‘My Friend Pink Bear in the Dark’
- Catherine Swartz, illustrated by Alexandria Swartz
- A C Crown Publishing House
- 2024, 33 pages
- ISBN: 9780987819529
- ages 3+
“My Friend Pink Bear in the Dark” is a beautifully illustrated picture book about overcoming a fear of the dark. Jimmy is playing in his room when the lights go out during a thunderstorm. Jimmy’s older brother, Michael, reassures Jimmy and helps him overcome his fear by playing “I Spy” using a flashlight. Joining them is Jimmy’s good friend, Pink Bear.
The following day Michael gives his young brother a flashlight and tells him that he has “something special planned” for them on the weekend. After supper on Saturday night Michael, Jimmy and Pink Bear go outside in the dark where they look at the night sky and the stars. Michael shows Jimmy some of the stars and constellations and tells him how stars have guided people travelling. Jimmy is so interested in the night sky that he forgets about his fear of the dark. By the time they go back indoors, Jimmy has overcome his fear.
This book features more text compared to other picture books resulting in a longer story. And the topic makes it a particularly good bedtime read!
‘Why a Daughter Needs a Dad’
- Gregory E. Lang, illustrated by Sydney Hanson
- Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
- 2004, 2019, 35 pages
- ISBN: 9781492667834
- ages 4+
“Why a Daughter Needs a Dad” is a heartwarming picture book about the unconditional love that exists between fathers and daughters. The rhyming text features wise messages to remember as you go through life that a father tells his daughter including being “open to difference,” looking out for people and animals, and making time for family. And that she can always count on her Dad’s love, guidance and support. Complementing the positive, rhyming text are beautiful illustrations of various animals.
“Why a Daughter Needs a Dad” is a touching story for a parent to share with a child any time.
‘I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared’
- Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Hannah George
- Sourcebooks
- 2024, 32 pages
- ISBN: 9781728272689
- Ages 4+
“I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared” is a great motto, and an even greater book for kids, as it teaches them to persevere and to be risk takers. The book guides readers step by step on how to be “The Brave You.” It provides clear tips along the way (e.g., identifying fearful feelings, picturing themselves as being brave, pretending to be brave) and lots of reflecting questions to engage the reader. The beautiful pictures in the book match and add to the narrative, by providing real-world examples for kids to relate to.
At the back of the book are extra resources for older readers to help themselves, or their loved ones, to overcome their fears — “Feeling a Little Scared? Try This!” and “A message for parents, guardians, and caregivers …”
I have used this book in my classroom and highly recommend it to caregivers and educators wanting to teach resilience, perseverance and bravery to their children.
