Children’s Stories Tackle Problems Big and Small

Two recent trends are changing the face of self-help books for kids: They look more like traditional children’s storybooks, and they cover not just serious physical and psychological disorders, trauma and problems, but routine challenges in children’s everyday lives.

Here’s a selection of recent self-help books published for kids:

“Too Old for This, Too Young for That! Your Survival Guide for the Middle-School Years” (Free Spirit Press, $14.95): Authors Harriet Mosatche and Karen Unger address issues that matter most to middle-schoolers, from physical and emotional changes to dealing with family and friends.

“Just Because I Am: A Child’s Book of Affirmation” (Free Spirit Press, $8.95): Lauren Murphy Payne’s simple book for children ages 3 to 8 is delightfully illustrated by Claudia Rohling and contains essential truths about the unconditional value of childhood.

“A Terrible Thing Happened” (Magination Press, $14.95): Sherman saw something horrible and couldn’t forget it. This gentle story by Margaret Holmes, illustrated by Cary Pillo, helps traumatized children who have witnessed violence, accidents, homicides or suicides, or natural disasters.

“I Don’t Want to Sleep Tonight” (Golden Books, $12.99): “Inside Edition” anchor Deborah Norville’s cute bedtime companion tackles the nighttime fears and wake-up monsters many children anticipate before dozing off.

“Help! A Girl’s Guide to Divorce and Stepfamilies” (American Girl Library, $8.95): Author Nancy Holyoke provides support, advice and straightforward answers to girls trying to cope with their parents’ divorce.

“How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up” (Free Spirit Press, $8.95): This funny little volume, written and illustrated by Trevor Romain, gives tips for doing homework with minimal hassle.