“I’ll Know What to Do: A Kid’s Guide to Natural Disasters”

Bonnie S. Mark, PhD, and Aviva Layton

American Psychological Assn.

57 pages, $9.95

As a mother who is continually trying to reassure an anxiety-prone daughter that tornadoes and hurricanes are unlikely threats in Southern California, I can highly recommend this book for other parents in the same boat. Young children are not immune from hearing about the disasters of the world but are often unable to distinguish whether such a risk applies to them. On the other hand, Southern California children know all too well how it feels to be in a real natural disaster given our history of earthquakes, wildfires and floods. (According to the author, many Southern California children have already heard that the coming winter poses the threat of El Nino rains and flooding and may need some reassuring.) This book takes the approach that children are calmed when armed with solid, proactive information, such as knowing what to do in the face of an actual threat. Written by Los Angeles psychotherapist Bonnie S. Mark of the Maple Counseling Center and children’s book author Aviva Layton, the slim book also encourages children to verbalize their feelings about disasters. It’s written for children 8 to 13, but parents could read it to slightly younger children. To order from the American Psychological Assn. call (800) 374-2721, or write to APA, 750 First St. N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4242.