Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child's Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce [Hardcover]

Tamara Schmitz (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 12, 2008 | Age Range: 3 - 7 years

Addison is a regular kid whose parents are going through a divorce, but he knows that no matter what happens, his parents will always love him. The text in this beautifully illustrated picture book is inspiring, gentle, and uplifting, and teaches kids that having two homes to live in can be just as great as having two strong feet to stand on.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—When Addison's parents get divorced, he ends up with two homes, and he feels safe in both of them. He knows that his mom and dad will always love him. The text uses simple straightforward statements; for example, "Mom and Dad do not always get along. But it's not because of me" and "Even though I wish we could all live together again, that probably won't happen. It's not up to me." Schmitz uses repetition in the best possible way to drive home her main points of unconditional love and that Addison is not to blame for the divorce. The brightly colored illustrations have exactly the right images to support the story. Due to its positive feel, easy-to-understand message, and topical nature, this book is an excellent choice for most libraries.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH
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Review

Due to its positive feel, easy-to-understand message, and topical nature, this book is an excellent choice for most libraries. -- School Library Journal

Meeting a real need, this is an excellent choice for the preschool set. -- Kirkus

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Price Stern Sloan (June 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0843132213
• ISBN-13: 978-0843132212
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Marriage & Divorce

More About the Author

Author and illustrator Tamara Schmitz grew up one of six children in the small town of Carey, Ohio. She graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design, and spent several years as an art director in advertising and teaching art. She has illustrated hundreds of greeting cards, and several children's books including the popular Mallory series. (Carolrhoda) Tamara is an SCBWI member and Mazza Enthusiast.

"Children's books can be a powerful tool in delivering positive messages, especially when the child is simply drawn to it! I am humbled by my part in it."

Sitting at her desk for too many hours, however, drives Tamara crazy. So in her free time she works on getting her third degree black belt in Taekwondo. She resides in Cincinnati with her blended family.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Children of Divorced Families deserve to hear this message June 23, 2008

By E. Smith

Format:Hardcover

I just bought this book as a special gift for a friend who has 2 young children and is going through a divorce. The dreaded questions in these cases that involve kids seem to be, a.) How is it going to affect the kids and, b.) How do you discuss it with them in the most supportive, least damaging way? In other words, how do you help them get through this, especially when you're dealing with your own depressing feelings about the divorce?
This book provides a simple, clear way to explain to children that although their parents now live in separate homes, it is not their fault and they are still loved by both parents. They can still be strong, happy kids. The pages are really colorful with nice artwork. The wording is simple & straight forward. The message is one that every single child of a divorced family deserves to hear over and over again. It is NOT their fault. This book made a wonderful, sweet gift for a family who truly needed some positive inspiration. I think they will treasure it always. Now that I've read it, I plan to buy another copy for a family I just heard is going to get a divorce. It's so sad that divorce is all around, at least there is some help to get through it. This is a really good book to help kids and parents alike.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Positive, Helpful Book October 6, 2009

By SM

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Great find!! I purchased this book to help my 4yr old son during our family's divorce. I particularly liked that it is not skewed from either parent's point of view like some other books that I purchased. It focuses on how the child is not to blame for the changes going on and that both parents still love (& will always) love them.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from Books That Heal Kids June 7, 2010

By Books That Heal Kids

Format:Hardcover

I'm all for the power of positive thinking. It's nourishing - especially during complicated family times. Children don't have to be the victims of divorce. Standing On My Own Two Feet teaches simple lessons: that the divorce is not their fault, parents love you unconditionally, and emotional strength can be developed through positive thoughts. Kids perceive divorce completely differently than the adults in their lives. Sometimes on the outside they may look like they are going strong, but often on the inside they are muddling through. Make sure you provide access to bibliotherapy as part of their healing process. As a school counselor, I use this one quite a bit.