Therapist Provides Children�s Book Reviews at www.Alegent.com
07/07/2003
The Harry Potter� phenomenon exemplifies the extent to which children are magnetized by storybook characters that they can identify with. Since parents can positively influence a child�s self-concept through careful book selection, an Alegent Health therapist is providing online children�s book reviews as a resource for parents.
Every month, Teri Echtenkamp, a child and adolescent therapist, chooses four to five children�s picture books to feature on www.alegent.com. Topics range from helping children cope with difficult life situations, such as divorce and death, to interacting with family and peers.
The book reviews are a quick and simple reference guide for parents, who may be feeling overwhelmed with the sheer number of picture books on the market.
I look for books with colorful illustrations that jump off the page and storybook characters involved in situations that children at different ages can relate to,� Echtenkamp said. Picture books that make children (and adults) laugh make reading appealing and fun. Books are also a wonderful way to connect with your children and teach them ways to recognize and handle certain emotions such as anger, or deal with situations like bullying,� she said.
This month www.Alegent.com is featuring four books that deal with sibling rivalry, including Queen of the World, by Thomas F. Yezerski; My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco; Sorry by Jean VannLeeuwen/Brad Sneed (illus.); and Starring Lucille by Kathryn Lasky/Marylin Hafner (illus.).
Echtenkamp�s past selections include Walter the Farting Dog (self-acceptance); Tacky the Penguin (being different); Leo the Late Bloomer (developing at different paces); Oliver Button is a Sissy (bullying, self-respect and pride); and Cinder Edna, (healthy, sensible female inspiration).
All of the books that Echtenkamp reviews are available at the public library. While the books posted on the Alegent Health web site are geared toward children between the ages of three and seven, Echtenkamp encourages parents of older children to read together, too. Reading is a great activity to do with your kids no matter what their age. If you have a pre-teen, for example, both of you can read together silently, and then discuss the book,� she said.
Echtenkamp provides inpatient therapy to children and adolescents. She incorporates storytelling and reading a minimum of three times a week during group therapy sessions.
To learn more about the Alegent Health book reviews click here.
