RebeccasReads

Sam Feels Better Now! An Interactive Story for Children

In the Introduction to “Sam Feels Better Now:  An Interactive Story for Children,” the author states: “This book presents stage one of trauma therapy for children (Brack 2007).  It will help those with psychological injury from abuse or other causes.  The intention is for the child to use it in conjunction with a therapist.  This can occur over a period of time, not necessarily within one session.  Further work may be needed following completion of this book.  The therapist is encouraged to follow this program while consulting with caregivers to create a safe, supportive environment for their child and family.”  (p.1)

What follows is an interactive story about a young boy named Sam who visits a therapist with his mother.  Sam has been scared by something and is having difficulty sleeping, eating, and getting along with others.  The therapist takes him through a series of activities including drawing, playing, and telling stories aimed at the goal of helping Sam to feel better.  Throughout the book there are areas where the child is invited to draw pictures to help Sam.  For instance, “Can you help Sam by drawing ways that will help him relax?” (p.27)

The author of the book, Jill Osborne holds is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a M.S. and Ed. S in professional counseling.   This book, “Sam Feels Better Now:  An Interactive Story for Children” contains elements of trauma therapy, play therapy, and expressive therapy to help children work through their situations.

I think that any therapist working with children would benefit from having this book on hand.  The text of the story is easy for a young child to understand while the interactive format of “Sam Feels Better Now:  An Interactive Story for Children” allows for a child to open up and feel comfortable in expressing themselves in a fun and non-intimidating manner.  They will be able to relate to the main character Sam and will hopefully achieve the same results that he does.

Sam Feels Better Now! An Interactive Story for Children
Jill Osborne
Loving Healing Press (2008)
ISBN 9781932690606
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/11)

Reena’s Bollywood Dream

“Reena’s Bollywood Dream” is a book that addresses the important issue of sexual abuse.  Reena is a young 8-year-old girl who dreams of being a Bollywood star.  When her pen pal, her Uncle Jessi, emigrates from India to the U.S., he brings her a Bollywood movie.  Reena is enthralled with copying the dance moves of the Indian actress on the screen.

Her parents don’t approve of her dreams to be an actress.  They want better for her.  Her Uncle Jessi though, however, encourages her.  He even gives her a gift of a tiny little blouse and a skirt.  He has her put it on in the same room as him and urges her to dance while he video tapes her.  Uncle Jessi starts to take things a little too far but Reena gets away and goes to tell her parents.

When I first picked up the book to read, I was very curious as to how the author would approach the subject of sexual abuse in a children’s book.  I was very pleased with how the sensitive issue was handled in a way that was extremely appropriate for young children.  She definitely gets the point across in a way that is not overly graphic for a young child.

The topic of sexual abuse can be a difficult one to address with your children.   Reading “Reena’s Bollywood Dream” would be an excellent first step in this process and then you can go from there.  As one can tell from the title, the book is written from a South Asian perspective.  However, generally the concept of sexual abuse is the same in any culture.  Although one may have to explain “Bollywood” and other terms to a child who is unfamiliar with this culture, the main point of the book will still be easily understand.  There is even a glossary in the front for those, like me, who are not familiar with such terms as “nani” and “lengha.”  I believe that this book would be appropriate for anyone wanting to educate their child about the topic of sexual abuse.

Reena’s Bollywood Dream
Jewel Kats
Loving Healing Press (2010)
ISBN 9781615990146
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (04/11)