Somebody Cares by Susan Farer Straus

Somebody Cares: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Neglect

Susan Farber Straus, PhD, Author

Claire Keay, Illustrator

Magination Press, Fiction, Mar. 14, 2016

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes: Child abuse, Neglect, Child safety, Diverse characters

Opening: There were times I felt good about being me. I did a lot on my own. I told myself, “‘I’m big. I can take care of myself.” But that’s not how I felt all the time. Lots of times I needed help and there was no help.

Publisher Synopsis: Useful to read with a caring adult, Somebody Cares is a book for children who have experienced parental neglect and have taken care of many things on their own. It helps them understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and prepares them for changes in their families. Most importantly, Somebody Cares teaches children that they are not to blame and were brave to do so much on their own.

Why I like this book:

This is the first picture book I’ve read that deals with young children who feel dismissed or neglected by parents. Out of necessity many children have to prepare their own meals, go home to an empty house after school, care for younger siblings, are left at home alone when a parent goes out at night, and worry about parental substance abuse problems. These children are brave, courageous, and strong.  But neglect leads to loneliness, anxiety and behavior problems.  Neglect can be found in all socio-economic groups.

The author has written the narrative in first person, which is very effective. Children express their thoughts and feelings about what it’s like to be on their own. When neighbors and teachers ask them if they are okay, they clam up so they don’t make their parents mad or get in trouble. Help arrives when an adult calls a social worker, who intervenes and talks with the child and parents.  Things begin to change as they all work together.

The illustrator shows a diverse group of children throughout the book, thus eliminating any stereotypes. The illustrations are rendered in warm, colorful pastels. The author has written a must-needed book for children experiencing neglect. Children shouldn’t have to carry such a big burden alone.

Resources: This book is an important tool for grandparents, a caring adult, teachers, school counselors, and therapists to read with a child. In the story the children are encouraged to develop a “Safety Plan,” and a “Feel Good Plan” of deep breathing exercises and relaxation. There are fun after-school activities for kids. There is a “Note to Readers” at the beginning of the book. This book belongs in every school library and counselor’s office.

Favorite Quotes:

“Sometimes I thought everyone forgot about me. Sometimes I thought it was because I was bad.” 

“I thought this was the way it would be forever. Then something happened and things changed.”

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

Smarter than the SCOOPERS

Smarter than the SCOOPERS

Julia Cook, Author

Allison Valentine, Illustrator

National Center for Youth Issues, Fiction,  2012

Suitable for Ages: 4 and up

Themes:  Abduction, Child Safety, Predators, Strangers

Opening:  “I was outside playing with Zippy, my new baby rabbit, when I heard my mama calling me.  I carefully set Zippy down into a cardboard box and ran inside the house to see what she wanted.”

Synopsis:  A mother talks with her daughter about how people come in all shapes and sizes.  There are people who are safe people you can go to if ever need help, like a teacher, a store clerk, a police officer, or a mother with children.   But, she also explains there are people who aren’t so nice and are Scoopers who “scoop you up, take you away from your family, and try to hurt you.”   She teaches her daughter some safety rules to help keep her safe.  The little girl is tested when a neighbor comes to school to pick her up.  She goes back inside the school and asks to see her “call list” and phones someone on the list to make sure it’s okay.  At the grocery store a friendly stranger tries to talk with her and she walks away.  She learns that a “scooper” may pretend to need help, or lure her to pet a dog.  The girl thinks about everything her mother says and goes to play with her baby rabbit she captures and puts in a box.  She comes to a very important realization and makes a big decision.

Why I like this book:  Julia Cook’s book is an excellent tool to help parents, teachers, and counselors prepare children with the skills they need to be safe from child abductors.  Cook uses the word SCOOP as an acronym to help children remember five personal safety rules.  For many children, this could be a frightening topic, but Cook has done an excellent job of approaching this subject in a non-threatening manner.   I love the ending when the girl realizes that she is a scooper after she tricks a rabbit away from its mama.   What a great way to get a point across.    Allison Valentine’s pastel illustrations are colorful and expressive.

Resources:  With spring and summer around the corner, this is a good time to discuss personal safety with children.  The book alone is a resource for discussion with children.  It has back matter and safety rules for both children and parents.  This is a book for home and the classroom.  Visit Julia Cook’s website,  to view the many books she has written.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book.  To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

Note:  On Monday, March 25,  I will be reviewing Sharon Draper’s new YA book Panic, about a teenage abduction.  This is very important read for teens.  There will be a book give away.