I Have a New Family Now: Understanding Blended Families (Comforting Little Hearts) [Hardcover]

Robin Prince Monroe (Author), Nancy Barnet (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998 | Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Comforting Little Hearts

Families change from time to time. Deaths, births, divorces, remarriages can all bring new people into a child's family. By using this book, parents can help children understand why they need not fear changes in their family, and how they're always in God's family.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0570050391
• ISBN-13: 978-0570050391
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,321,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biblically-based, sound psychology, April 27, 2004

By 

Amanda Mauricio "labrynth999" (Tecumseh, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Have a New Family Now: Understanding Blended Families (Comforting Little Hearts) (Hardcover)

This very simple and matter-of-fact book helps children to understand the reality that families change due to different situations. This book focuses on stepfamilies, or blended families, and asks children to evaluate their new families and express how they feel about them. There is some sound advice at the end of the book as to how parents can help their children adjust to having new family members.

When I ordered this book, I didn't realize how Biblically based it is. There are Bible verses scattered throughout the book ensuring children that they need not be afraid of change, because even if life changes, God doesn't, and He is always there for us and will always love us. At the end of the book there is a brief synopsis of the Gospel, specifically that Jesus Christ died for our sins because He loves us. The Biblical references correlate well with the text without making it super religious, and most of the verses are typed "off to the side". There are some cute references to Jesus having a stepfamily (Joseph being His stepfather), and an adorable illustration of Jesus hugging His stepbrother, James.

As it is definitely a Christian book I'm not sure that atheistic or agnostic families would feel comfortable with such overt Biblical references. Jewish and Muslim families may be offended by references to Jesus' death being necessary for the forgiveness of sins. However, the overall message of the book (that change is inevitable and it is OK to feel how you feel about it) is very good and the interactive features of the book encourage children to participate in discussion about otherwise sensitive issues. I heartily recommend it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK!, August 8, 2006

By 

Kimberly Sublett (Fayetteville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Have a New Family Now: Understanding Blended Families (Comforting Little Hearts) (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 6 year old because I have noticed that he's been having mixed thoughts about his "blended" family. My son loved this book and the fact that you can fill in the blanks and draw pictures about how you are feeling. This book helped me explain the whole remarriage and stepparent situation. He loved this book so much that he took it to school the very next day to show his teacher.

I would highly recommend this book for any parent, counselor, therapist that deals with children who need help understanding blended families.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for young children, June 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: I Have a New Family Now: Understanding Blended Families (Comforting Little Hearts) (Hardcover)

This book is so good because it not only explains things but is also interactive. The children fill in blanks and draw. It is easy to talk over things with your child as you go through the book together. I recommend it highly.