Karen's Surprise

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to find their place in a complex, blended family or feeling 'lost in the shuffle' of two homes. Karen Brewer lives in a big house with her father and stepmother and a little house with her mother and stepfather. This story focuses on Karen's desire to feel unique and appreciated when her siblings seem to be getting all the attention. It gently explores themes of belonging and the reassurance that a parent's love isn't divided, even when the family tree grows. Appropriate for children aged 6 to 9, this early chapter book is a perfect tool for normalizing the logistical and emotional realities of divorce and remarriage. It provides a relatable mirror for children who rotate between households and helps them articulate feelings of sibling rivalry or the need for a 'special' moment with their parents. It is a comforting, realistic look at how a child can feel big emotions in a busy, loving environment.