Death; Divorce; Hospital; Moving

These books with their gentle, lifelike illustrations combine the necessary didactic information with a warmth of tone completely suitable to the subject matter. Intended as preparation for serious times of separation in children's lives, they will also be useful while in the midst of crisis, or even after the worst is over. The format is the same for each book: a series of letters written between child and friend or child and relative, explaining some of the feelings and problems the child is having, along with short stories enlarging on the dilemma, and pages of realistic and useful facts and coping strategies. There is much emphasis on talking worries through and that a great deal of time may be needed before emotions and attitudes are sorted out. This is particularly true of the books on divorce and death. Welcome paperback editions of books first published in 1997.