STANDING ON MY OWN TWO FEET

A simple, clearly worded text about divorce for the youngest children, this will help parents hammer home the twin messages that it is not the child’s fault and that the child is loved very much by each parent, no matter what happens. Blond-haired, blue-eyed Addison narrates his own tale, showing a map of his town and the two houses he lives in. He matter-of-factly explains his situation, telling readers that he sometimes misses the parent he is not with, but that he is safe with each of them: “Even when we are apart, we can look out our windows...and enjoy the same moon.” While not particularly artful, Schmitz’s brightly colored, realistic illustrations portray real people with real emotions. While readers never see Mom and Dad in friendly communication with each other, they are both present at Addison’s activities, supporting him and patently acknowledging their love for him. Meeting a real need, this is an excellent choice for the preschool set. (Picture book. 3-5)