From Publishers Weekly
Mister Rogers's talent for calmly explaining scary emotional upheaval to young children shines in this latest volume, following Let's Talk About It: Adoption. The painful realignment of the family unit that takes place when parents divorce inevitably fills children with worry, anger, doubt and a host of other feelings. Rogers offers caring support and validation for readers working through such trauma, and he supplies concrete examples of ways kids can deal with the stress. Statements such as "Their divorce is not your fault" and "There's nothing you can do to make your mom and dad get married to each other again" typify the book's straightforward yet concerned tone. Rogers wisely encourages adults to use his text as a jumping off point and tailor it to their own family's particular circumstances. Judkis's serviceable photos capture a variety of interactions?happy and sad?between the parents and children of three real families. Books that offer such honest reassurance are rare. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3?Divorce is difficult enough for adults, but for children, it can be devastating. Here, Rogers presents much-needed information to read, discuss, and implement. He defines a family as anyone who gives a child food, care, love, and a place to feel safe. He explains that these main ingredients should remain constant even in the event of a divorce. Children are advised to ask about changes in living arrangements and other aspects of their lives. The text emphasizes that divorce is an adult problem for which children have no responsibility and that it is highly improbable that estranged parents will get back together. The author prescribes activities like talking, drawing, and playing with friends to deal with normal feelings of sadness, anger, and crying. Youngsters are encouraged to have fun even though they may feel guilty at the thought. Judkis's sensitive full-color photographs of three families work well with the text. This book fills a gaping hole on library shelves.?Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FLCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Ages 4^-7. Rogers focuses on three families in this photo-essay, which is one of the better books in an ongoing series targeting difficult issues for the preschool to early elementary age group. The beginning is weak: "Every child needs a family . . . to give you food, to take care of you, and--to give you love," and nowhere does Rogers acknowledge acrimonious breakups that clearly affect children. Still, there's a lot that is right on target. The gentle yet straightforward text validates a host of common feelings children have about divorce and thoughtfully answers many questions kids ask: "Where will I live?" "Is it okay to have fun sometimes?" "Can I cry?" The photos, nicely staged to capture children and middle-class parents in warm, bright surroundings, add a positive feel. Stephanie Zvirin

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Mister Rogers's talent for calmly explaining scary emotional upheaval to young children shines in this latest volume....Rogers offers caring support and validation for readers working through such trauma, and he supplies concrete examples of ways kids can deal with the stress....Books that offer such honest reassurance are rare." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Excellent." -- American Bookseller "This book fills a gaping hole on library shelves." -- School Library Journal

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Mister Rogers's talent for calmly explaining scary emotional upheaval to young children shines in this latest volume, following Let's Talk About It: Adoption. The painful realignment of the family unit that takes place when parents divorce inevitably fills children with worry, anger, doubt and a host of other feelings. Rogers offers caring support and validation for readers working through such trauma, and he supplies concrete examples of ways kids can deal with the stress. Statements such as "Their divorce is not your fault" and "There's nothing you can do to make your mom and dad get married to each other again" typify the book's straightforward yet concerned tone. Rogers wisely encourages adults to use his text as a jumping off point and tailor it to their own family's particular circumstances. Judkis's serviceable photos capture a variety of interactionshappy and sadbetween the parents and children of three real families. Books that offer such honest reassurance are rare. Ages 3-6. (May)

School Library Journal