What if Everybody Did That?

SYNOPSIS:

The illustrations in this story show the extreme of what it would be like if everyone made the poor choices (littering, sneaking icing off the cake, etc.) the main character is making.

This is a lighthearted way to teach responsibility and explore natural, positive, and negative consequences; however, consider your child and preview the book as always. Some of the illustrations may cause certain poor choices to seem fun and enticing rather than disrespectful (e.g. what it would be like if everyone shot paper wads/straws at dinner).

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We're All Wonders

SYNOPSIS:

A simple and artistic rendition of the popular middle-school level work Wonder, this picture book shows the value of accepting differences and recognizing the value of all people even if they don’t look like you.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

It's Okay to Be Different

SYNOPSIS:

This fun, simple story reassures children that all kinds of differences are okay. “It’s okay to be missing a tooth…need some help…be a different color…have no hair…to be adopted…be mad…to make a wish,” etc.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

You Are Special

SYNOPSIS:

Punchinello is a Wemmick created by the woodcarver Eli. Wemmicks give each other star and dot stickers as signs of approval or disapproval. Punchinello receives lots of dot stickers and feels badly about himself. He meets a Wemmick with no dots or stars and learns that she goes to see the woodworker Eli. When Punchinello visits Eli, he learns that he is special because was created with care, and Eli loves him just the way he is.

This book is written to parallel God’s love for people and to help children see their value regardless of other people’s comments.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

Siesta

SYNOPSIS:

A brother and sister collect various items (jacket, flashlight, book, etc.) of different colors in this simple bilingual (Spanish, English) story. Readers can notice colors and sounds as the children set up a relaxing place in their yard for a nap with mother nearby.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

Not Quite Snow White

SYNOPSIS:

Tameika loves to dance, sing, and act. When her school holds auditions for the Snow white musical, she worries she may be too tall, too chubby, and too brown to be a princess. With her parents’ encouragement, Tameika tries out and realizes she is just right the way she is.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

Your Body Belongs to You

SYNOPSIS:

Toddlers and preschoolers can learn the basics of personal boundaries (including how to say no to unwanted touch) through this simple book. This book is an important conversation starter for young children and their caregivers.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

We're Going on a Nature Hunt

SYNOPSIS:

Three young adventurers go on a nature hunt. They discover wildflowers, a pond with a frog, a meadow with a worm, and more! This rhyming story can help prepare readers for a mindful walk appreciating the wonder of nature.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

Parts

SYNOPSIS:

Readers follow along as a boy jumps to silly worst-case scenarios about his body (e.g. he worries that a piece of belly button fuzz is his “stuffing coming out”). This exaggerated, rhyming story gives caregivers a chance to be silly and reassure children — at the end, the boy’s parents tell him that he and his loose tooth are normal.

Note: To most children, this is a funny story and may help children laugh at their small worries. However, the illustrations could be a little alarming for very young or literal thinkers, so (as always!) keep your child in mind when you preview the book.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

A Little Spot of Sadness

SYNOPSIS:

This creative story explains sadness and what to do when a “sadness spot” shows up for you or a friend. With empathy, you can help “calm down sadness spots.”

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

Let's Talk About Feeling Disappointed

SYNOPSIS:

Readers follow Patrick as he feels disappointed. This story explains what it means to feel disappointed and directly teaches social skills for responding to this difficult feeling.

The free ReadRestore reading guide for this book is in progress. Request a guide by clicking the button below, and we’ll get you one within a week!

Why Are You So Sad?

SYNOPSIS:

This book is intended for children whose parents are experiencing depression. It defines depression simply and explains that adults don’t feel bad on purpose, it’s not the child’s fault or responsibility, the child’s feelings are okay, the parent still loves the child, and there are ways to feel better. This book includes questions and drawing prompts throughout the book, so there is not an additional Reading Guide to download. Children can work through the book with a trusted adult by pausing and participating by drawing or sharing their perspective if they’d like. 

Before reading with a child, review the book and consider what is helpful and necessary for the child to know. When used appropriately, information can relieve children’s fears by answering their concerns and explaining their parents’ behavior. However, each child’s and parent’s unique situation should be considered when deciding whether to read any or all of a book with a child.

Two Homes

SYNOPSIS:
Alex has two homes - one with his mommy and one with his daddy. The homes are different but both have phones, kitchens, friends, and spaces for him. He loves both his parents, and they both love him.

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The Day My Daddy Lost His Temper

SYNOPSIS:
Laura’s dad was very angry and hurt her mom who had to go to the hospital and get help. Laura felt sad, angry, scared, and confused. She learns that people are responsible for their own behavior, and it is not her fault. Laura also visits a therapist/doctor and learns ways to feel better and safe. Her dad does not come back to live with them, but she learns it’s okay to love him and dislike what he did.

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You Weren't With Me

SYNOPSIS:
Little Rabbit talks through his feelings and thoughts about Big Rabbit being gone for a long time. Big Rabbit (who has returned) expresses love and concern for Little Rabbit.

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Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry

SYNOPSIS:
Annie’s mom is loving and fun, but sometimes she has mood swings that make her feel upset and yell. Annie follows a plan with her grandma to make sure she is taken care of when her mom is not okay. Annie has school friends and helpful neighbors. She thinks about positives and knows her mom loves her.

Note: This book is intended for children whose parents’ emotional difficulties or mental illness (e.g. Bipolar Disorder, Depression) impacts children but does not endanger them. If you suspect child abuse, you should report it to your state’s child abuse hotline.

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Why Are You So Scared?

SYNOPSIS:

This book is intended for children whose parents are experiencing symptoms of PTSD. It explains what PTSD is, that adults don’t feel bad on purpose, it’s not the child’s fault or responsibility, the child’s feelings are okay, the parent still loves the child, and there are ways to feel better. This book includes questions and drawing prompts throughout the book, so there is not an additional Reading Guide to download. Children can work through the book with a trusted adult by pausing and participating by drawing or sharing their perspective if they’d like. 

Before reading with a child, review the book and consider what is helpful and necessary for the child to know. When used appropriately, information can relieve children’s fears by answering their concerns and explaining their parents’ behavior. However, each child’s and parent’s unique situation should be considered when deciding whether to read any or all of this book with a child.

Everett Anderson's Goodbye

SYNOPSIS:
Everett experiences the five stages of grief as he processes the death of his father in this poetic story.

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Ben's Flying Flowers

SYNOPSIS:
Emily loves spending time with her brother Ben. When Ben dies from a long, serious illness, Emily is very sad and angry. In time, she finds what helps her feel better and remembers special times with her brother.

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No New Baby

SYNOPSIS:
A young girl learns from her parents that their expected baby was born too early and died. She feels scared, sad, and confused. She wonders if she caused it and remembers how she didn’t like all the changes for the baby at first. Grandma explains it is not the girl’s fault and comforts her.

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