If You Listen

I am an elementary school counselor. This is an excellent book to share with children who are (grieving) missing a parent because of divorce, deployment, or death. Wonderful pictures and text. A peaceful, gentle read.

IF YOU LISTEN...wow, that title get's attention. I have so much to share with/teach my child and this book's title is perfect to whisper to her and get her in the mood to LISTEN. "How do you know if someone far away is loving you?" a little girl asked her mother. Truth is, we all ask ourselves this with so many family/friends over the miles. The mother answers in a way that is very interesting and beautiful with simple, yet great descriptive writing that pulls the reader into the pictures and beyond..."You have to stop when you're lonely and listen," said her mother....If you listen hard you'll feel someone far away sending love to you." After listening to her mother's examples, the little girl sits outside under a clear blue sky. "One bird circled and circled overhead. She watched until he flew away." There is so much more I'd like to say but get this book and share it with your child and encourage them to become listeners. Listening is something that we never "graduate" from. It is a continuous learning experience and more importantly, a gift of love and respect to the speaker.Soar!