Mum and Dad Glue

Product Information

Kids who suddenly see their parents fall out, they see them sad, angry, sometimes there are arguments. This book will be very relatable for many children and can spark great discussion with any aged child. Reinforces the view that the child is not to blame and will continued to be loved as before, and sometimes it is not possible to 'fix' a problem.

The child's concept of sticking his parents back together with glue is so down to earth and truly places the reader into the mindset of a young person desperate for his mum and dad to stay together. This can be used as a conversation started with those children in your class that are going through this tough situation. This story is told in such a kind and soft way that this may allow children to feel comfortable to talk about the subject. If children are struggling with this in their own lives this could be used to read with them or suggest a parent read it with their child. The illustrations highlight how, to them, it can feel like their whole world is breaking and changing which gives the adult reader a perspective on how the process can feel very overwhelming for the child/children involved.

Every Second Friday by Kiri Lightfoot and Ben Galbraith is another message book about divorce, this time dealing with children getting used to having two different homes. As the book progresses we see the kid try to get his parents together again, to have them kiss, to have them love each other again. It is about a little boy who is trying to cope with his parent separating but because his world is torn apart, its hard for him to do.

However by removing the crack later in the story but still having the same whole page illustrations provides a key visual message that in time the situation does heal.This message is conveyed in a meaningful way whilst being light hearted in the storyline approaching a difficult topic in a sensitive way. The image of the crack is a sharp tool in showcasing how severe children's guilt towards divorce can be and how massive this change is to their lives.

I am glad that the parents talked to him, that the parents made time to make sure he was fine, and that they explained everything to him. Though it may be useful for directing children's thoughts towards the idea that lots of parents separate and that they can be just as happy with separated parents, I would worry that the book may make a child think that their feelings are wrong or that they have to feel a certain way. In the second half of the book, where the main character realizes that it is ok and that hearts cannot be put back together with glue the images are no longer broken.

It is something I have seen happening in other books about divorce, and it always breaks my heart and makes me tear up. We Are Wearing Out The Naughty Step by Mick Inkpen gently touches on issues further down the line, when potential step-families are cropping up.