Bibliotherapy
In its most basic sense, Bibliotherapy is the use of books (biblio) to initiate and facilitate in the healing process (therapy). As early as the 1800's the therapeutic benefits of books have been acknowledged by those in the medical field.
Let's face it, life can be hard...especially for kids. Each developmental stage brings new challenges in dealing with emotions and life situations. Books for kids can help!
Approaching a difficult topic of conversation through the avenue of a character in a book or story, makes it less threatening. It can also help a child see life from a new perspective. Books open the door for empathy and shared experiences.
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Self Image - Bibliotherapy
"If you agree with Dorothy Briggs’ assertion in Your Child’s Self Esteem that “self-esteem is the mainspring that slates every child for success or failure as a human being,” then a crucial job for every parent and every teacher is affirming and building self-esteem in each child."
- Sherie Newman (CDFC Teacher)
When working as a school librarian, other educators would often ask for book recommendations for certain students dealing with self image challenges such as a speech impediment, weight problem, bullying, etc.
Reading about someone else's experience with the same difficulty or a book that brings humor to a topic, can really help a child learn to open up and lighten up on their view of themselves.
Here are a few I have loved over the years:
Comparisons
In Giraffe's Can't Dance, Gerald was awkward and this made him so sad when the time came around for the annual jungle dance. He felt like everyone else could do what he couldn't do. As he retreats from the other animals ridicule, he receives a bit of wise advice from a little cricket.
"Sometimes when you're different, you just need a different song."
Identity & Acceptance
In I'm Not Just a Scriblble, Scribble is unique and enjoys his differences until one day he meets a house, a sun and some clouds that refuse to play with him. At first, Scribble is sad and angry, but then he refuses those feelings and chooses to be happy. The others eventually decide to ask Scribble to play. He forgives them and together they create a beautiful picture of fun and acceptance that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face!
Learning Disabilities
This was always one of my favorite books to read to my library classes to help them understand reading is a skill that is learned and practiced. It may come easy to some, but for many it may be a struggle.
At the end of the story the author, Patricia Polacco, reveals she was the main character, Trisha, who was teased because she struggled with learning to read.
"She spooned honey on the cover and tasted the sweetness, and said to herself, "The honey is sweet, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is like the bee who made the honey, it has to be chased through the pages of a book!"
But I also love this as one of my picture books for adults because it shows how we can make a difference in a child's life as a teacher, care giver, friend, etc. A little encouragement goes a long way.
If you ever need a special gift for a teacher, Thank You, Mr. Falker is a wonderful one!
A few others for bibliotherapy for self-esteem:
- Identity - Spoon by Amy Kraus Rosenthal
- Speech delays - Wodney Wat by
- Bullying - The Great Fuzz Frenz by
Love & Assurance
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We all need to be assured of being love and that we matter. Books for kids are a wonderful bibliotherapy tool to fill this well of need. One of my favorites include:
Just in Case You Wonder by Max Lucado
Told from the view of a parent or caregiver, Big Bear shares how special God created Little Bear. Big Bear remembers when Little Bear first came to their home and shares he/she was sent by God.
As Little Bear grows they share so many wonderful activities such as reading books and fishing. Little Bear learns to do new things, but even so some things never change.
Big Bear assures Little Bear he/she can always come to them even in the difficult times like when it's dark and they are afraid or at school and the other kids are mean. God will also be with them watching over.
The book ends with Big Bear sharing what a wonderful place heaven is, a special place God has created.
This opens up conversations about the Gospel and how God has made a way for us to be with Him in heaven together as we put our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus.
Friendship -
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We've all probably heard - "To have a friend, you have to be a friend." What does being a good friend look like? The following children's books have characters that model how to be a friend and how to accept others who may be different from you.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck is a wonderful book about friendship and kindness. It flows with the rhythm of rhyme and uses "sound" words which in school you may remember as examples of onomatopoeia.
The Little Blue Truck books offer so much more than a few minutes of reading - which in and of itself is extremely valuable to a child.
Here are a few things to add to your reading time to enhance your child's development. I am not suggesting doing all these at one time nor making this fun book into a text book!
The joy of sitting with you reading a book together is the most important aspect of reading with a child. These are just a few "add-ons" along the way to help your child grow.
My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
My Friend Rabbit - Mouse displays patience and true friendship. His friend rabbit means well, but they usually get Mouse into trouble somehow. Told from the first person point of view from Mouse, this short, simple tale will have preschoolers and older kids laughing out loud! It will also help them see their own friendships from another point of view...and hopefully help develop understanding of and for others as well as themselves better.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Giving Tree is a story about an apple tree who befriends a small boy.
As the boy grows, the tree gives of herself and her resources to make him happy.
She gives her apples so that he will have money, she gives her branches so that he can build a house and have a family, she gives her trunk so that he can build a boat and sail far away. Each time she gives - the tree is happy.
Finally the giving tree is only a stump, but when she is able to be a place for the boy (now an old man) to sit and rest, she is happy once again.
This story easily contrasts the lack of contentment of the boy who is constantly receiving and the contentment of the tree based solely upon her heart to give. It also depicts that giving is a visible action of love.
Family Relationships
Not all families look alike; this can be troubling for children. Whether a child is facing a divorce along with their parents, navigating through the foster care system or just becoming a big sister or brother, bibliotherapy can bring comfort and clarity to otherwise confusing situations.
Are You My Mother?
The Ugly Duckling
Difficult Emotions - Bibliotherapy
Controlling our emotions is difficult even for us as adults. Children however have not developed the ability to identify and manage emotions. Using children's books as an avenue to address and teach coping tools is a beautiful benefit of bibliotherapy.
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Wemberly Worried (anxiousness) |
Scaredy Squirrel (fear) |
The Kissing Hand (fear/separation) |
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When Sophie Gets Angry (anger) |
(sadness) |
Thunder Cake (fear) |
Grief - Bibliotherapy
No matter what age a child may be, loss can be a confusing and difficult situation to navigate.
Children's books and stories can become a shared experience helping a child not feel alone in their grief. The characters can help a child step out of their own emotions to the perspective of those in the story.
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The Invisible String | ||
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Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs |
Ida, Always | |
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I"ll Always Love You (loss of a pet) |
Wherever You are, My Love will Find You |
Welcome! I'm Susan - Mom to four grown children & Suzie to our grandchildren. I love books and truly believe they can shape lives!
