Stranger Danger?

Since there are times when it's essential that children talk to strangers and trust them-in hospital or when lost for instance-and since many strangers are perfectly well intentioned and most child abuse comes from family members or friends, I've always felt serious reservations about a campaign that teaches children to distrust and shun any stranger they meet. These three short, easy-to-read stories tell of Joe who has had the standard police talk at school and finds himself in realistic and worrying dilemmas when he meets strangers later on. The message is that common-sense and care are essential to help a child be both safe and sociable. It's put across with humour and wit, and in simple, believable language. Younger children will need to talk about the issues as they read, but a wide range will enjoy this book and be helped by it.