Child psychologists all push the idea of reading as essential for a child's development, especially when the subject matter helps them relate to their world. Two recent additions to the kids' children's book section aim squarely at the worlds of certain kids with specific challenges.
Working World
The first is Mommy and Daddy Must Work to Make Some Dough, by Jennifer Pereyra of Columbus, New Jersey, in Mansfield Township, Burlington County. The book is currently offered by online retailers for about ten dollars, and is geared toward the 3-to-8-year-old set who are confused or upset about the fact that both of their parents have jobs and are out of the house for long periods of time. The story revolves around Rebeca, a youngster struggling with the issue, whose mother explains to her daughter the whys and hows of money, kids, parents, and what it means to provide for one's family. The book makes use of pictures and rhyme schemes to make its point in a way that aims to hold the interest of young kids. This is an eLIVE book, meaning each printed copy contains a special code redeemable for the free download of the audio version of the book. I've only been able to locate a couple of reader reviews for this new release, but they've been positive. Sellingbooks.com has more information about the author and the book, in case you're interested.
Attention, Please
A second new entry, also from Tate Publishing, and also from the minds of a pair of local authors, is Andi's Antics: A Girl's Adventures with ADD, from the Yardley, Pennsylvania, mother-daughter team of Winifred Doyle and Deborah Summer. The book was released at the end of March, and follows school student Andi, who's having a hard time with schoolwork, until she's diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Understanding how the disorder affects her perception and thought-processing goes a long way toward helping Andi cope and grow through her problems. The book appears to appeal to grade school kids, and uses pictures and text to tell the story. It's currently available online for about four to eight dollars. Mom Doyle is a former teacher in the Philadelphia Public Schools, and daughter Summer is herself, a parent of children with ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), according to information provided by their publisher. For those who want to learn more, the authors have organized a website which includes some reviews from kids and at least one teacher.
As a parent of a child who was struggling in certain aspects of school until having a hearing problem diagnosed, I can attest to the value of understanding one's disorder, and what a difference that can make. I can't tell you whether these books will help your kids, but I'm letting you know about them in case you'd like to explore them and decide whether you think they could be useful.
---David Murphy
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