Recently, some of our staff has suffered losses. In my case, it was the loss of our beloved 19-year-old cat. He was my daughter’s constant companion as they both grew up, she being only three years older. She’s long past the age of learning about the circle of life, but we still had meaningful conversations about feelings we both had, and how we were going to miss him so much. But it led me to wonder how our conversations would have gone if she had been much younger.
Here at the library, in the early readers room, there is a category of books called Topics to Talk About, or TTTA, as I think of it. These books cover a wide range of topics that address things a young child might find confusing in life, and they offer a way to open up conversation, often with the young child leading the way. Some of the topics are Behaviour, Differences, Separation, Potty Training, New Experiences, New Baby, Feelings, Friends, and Fears, to name just a few. I’ve read quite a few of them, and have found many to be quite moving in the gentle way they address life situations that can provoke strong feelings in a small child, and frankly, in adults as well.
My child is well along the path to adulthood, so we don’t really need to go to the TTTA section, but if I am blessed with grandchildren, I am grateful to know that the books are there. Sometimes it’s just hard to talk about things, but with a book in hand, the way just might be a lot easier.
See you in the stacks!
/Annie
