Be Careful and Stay Safe

The world can seem so perilous, especially where our children are concerned. But even very young children can learn basic skills for staying safe in ordinary situations and preparing for emergencies. Without scaring kids (or alarming adults), this book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

The world can seem so perilous, especially where our children are concerned. But even very young children can learn basic skills for staying safe in ordinary situations and preparing for emergencies. Without scaring kids (or alarming adults), this book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.

Children's Literature

Be Careful and Stay Safe by Meiners is part of the Learning to Get Along series. This book primarily shows examples of how kids can be safe--from safely using items in the kitchen to not talking to strangers. The text is very vague, giving general guidelines that kids should follow. This vagueness would be lost if not for some very clear pictures. For example, the text reads If I don t know someone or if I don t feel comfortable, I can ignore the person and walk away. This is a general statement of what a child can do when they see a stranger and do not want to interact with that stranger. The picture is of a man in a car, leaning out the window trying to talk to two kids. These pictures are a bit on the generic side with heavy black lines outlining minimal shades of colors. However, this helps present a clear picture for kids who need to think in general terms when trying to figure out the vague text about safety. The book also includes a S.A.F.E. plan. (Stay away from danger. Ask for help. Follow directions and use things carefully. Emergencies-have a plan!) There are multiple activities that would be useful for parents and teachers alike. Although most kids would not pick up this book on their own, it is a valuable tool for adults to use to begin a safety discussion with their kids. Reviewer: Joella Peterson

Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children. They live in Laurel, Maryland.