Children - Special Needs, Children - Social Issues, Children - Fiction & Literature, Children - Family & Growing Up

Lets Talk About It: Extraordinary Friends

Name: Lets Talk About It: Extraordinary Friends
Author: Fred Rogers
ISBN: 9780698118614

by Fred Rogers, Jim Judkis (Illustrator), Jim Judkis

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Overview

How do you get to know someone in a wheelchair? Sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. In his characteristically wise and gentle way, Mister Rogers challenges the stereotypes that often plague children with special needs and celebrates six children who are extraordinary friends.

Discusses ways to get to know more about people who are different because of various handicaps.

Synopsis

When parents remarry, children face some hard changes. Suddenly part of a new family, they may feel displaced and worried. There are new rules that take getting used to. If there are new siblings, the oldest child may suddenly be the youngest, and a child who once had his or her own room may have to share a room. In face, they may have to learn to share a lot more things -- and people! The biggest question children in stepfamilies seem to have is: "Where is my place in this family?"

In his characteristically gentle way, Fred Rogers writes that children can play a part in working our their new place in the family be learning to express their concerns and feelings. He emphasizes that all the members of the family may have the same concerns and worries. He reminds children that a stepfamily may bring new people into their lives who will love and care for them, and who will share new good times with them.

For all children who have a new family, this book can help them understand how to find their place.

Parent Council Reviews

I remember as a child I had a fear of seeing a handicapped person. I didn't know what to do or say, because I had not been prepared. Mr. Rogers knows that fear exists. In this book he confronts the awkwardness and relates how six children become extraordinary friends. Part of the "Let's Talk About It Series" series. 2000, Puffin Books, $6.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: J. Bauman SOURCE: Parent Council Volume 8

About the Author, Fred Rogers

Producer, magician, writer, puppeteer, minister, husband, father, Fred Rogers started out in children's television thirty years ago. The direction he trailblazed was the "creation of television programming that spoke, with respect, to the concerns of early childhood, not as adults see it but as children feel it."

He has received virtually every major award in the television industry for work in his field, and dozens of others from special-interest groups.

Fred Rogers lives in Pennsylvania.

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

Using Mr. Rogers' ability to communicate in an understanding manner to youngsters, this "Let's Talk About It" book tackles the more commonly occurring situation of step or blended families. With photographs of real families, Mr. Rogers, in his own words, discusses the issues of adapting to change, conflicting feelings of anger and love, fears about a child's place in the familiy, and suggestions for making the transition less traumatic. Although aimed at the child, the book provides insight and encouragement to adults involved in understanding the many feelings a child is experiencing.

Children's Literature - Leah Hanson

This simple, straightforward book addresses an issue that is not so simple--how do we react to people different than us? Through precise, clear text and candid photographs, Rogers and Judkis explore friendships with people who have disabilities. Readers quickly learn that all people--no matter how they appear on the outside--desire love and friendship. Photos of children in wheelchairs or walkers playing with children who can walk without assistance emphasize the fact that if we look beyond the physical appearance, we can often find similar likes, dislikes, fears and dreams. Additionally, the book honestly addresses the different reactions children might have to persons with disabilities and provides guidance to overcome fear of the unknown. As Rogers explains in an introductory note, children's reactions to others are often based on the reactions of the adults they love. By sharing and discussing this book with young children, adults will provide positive examples of how to extend hands of friendship to all people. Other books in the "Let's Talk About It" series cover issues such as divorce, adoption and stepfamilies.

From The Critics

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3This title, written in simple language and accompanied by full-color photographs, offers a reassuring discussion of stepfamilies. Rogers shows compassion and an understanding of young children as he stresses the importance of communication and the sharing of feelings. He sets the tone by talking about the small changes in a child's life, such as birthdays, starting school, and making new friends. Gradually, he addresses the inevitable changes a family goes through when a parent remarries. Nothing is sugarcoated, and many concerns that children face in stepfamily situations are raised: getting used to new rules and taking orders from a stepparent who is "not my real mother." For Rogers, it is important that children talk about their feelings and share their fears. He tries to make them aware of different kinds of lovelove for family members, friends, and petsand that it is natural to feel confused and scared. A gentle, upbeat presentation that will both answer most questions and prompt others.Denise Furgione, Franklin Township Public Library, NJ