Stars: ***1/2
Children’s Picture Book
Verbal Images Press (Sept. 2009)
ISBN: 978-0-9821982-2-3
32 pages Ages 7-9
Summary: Animal-loving Ben feels sad and guilty when he loses his beloved hamster. Knowing that he is not quite ready to care for a new pet, his parents help him develop responsibility by using a reward chart. Observant readers will enjoy sharing the secret that Mom keeps from Ben through the whole process of selecting and preparing for the new pet. Families living with ADD will take heart from seeing how to fine-tune desired behaviours through setting and pursuing goals. Fans of Eagle Eyes will be happy to have a chance to re-visit Ben.
This is one of three books in The Coping Series, all about learning disabilities.
I think this book would be good for any child who needs to show responsibility before getting a (new) pet, whether they have ADD or not. If your child is not very responsible, this book could show what might happen if the child without enough responsibility got a pet and a way to work towards more responsibility.
I think all three books in the series, including this one would be perfect for either families with children with ADD/ADHD or other learning disabilities or for teachers who work with children with special learning needs.
The author did a good job of of tying in this book with the other story about Ben, Eagle Eyes. It’s not just that it’s about Ben again but the author tied in his love for nature.
Oh yes and at the end of the book are Discussion Starters which you could do as a parent or teacher or as a class if everyone is learning together.
Thanks to KSB Promotions and Jeanne Gehret, M.A. for the chance to read this book.
About Kathleen
