FRIENDS ARE NOT FOR BITING

A licensed therapist explores the many reasons children choose to bite.

Liam feels like a lion. He loves to stretch and roar. But sometimes, he also likes to bite. Readers follow Liam throughout his day as he navigates temptations. At school, frustrated when a friend plays with his favorite blue train, he pounces. Dad, who’s here to drop Liam off, steps in: “I heard your angry sounds, Liam. Friends are not for biting. When we get upset, we can try taking belly breaths or asking for help.” Later, when the classroom gets so loud it makes Liam’s “teeth buzz,” his teacher suggests he visit the calming space, and eventually, Liam internalizes the titular message. Allen focuses less on Liam’s biting and more on the motivations behind his actions. Many kids will recognize themselves in the protagonist, but the message-heavy narrative feels more like a tool for parents and those working with children than a story youngsters will clamor for. In an appended note, Allen provides useful strategies for understanding and redirecting biting. Tan-skinned Liam is illustrated with a hint of leonine features: He has a mane of wild brown hair, wears a hoodie with ears, and has sharp incisors that come out when his lion tendencies are the strongest. His classroom is diverse.

A gentle parenting guide for curbing chewy childhood behavior.