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Dinosaurs Divorce
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Dinosaurs Divorce | Paperback

by Marc Brown (Author), Laurie Krasny Brown (Author)

List Price: $7.99  
Available:  Usually ships in 24 hours

Binding:  Paperback
Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count:  32 Pages
Publication Date:  September 01, 1988
Sales Rank:  11,269th

FEATURES

  • ISBN13: 9780316109963
  • Condition: NEW
  • Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS


Product Description
The traumatic childhood experience--when a child's parents divorce--is depicted in the form of dinosaur characters. Chapters address the full range of feelings that a divorce produces. ". . . this will become a real 'security blanket' for young readers in need."--School Library Journal, starred review. New York Times Best Children's Book. Full color.


CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 52 reviews)

Divorce for Kids by Kevin L. Williams 5 Stars
February 19, 2010
I thought the book really broke down the whole divorce process to a child at their level of understanding. It helped me tremendously when talking to my son about what was going on with his mom and me. He really liked the ideas presented in the stories and it helped him look at the divorce in a new light. It helped him understand that this was not his fault, as well as, understanding that how the family will be reconfigured in a sense. It an easy and enjoyable read for young children and can really help parents sit down and explain the divorce process to the kids. I would highly recommend this book for parents going through a divorce with young children.

If you're ready... by L. Murphy (Illinois, United States of America) 4 Stars
February 14, 2010
this is the book for you to use with your child(ren). Thorough and thoughtful. Great book.

Astonishingly Helpful by David Dressler (Cincinnati, OH) 5 Stars
February 09, 2010
I am in the middle of a divorce, and I read this book to my 4- and 5-year old daughters. The reaction was fascinating. Both were powerfully affected by it. My 4-year old became very emotional and begged me to stop reading. My 5-year old, however, became very cuddly, and begged me to re-read certain sections, and asked all sorts of very important questions. All in all, it may well have been one of the most important hours in my childrens' lives. This book allowed them to face an issue that is becoming all-too-relevant in their lives, and to do it in a way that was accessible to them. Yes, my 4-year old got upset, but she NEEDED to get upset. It isn't as if those feelings weren't there already; this book gave her an outlet for her upset, and allowed her to get very sad, which she has had trouble doing until now. There have been complaints by other reviewers about some "inappropriate" subject matter, such as a picture of a mother drinking a martini. I must respectfully disagree with that reviewer. The unfortunate fact is that some parents DO drink, and this book validates the experiences of those children. Part of what is nice about this book is it does not have to be read cover-to-cover. I skipped portions that didn't apply to our situation (it discussed mom and dad going on dates, for example, and that isn't currently happening, so I didn't feel the need to cover it yet). If you are fortunate enough to be part of a family in which there is no excess drinking, you can skip that part. For the record, drinking isn't a part of my family either, but I didn't skip that section. Frankly, neither of my kids noticed the picture particularly. They were focused on things that were more pertinent to them. Overall, this is a tremendous book. I STRONGLY recommend it to anyone who is going through a divorce.

Good starting place by Janie Wooley 4 Stars
January 22, 2010
This is a good book for starting the discussion of divorce. Some of the pages can be confusing for kids or can be an opportunity to open discussion. Specifically the page showing the MOther Dino drinking with spilled meds on the table behind her....

This short illustrated book offers much needed friendly support and guidance for kids and their parents by Dr. Ellen Kenner, Clinical Psychologist 5 Stars
January 16, 2010
My pages are falling out of this book. Why? Because I have used it so many times with children. I highly recommend it for your children if you're going through a divorce. Divorce is messy enough. But there are things that make it mentally agonizing for children. One of them is guilt--more specifically unearned guilt. Kids are at risk of thinking that it's their fault when their parents divorce: I didn't clean my room and dad and mom would fight over that. I yelled at my dad and that's why he left." . . .. The first frame of this cartoon-like illustrated book has mom and dad sitting in overstuffed chairs, each with stern, furrowed brows and not engaged with each other. Dad is reading "Tyrannosaurus Daily Times" and mother is reading "Stegos in Paradise"--her book is upside down showing that her mind is elsewhere. The little dinosaur girl, with wide eyes, has her hands up in the air in total confusion. The caption reads: Divorce takes place between mothers and fathers. You are not to blame if your parents get divorced. Many a child and I have sat in therapy talking just about this one frame-- and it helped relieve them of some heavy unearned guilt. That's damage control. The next few frames illustrate how parents fight differently. Some have violent, noisy battles; others use the silent treatment and worse, some fight with kids when they are really angry with each other! This gives kids some well-needed psychological insight. Turn the page and you get the question: What about you? When your parents divorce, it's natural to feel: sad, angry, afraid, confused, ashamed, guilty, relieved, worried about who will take care of you. Children often spend a lot of time on this page with each emotion, expressing what feelings they are having and the thoughts underlying them. The authors assure children that the bad feelings won't last forever, and there is plenty they can do to help themselves feel better. This short illustrated book covers so much: -Longings that your parents will reconnect that often go unfulfilled. -Telling friends that your parents are divorcing. -Ways you can make living with one parent go smoother. -Living in two homes: Focusing on the positive and recognizing that mom and dad may have different rules. -Celebrating holidays and special occasions. -Eventually meeting your parents new "friends." -Living with stepparents and possibly step-siblings. The authors treat children with great empathy, as individuals capable of being responsible and making the major changes in their lives easier for themselves (and for their parents). They treat kids with respect. One suggestion: This is not a book to rush through if you are reading it with your child. It's helpful to pause with them, if they are willing, and let them respond to the colorful cartoon frames that touch important issues in their young lives. Let them express themselves--and you may find that your loving attention and willingness to hear them goes a long way to making life a tad easier for you and your kids.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS


It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce (Lansky, Vicki)

It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce (Lansky, Vicki)
by Vicki Lansky (Author)

This easy-to-understand children's story and parenting guide is intended for families where both parents plan to stay active and involved in their child's life. "It's Not Your Fault, KoKo Bear" revolves around a lovable bear who doesn't want to have two homes. KoKo's experience will help children learn what divorce means, how family life will change, and understand that the divorce is not their fault. Full color Ages 3

Two Homes

Two Homes
by Claire Masurel (Author), Kady MacDonald Denton (Illustrator)

"Parents looking for a book about separation or divorce will find few offerings as positive, matter-of-fact, or child-centered as this one. . . . Simple, yet profoundly satisfying. - BOOKLIST (starred review)

At Mommy’s house, Alex has a soft chair. At Daddy’s house, Alex has a rocking chair. In each home, Alex also has a special bedroom and lots of friends to play with. But whether Alex is with Mommy or with Daddy, one thing always stays the same - Alex is loved. The gently...

Was It the Chocolate Pudding?: A Story For Little Kids About Divorce

Was It the Chocolate Pudding?: A Story For Little Kids About Divorce
by Sandra Levins (Author), Bryan Langdo (Author)

With childlike innocence and humor, a young narrator living with his single father and brother explains divorce and it?s grown-up words ? like ?New Arrangement,? ?Ideal Situation,? and ?Differences? ? from a kid?s point-of-view. Special emphasis is placed on the fact that divorce is not the child?s fault, that it is a grown-up problem. Deals with practical day-to-day matters such as single-family homes, joint custody, child-care issues, and misunderstandings. Includes Note to Parents....

My Family's Changing (A First Look At Series)

My Family's Changing (A First Look At Series)
by Pat Thomas (Author)

This unusual picture book for younger children explores the issue of divorce. The fears, worries, and questions that boys and girls face when their family goes through this difficult period of breaking up are explained in terms children will readily understand. Full-color illustrations.

What in the World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce? A Survival Guide for Kids

What in the World Do You Do When Your Parents Divorce? A Survival Guide for Kids
by Kent Winchester J.D. (Author), Roberta Beyer J.D. (Author)

This companion to the Juggling Act parent's book is specially aimed at kids ages 7-12. It explains divorce, new living arrangements, and other basics to help children understand what's happening in their lives. With honesty and simplicity, the authors help kids realize that divorce isn't their fault, strong emotions are okay, and families can survive difficult changes. Written to and for kids, this book is also recommended for parents, educators, counselors, and youth workers.

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