The World Around Us

On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice focuses on introducing children to the complex topic of prejudice.

Crafted around a narrative between a grade-school-aged child and an adult, this inquiry-focused book will help children shape their understanding of diversity so they are better prepared to understand, and question, prejudice witnessed around them in their day-to-day lives and in the media. Dr. Jillian Roberts discusses types of discrimination children notice, what prejudice means, why it's not okay, how to stand up against it and how kids can spread a message of inclusion and acceptance in the world around them.

Reviews
"A heartfelt…tool to provoke conversations about prejudice and bullying."— Kirkus Review, October 2018

"Parents, teachers, and counselors will find this book to be a handy resource for discussing bullying, as it provides credible ways for children (and adults) to view themselves as active upstanders for others."— Booklist, November 2018

Educator Information
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in an accessible way. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just starting to make these observations, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

Themes / Keywords: racism, ableism, sexism, diversity, inclusion, bullying, inquiry-based, discrimination.

Recommended Ages: 6-8

This book is available in French: Et si on parlait des PRÉJUGÉS ?

Additional Information
32 pages | 10" x 8.5" | Paperback

On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety introduces children to the basics of online safety in a story-based, conversational style. Using real-world examples set within the context of a child who is using the Internet for the first time and watching an older sibling interact with social media, Dr. Roberts takes readers through several common scenarios around parental supervision, online bullying and anonymity. She also includes examples of people who use the Internet to make the world a better place. On the Internet addresses common safety concerns in a child-centered way and offers easy-to-understand rationales as to why it's important to maintain boundaries online just as in real life.

Educator Information
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in an accessible way. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just starting to make these observations, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

Recommended Ages: 6-8

Themes / Keywords: Internet safety, early conversations, online awareness, digital citizenship, technology, online bullying.

This book is available in French: Et si on parlait des L'INTERNET ? 

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 10.00"

Let's have an open and positive conversation about our bodies.

This illustrated nonfiction picture book by child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts introduces children to the topics of bodies, body safety and body image through a conversation-based story that begins with an observation at the community pool. Modesty, privacy and boundaries are discussed, along with how self-image is formed and how some people are more sensitive than others—sometimes at different stages in their lives. Relevant themes around body shaming, body positivity and self-esteem building are explored, with a final call to action empowering children to build their own confidence and speak up when something doesn't feel right.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside the comfort of their homes, in a way that is straightforward and accessible. Sidebars offer further reading for older children who have bigger questions or care providers looking for more information. For younger children, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

This is the newest title in The World Around Us series, following books that address poverty, tragedy, prejudice and online awareness, and environemental stewardship.

Keywords: body safety, consent, privacy and modesty, self-esteem, boundaries.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Full colour illustrations and images.

On the News gently introduces young children to the realities of natural disasters, terrorism and other forms of tragedy. In age-appropriate language and tone, Dr. Roberts explains what tragedy is, the feelings it may create and how to manage those feelings. She also emphasizes the good that can come out of tragedy, looking at how people help one another in caring, compassionate and heroic ways. The book's question-and-answer format will help parents have a meaningful conversation about these difficult topics with their children and equip them to better handle questions that arise when children are exposed to the news.

Educator & Series Information
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in an accessible way. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just starting to make these observations, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in French: Et si on parlait des TRAGÉDIES ?

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"