It's Not Your Fault, KoKo Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce by Vicki Lansky, Jane Prince, Jane Prince (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

This easy-to-understand children's story and parenting guide is intended for families where both parents plan to stay active and involved in their child's life. It's Not Your Fault, KoKo Bear revolves around a lovable bear who doesn't want to have two homes. KoKo's experience will help children learn what divorce means, how family life will change, and understand that the divorce is not their fault.

Children's Literature

Designed as a "read together book for parents and children," this book follows KoKo from the time he learns from his mother that his parents are getting a divorce to Koko's attempts at adjusting to the actual separation of his parents into two households. As each page presents a new challenge to Koko, there are boxes at the bottom of the page containing advice to parents on how to handle the situation. With emphasis on talking about and accepting one's feelings, the book could be shared again and again by all parties involved to promote some understanding and acceptance of the situation. The cartoon drawings of Koko and his family will appeal to even the youngest member of the family, and there's a source for ordering a stuffed version of Koko.

School Library Journal

(PreS -Gr. 2) KoKo Bear's parents are getting divorced, and the cub must go through many adjustments and deal with a wide range of emotions: anger, guilt, confusion, and sadness. At every step, MaMa and PaPa are helpful, understanding, and supportive. In fact, Lansky's introduction for parents notes that adults might think they "are unrealistically polite and even-tempered." However, this is a book with a purpose, and as such, plot and character take a backseat to message. Below each block of text are comments and suggestions for adults to deal with issues raised by that section of the story. The illustrations are similarly low-key and pleasant, adding to the overall sense of well being. As bibliotherapy, this book serves a purpose. It might be shelved with the author's Divorce Book for Parents (Book Peddlers, 1991) as well as in the juvenile section. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN

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