Some topics are difficult to teach or discuss with children. Not that they should be, but there are life events or problems that arise where finding the right words can be difficult. Sky Pony Press has several new books out that are aimed at making challenging topics easier for kids to understand, by putting them into an entertaining story format. Reading these to Kieran (age 5) has stimulated conversations on illness, disability, philanthropy and special friendships, to name a few.
AMIGOS: FRIENDS FOREVER
By: Walko
$16.95, Hardcover
This is a story about Pedro, a blind dog on a journey that crosses paths with Rosalie, a cat with a “lame” leg that fast become friends. They quickly realize the value in working together to achieve a goal and compensate for each others disabilities. They instantly connect, but realize life will be better with a companion to travel with. The story Kieran picks up on is the one of friends in the making. I took the opportunity to discuss with her disabilities and physical challenges that they face because of them. This is no new topic in our household, as I am a full-time physical therapist and have many times talked about the people I go to work to help.
THE LEMONADE RIPPLE: A SWEET STORY OF KINDNESS AND CHARITY
By: Paul Reichert
$12.95, Hardcover
Like the title, this book starts with one girl at a lemonade stand (Caroline). She wishes to raise money so her friend, Shannon, can get a new (less rusty, less squeaky) wheelchair. From that first stand, other customers were inspired to start their own fundraising efforts to help buy Shannon a new wheelchair, too. Other friends started a coin drive, a doggy daycare and on an on…a rippling effect of a community coming together to help a family in need.
This book also has a great list at the end of the book on “Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Be Philanthropic”. The proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Foundation for Community Betterment.
FAREWELL, GRANDPA ELEPHANT
By: Isabel Abedi
$16.95, Hardcover
The topic of death is the single most difficult discussion I’ve ever had with my five-year-old. This book helps teach kids how to say good bye to loved one. The illustrations in this story are soft and beautiful. In this story, Grandpa Elephant comes to his grandchildren and says goodbye “one last time”. It was clearly an emotional time for them, but one little elephant didn’t understand initially whey Grandpa wasn’t coming back to play after he said goodbye. The book ends a bit abruptly, but then again, that in and of itself describes the finality of death.
About Sky Horse Press
Launched in fall 2011, Sky Pony Press is the children’s book imprint of Skyhorse Publishing. Following in the footsteps of their parent company, their goal is to provide books for readers with a wide variety of interests. As their list grows, they will be publishing fiction, picture books, educational books, novelty books, midgrade, and even reissuing some well-loved classics. Since they do not view their readers as generic age groups, but rather as individual children, each with specific talents and needs, they will be publishing in a broad range of subject matter to celebrate their diverse interests.
– Heather
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received the books mentioned from Sky Horse Press free of charge to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
