Let's Talk About It: Divorce [Paperback]

Fred Rogers (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Let's Talk about It

"Mister Rogers's talent for calmly explaining scary emotional upheaval to young children shines in this latest volume. . . . Rogers offers caring support and validation for readers working through such trauma, and he supplies concrete examples of ways kids can deal with the stress. . . . Books that offer such honest reassurance are rare".--"Publishers Weekly" (starred review).

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mister Rogers's talent for calmly explaining scary emotional upheaval to young children shines in this latest volume, following Let's Talk About It: Adoption. The painful realignment of the family unit that takes place when parents divorce inevitably fills children with worry, anger, doubt and a host of other feelings. Rogers offers caring support and validation for readers working through such trauma, and he supplies concrete examples of ways kids can deal with the stress. Statements such as "Their divorce is not your fault" and "There's nothing you can do to make your mom and dad get married to each other again" typify the book's straightforward yet concerned tone. Rogers wisely encourages adults to use his text as a jumping off point and tailor it to their own family's particular circumstances. Judkis's serviceable photos capture a variety of interactions?happy and sad?between the parents and children of three real families. Books that offer such honest reassurance are rare. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3?Divorce is difficult enough for adults, but for children, it can be devastating. Here, Rogers presents much-needed information to read, discuss, and implement. He defines a family as anyone who gives a child food, care, love, and a place to feel safe. He explains that these main ingredients should remain constant even in the event of a divorce. Children are advised to ask about changes in living arrangements and other aspects of their lives. The text emphasizes that divorce is an adult problem for which children have no responsibility and that it is highly improbable that estranged parents will get back together. The author prescribes activities like talking, drawing, and playing with friends to deal with normal feelings of sadness, anger, and crying. Youngsters are encouraged to have fun even though they may feel guilty at the thought. Judkis's sensitive full-color photographs of three families work well with the text. This book fills a gaping hole on library shelves.?Marsha McGrath, Clearwater Public Library, FL
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 26, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116704
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116702
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > Marriage & Divorce
  • #55 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > Divorce
  • #88 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Marriage & Divorce

More About the Author

Fred Rogers: March 20, 1928 - February 27, 2003

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 lived in Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book, July 2, 2006

By 

Jennifer "mom of 2 girls" (Central Coast, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Let's Talk About It: Divorce (Paperback)

This book hits all the important things to tell a child about divorce, yet is not too wordy. It is very complete and really comforting. I bought a whole bunch of books to read to my girls (2 adn 5) to help them cope and they repeatedly ask for this one. It doesn't go into too much detail about different types of situations that don't apply, but just talks about feelings and gives them the message that they are ok and it is not their fault. My mom is a counselor and this is also her favorite. I highly recommend this book if you have young children and are getting divorced. Mr. Rogers is awesome!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful aid to help the little ones through a difficult time . . ., July 9, 2006

By 

Christine Brandt (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Let's Talk About It Divorce (Turtleback)

When I told my 7 year old daughter that her dad and I were getting a divorce she crumbled. She sobbed "That means I won't have a daddy anymore." I wish I had this book before I told the kids.

The book reassures kids in such a comforting and caring way. This book helped us get past the tears at bedtime that first week. And my kids never once thought the Divorce was their fault--because the book explains that so simply.

Thank you Fred Rogers--this helped our family so much.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, October 9, 2008

By 

Jeffrey Ventura (Rancho Cordova, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Let's Talk About It: Divorce (Paperback)

There is no need to expound on Mr. Roger's credentials: he is the standard for teaching children.

Mr. Roger's book is aimed at the younger reader, with 2-3 sentences per pages and illustrated with photographs to reinforce each page's concept. It's clearly geared for the younger reader and the photographs are from a 1970's lifestyle, but the points the book makes are solid and simple. It's not flowery or verbose, instead it's direct in it's message to the child(ren) reading it: mom and dad love you. There's going to be some real changes and it's not fun, but they will always love you and take care of you.

For those divorcing with young children (I'm guesstimating ages 3 through 7) the book as absolutely great. This is a classic demonstration of Fred Rogers' poignant and elegant ability to communicate with children.