Sometimes Bad Things Happen

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-This book is designed to help children cope with "bad things" that occur in their everyday lives and to allow them to explore their feelings of sadness, fear, anger, etc. Some of the examples offered include a game being canceled, a sibling being pushed by a bully, adults fighting, and seeing scary news stories on television. After acknowledging the emotions, Jackson reassures youngsters that while "a few people do bad things" most people "want to make the world a better place for everyone." A brief text and crisp, color photos show community heroes such as a firefighter and other professionals caring for people and animals. Simple coping strategies are suggested, such as "Hug a friend. Plant a flower.- Look up at the sky. Sing a brave song," and youngsters are told that "It's okay to cry." Older children could use this book as a springboard for talking about their own experiences and ways to handle them positively. Younger audiences will find comfort in expressing their own sadness and looking for a happier outcome.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.