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Summary: Mr. Rogers "talks" to children to explain how special they are and what family means. A good book for sharing with elementary-level kids. This isn't a story, it's a book designed to explain, provide comfort and encourage family discussion.
Type of Reading: family reading
Recommended Age: read together: 3 to 6; read yourself: 7 to 9
Interest Level: 4 to 6
Age of Child: Started reading with 3-year-old child.
Little Kid Reaction: This has been available to our preschooler to pull from the bookshelf since she was two (and recognized Mr. Rogers). It wasn't until age three that she started asking us to read it, and we get a request every several months. Now, at 4 we get some basic questions.
Big Kid Reaction: Although focused on the family, it is more direct in its approach to describing families than many stories. This is best saved for when parents/kids are ready to talk about adoption and adoption-related issues. Three may be a little young.
Pros: If you've ever seen Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, you'll hear his voice in the text. He chose a comfortable, positive way to reassure the child and to encourage discussion. It also hits points about kid's thinking & behavior that have nothing to do with adopt
Cons: This isn't a storybook and, compared to other kids books, will feel more clinical/sterile.
Borrow or Buy: Borrow it. It's a book you'll likely only read a few times.
Educational Themes: You can use this book as a starting point for talking about family. It isn't a textbook, but it is designed to be a teaching tool.
Literary Categories: Nonfiction - adoption, family
Date(s) Reviewed: July 2003, June 2006
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