produced by Melbourne Psychologists for the Promotion of World Peace, especially Ivan Milton, who is a psychologist and a Buddhist Priest. A bit wordy, but very sound principles for resolving conflicts.
* * * Refugee Issues * * *
David Miller, Refugees, Thomas C. Lothian Pty. Ltd., South Melbourne, 2003.
Two wild ducks become refugees when their swamp is drained. Their journey in search of a new place to live exposes them to danger, rejection and violence before they are given a new home. An important book to read and discuss with Australian children given today's political climate.
* * * Unclassified * * *
Bob Graham, The Trouble With Dogs, Walker Books, London, 2007.
Call in the dog trainer! Don’t-Care Dave, the high-energy destructive dynamo, is definitely out of control. But when the Brigadier turns up to teach this pup a few things, Dave is not the only one who learns something new. Bob Graham creates another funny, warm hearted story to remind us that when it comes to dogs – and their humans – it’s affection and trust, loyalty and love, that really matter.
Davide Cali and Anna Laura Contone, A Dad Who Measures Up, Wilkins Farago, Elwood, 2007.
What makes a dad ideal? Is he strong as a wrestler or handsome as a movie star? Is he intelligent or sporty? Or is he just good at jigsaw puzzles and has lots of hair? One little girl is about to find out, in this funny, charming and ultimately moving story of her search for a dad who can measure up to the mummy she loves.
Cute book about a little girl and her single Mum who go searching for a daddy…the one they keep falls short of her ideal, but ‘measures up’ in the end.
Sara Fanelli, My Map Book, Walker Books, London, 2006.
Maps can be a great way to find our place in the world. Sara Fanelli shows us that anything can be mapped - our families, our surroundings, our days - even the human heart. A simple yet profound book for kids and adults.
Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas, Our Granny, Omnibus Books, Malvern, 1993.
Some grannies babysit, fix the plumbing, write books or go travelling. Every one of them is different, and every one is special - particularly yours.
Bruce Whatley and Rosie Smith, Little White Dogs Can't Jump, Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 2001.
Smudge and his family have a problem to solve - Smudge's legs are so short that he can't jump into the car. The illustrations in this book are delightfully and quintessentially 'doggy' and the story has great themes of hope and resilience as antidotes to problem-saturated thinking.
* * * Diversity and Individuality * * *
Jennifer Elder, Different Like Me - My book of autism heroes, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2006.
This book introduces children aged 8-12 years to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, maths, literature, philosophy and comedy who also happen to have been people with autism. Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey, Wassily Kandinsky, Lewis Carroll - any of those names ring a bell?
Stephen and Michael King, The Man Who Loved Boxes, Scholastic, Sydney, 1995.
People sneered at the man and thought he was useless. But love is expressed in different ways - and a small boy comes to understand his father's special way of showing his love for him. An incredibly moving book, it is a special favourite at Innovative Resources.
Laurie Stiller and Gregory Rogers, Princess Max, Random House Australia, Sydney, 2002.
Max knew he looked beautiful! Being beautiful is one of the things that makes 'swaltzing' feel so good! But when one of his favourite cousins calls him a 'weirdo', Max has to decide if (and how) he is going to reclaim his spontaneous joy...
Beatrice Alemagna, My Friend, North-South Books, New York, 2002.
A truly original picture book about diversity, difference and 'fitting in'. A very strange creature (made from stitched together scraps of fabric) doesn't quite know what he is. One day he meets an equally unusual creature and together they make a very important discovery.
