Amber was Brave, Essie was Smart

Name: Amber was Brave, Essie was Smart
ISBN: 9781415518502

For children learning to appreciate the unique strengths and different personalities within their own family and friendships, this poetry collection celebrates individuality.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when helping a child navigate the complex feelings that come with a parent's incarceration or long-term absence. This gentle collection of poems tells the story of two sisters, brave Amber and smart Essie, who support each other while their father is in jail. Through vignettes of their daily lives, the book explores their distinct personalities, their unwavering love for their father, and their family's resilience. For ages 6 to 10, it's a tender and honest tool for normalizing a difficult family situation and starting conversations about love, mistakes, and hope without being overwhelming.

Self-Confidence & Identity Family & Siblings Love & Family Being Different Friendship & Social Friendship & Loyalty Empathy & Kindness Growing Up

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesModerate

Directly and gently addresses the sadness and challenges of having a father in jail.

Sensitive Topics

The central topic is parental incarceration. The book addresses this directly and honestly, using phrases like "Daddy is in jail" and "He made a mistake." The approach is secular and focuses on the child's emotional experience. The resolution is realistic: the situation is ongoing, but the family's love provides a hopeful and stable foundation for the children's resilience.