KoKo Bear Can Help Children * learn what divorce means * deal with changes in their everyday lives * talk about their feelings * recognize that their feelings are natural * be assured that their parents still love them and will take care of them * understand that divorce is not their fault

Koko Bear is fascinated with socks. He loves long ones, short ones, striped ones, colorful ones. He loves socks so much he has no time for friends. One day, when he has no more socks left to wear, he carries them to the river to wash. He falls asleep only to wake up and discover--no socks--but maybe gifts of friendship.

In KOKO BEAR'S BIG EARACHE, a read-aloud story for young children and their parents, popular parenting author Vicki Lansky uses an adorable character, KoKo, the unisex little bear, to provide reassurance and comfort for the child as well as helpful information for the parents. After KoKo wakes at night with another big earache, Dr. Polar recommends the insertion of tiny ear tubes to prevent any hearing loss. This means day surgery at the hospital and naturally KoKo is afraid. In this delightfully illustrated little story, children will share KoKo's discovery that the hopital is a great place to feel well again. In addition to KoKo's story, the book contains many useful tips for parents anxious to minimize their child's fears, plus essential information for insuring a child's speedy recovery. A section at the back of the book features easy-to-understand answers to parents' most commonly asked questions. This is also helpful to healthcare professionals who address parental concerns.

Mariana is nervous for her first day of school. Her papa gives her a little "comfort" box and instructs her to open it whenever she absolutely, positively, really, really needs it. When she does, a whoosh of air flies out and surrounds her like a warm hug. As the day goes by, her confidence slowly increases and she tries harder and harder to not open the box. When an unkind classmate falls at recess and she is the only one around to help, will she need the box . . . or will he?

Humor, a surprise ending, and an unlikely friendship make Bear and Chicken fall into the ranks with Mo Willems and Dev Petty, and the soup recipe at the end will inspire young chefs to get into the kitchen and cook! When Bear finds a chicken frozen in the winter snow, he brings it home to try to defrost it. As Chicken thaws-um, awakens-he fears that Bear is actually prepping to eat him. Oh no! All signs are pointing to a fateful end for Chicken-being wrapped like a burrito, chopped basil and veggies sitting on the counter, the huge pot on the stove that's just the right size for a chicken to fit inside. It's almost time for lunch, so Chicken makes a run for it! But in the end, Chicken learns that perhaps he too quickly jumped to conclusions. This funny and clever friendship tale teaches kids that things are not always as they seem, while learning a thing or two about making soup with a friend!