A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original review appears below. Elizabeth Zook is an editor of Channels residing in Prince George, B.C.
Please Come Home. Doris Sanford, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1985. Pictures by Graci Evans.
It Must Hurt a Lot. Doris Sanford, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1985. Pictures by Graci Evans.
Don’t Look at Me. Doris Sanford, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1986. Pictures by Graci Evans.
I Can’t Talk About It. Doris Sanford, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1986. Pictures by Graci Evans.
Multnomah Press has released four children’s books which attempt to deal sensitively with areas of potential childhood pain. Without using explicitly Christian language, the books stress the possibility of growth and learning in each situation. Please Come Home deals with the reality of the separation and emotional pain of divorce while affirming the potential for healing for the child. It Must Hurt a Lot gives some special secrets which can help a child recover after losing someone special through death. Don’t Look at Me examines the positive effect of affirmation in the life of a child who is rejected by his or her peers. I Can’t Talk About It explores the guilt, fear, forgiveness and courage that abused children require to expose the truth, end the abuse and then recover from the abuse. All four books are well illustrated with full colour drawings which will appeal to the children in the 4-7 year old age group towards which the books are directed. The books all end with suggestions for adult caregivers guiding children through these difficult situations. In these suggestions an attempt is made to introduce some basic theological reflection on the issue examined in the book. The books clearly state the emotional issues from a child’s perspective and provide solutions a child can readily apply. These books are a helpful resource for those supporting children in difficult situations.