When I Care about Others

July 1, 2002
PreS-Gr 1-A cuddly bear cub is featured in these two purposeful stories. The lesson in When I Care is that children should treat others as they wish to be treated. The book includes some suggestions for promoting empathy. Scared describes situations in which children feel frightened and how comforting by another helps. It also mentions that being scared can protect them against injury-for example, being afraid of a strange growling dog or climbing too high. Each book begins with a note to adults about how to help children with their feelings. Colorful illustrations of the cub and his animal friends in many familiar situations at home and at school are placed on abundant white space, giving an open, uncluttered look to the pages. There are many stronger, more imaginative stories about these subjects, such as Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who (Random, 1954) and Mercer Mayer's There's a Nightmare in My Closet (Turtleback, 1968). However, on some occasions teachers and caregivers might welcome the guidance given in this series.-Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NY

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2002
Gr. K-2. This charming title in The Way I Feel series will help youngsters identify and understand the basic concepts and importance of receiving and offering help and emotional support. A little bear describes familiar situations, such as being hurt, sick, or feeling sad, and explains how he was helped or how he offered sympathy and kindness to someone else. The text is very simple, and the "treat others as you would like to be treated" concept is well conveyed--from playground teasing ("I don't like to be teased so I don't tease") to helping out. The cheerful, colorful art features a cute, expressive animal cast showing ageappropriate ways to express caring and kindness, including sharing one's bike and bringing feelbetter flowers. An introduction and an endnote, "Promoting Empathy," provide adults with suggestions for encouraging and engaging kids in positive interactions, selfexpression, and understanding. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2002
Written by a social worker, these two picture books include advice for adults about helping children develop empathy and cope with fear, in addition to the main stories, which are geared toward preschoolers. Although the simplistic texts are merely tools for bibliotherapy, they may prove useful in some situations. Anthropomorphized bears populate the stories. [Review covers these titles: "When I Care About Others", and "When I Feel Scared". ]

(Copyright 2002 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)