Community Partners – Eight Cousins Bookshop
October 19th, 2021
Nationally 1 in 5 children in the United States will be a victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, parental neglect, or witness to domestic violence. These are called adverse childhood experiences, which can lead to lifelong challenges socially, physically, and emotionally. It is our community’s responsibility to take an active role in preventing child abuse and neglect as well as promoting healthy and safe families.
Having the conversation with children about difficult topics can be daunting for parents and caregivers. How do you start? How should you talk? How do you answer tough questions? Jumping right into conversations about body safety can seem overwhelming, so we wanted to make this process a little easier for parents and caregivers by using a resource widely available to everyone: books.
Jumping right into conversations about body safety can seem overwhelming, so we wanted to make this process a little easier for parents and caregivers by using a resource widely available to everyone: books.”
Over the last few years Children’s Cove and Eight Cousins Bookshop developed a list of books carrying the themes of challenges many children may face to assist parents in having difficult discussions. Using beautifully written and illustrated books can make these discussions a little easier.
Below are just a couple of examples, and if you would like more suggestions for books and themes, click here. If you are looking for a certain theme or book to read with your child, you can always reach out to our community partners at Eight Cousins.
The Rabbit Listened
By: Cori Doerrfeld
Sometimes we just need someone to listen. Taylor is sad and frustrated. One by one his animal friends try to help him, by talking, shouting, cleaning up, or laughing. Rabbit understands just what Taylor really needs. A good reminder lesson for everyone big and small.
What to focus on, questions and conversation:
- Themes: Strong emotions such as anger, loss, pain, sadness; compassion; fortitude and, trying again
- The crows destroy Taylor’s block building. Look at Taylor’s expressions on two pages (when the crows arrive and the page after). Can you imagine what Taylor is feeling? Can you show me what Taylor is feeling? Have you ever felt that way? Would you like to share a time when you felt like Taylor? (Note: there are two discussions for this question. The first is when Taylor expresses surprise, shock, distress. The next page Taylor expresses sadness and loss.)
- “Taylor was alone.” Have you ever felt alone? Do you sometimes like being alone? When does it feel good to be alone? When does it feel bad to be alone? Is there a grown-up who helps you when you feel bad? Who listens to you? Conversations about three trusted grown-ups.
- Taylor decides to build again. Look at Taylor’s expression. Can you imagine what Taylor is feeling? Can you show me what Taylor is feeling? Have you ever felt that way? Would you like to share a time when you felt like Taylor?
Say Something
By: Peter Reynolds
Everyone has a voice, and it is more than OK to use it! This brightly colored and exciting book teachers its readers that everyone can make a difference with their words, actions and their voices.
What to focus on, questions and conversation:
- Themes: Speaking up and using your voice.
- “If you see someone being hurt” section: What color is this page? Why do you think the page is red? Let’s practice saying, “Hey! Stop!” Put out your hand. “Stop!” If someone is being hurt, you can say, “Stop!” If you are being hurt, you can say, “Stop!”
- “Sometimes you’ll say something and no one will be listening.” Discuss how it is important that everyone has at least three trusted adults they could talk to about anything if they needed help. Who are three specific adults inside and outside of your family you could talk to? Continue telling people until someone listens.
