TOO SAFE FOR STRANGERS
by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn
Illustrated by Susan Lynn Cotton
Future Horizons
Children Non-Fiction
24 pages
ages 3+
Most children, especially children on the autism spectrum, accept adults' friendliness at face value. Sometimes it can have tragic consequences. Written by a Deputy Sheriff, this book is credited with foiling at least 22 stranger abductions. Characters Bobby and Mandee explain stranger danger in a way that is accessible, but not frightening, for children. Read it to your child and role-play different scenarios. Create a password only you and your child know, label backpacks on the inside (so strangers won't know your name). Strangers can be men or women, old or young. Adults should not touch, give gifts to, or ask for help from children. If they do, don't keep it a secret! Tell an adult! Arm your child with the knowledge that may save his or her life.
MY TIDBITS
This little book hits right where it counts, bringing over a clear message...and an important one. It's written just right for kids, explaining not only what a stranger is (yes, kids have a different opinion than us adults) but great tips on what to do when approached by one. And all of this in a way kids will have no problem grasping and remembering. I especially enjoyed the tips for parents because this is nothing kids should be learning to handle alone...because they can't.
To round it off, there's a great question and answer section in the back, which helps to make sure the reader understood what they've read. Such reinforcement isn't only necessary, but kids will enjoy it.
Summed up, this is a great little book which reaches it's goal with flying colors. After reading this, kids will be better prepared when a stranger approaches them and will know exactly how to handle it.
TOO SMART FOR BULLIES
by Deputy Sheriff Robert Kahn
and Sharon Chandler
Illustrated by Sue Lynn Cotton
Future Horizons
Children Non-Fiction
24 pages
ages 3+
Bullies, Beware! This is a little book is going to have a big impact! In this moral-driven story, Mandee tells big brother Bobby how a bully took all her money. Bobby stresses that she needs adult help, and explains what to do if it happens again. Don't argue; just walk or run away; tell a trusted adult, or call 911. If the adult doesn't believe you, tell another adult until you find someone who understands. A quiz at the back of the book helps the reader remember what to do, and there's a place to write the phone numbers of ""safe grown-ups"" to call.
MY TIDBITS
Bullying is a serious problem, and this book does a lovely job helping kids learn how to deal with it. The author takes a traditional problem, a bully seeking a kid's money, and shows how the little girl runs to her brother for help. I enjoyed this added trust siblings sometimes share. The reader is then lead to solid suggestions on how to deal with the bully, while reminding them that a bully was often a victim once themselves.
I appreciated the concrete tips and found the way they were described as very believable. Although I was a little disappointed with the 'pocket-money' demanding bully and felt another example might be truer to life, the author handled the situation wonderfully in a way children will easily understand.
At the end, there's a list of emergency contacts and a quiz to help deepen a child's understanding of the problem. Although bullying is a theme which can have many levels, I found this book a super way to let a child learn the first steps in solving such a situation.
All about the author. . .
BOB KAHN!!!
Bob Kahn has a Master’s Degree in Education. He was a sixth grade teacher for ten years. He became concerned with the drug and gang problems that are plaguing our nation. He became a D.A.R.E. instructor. While teaching D.A.R.E., he perfected a program he calls “too smart for strangers.” His program has foiled twenty-two stranger abductions. His first book Too Safe for Strangers is based on this program. His other books on children’s safety reflect his knowledge of working with children and helping them deal with today’s problems. He lives in Nevada with his wife Kandee and two children Bobby and Mandee (of course).
You can find him at. . . http://bobbyandmandee.com
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