Books with author Jim Boulden

Elfo leads us through this playful yet realistic story of feelings children may experience when confronted with a serious illness in a family member. Elfo tells us about issues related to sickness: how the sick person may look, talk, and act differently and how he or she may now need medicines, tubes and machines. Children often have unexpressed worries, and Elfo encourages the readers to express their feelings and write and talk about their experiences. Included with this book are memory pages and graphics to make get-well cards. (Grades 3-4)

Sue is angry with Nora, but instead of talking to Nora, she acts out her feelings at school. As she does this, her problems escalate. Sue blames her problems on everyone else until her mother helps her understand and deal with her anger. The message is given that anger is natural, but how we handle anger is very important. This interactive book emphasizes positive and non-destructive ways to manage anger. (Grades 3-4)

Elfo guides the reader through the difficult circumstances that can arise when a family member has a prolonged illness. Issues addressed realistically in this book include the hospital visit, medicines, fatigue and deteriorating physical appearance. Since children often have concerns they don't know how to express, Elfo demonstrates and validates feelings of sadness, fear, worry, loneliness, and love. Readers are encouraged to talk about their own situation, and suggestions are given for ways young children can help. This is an adaptation of the book When Someone is Very Sick for younger children. (Grades K-2)

Nick and Sarah experience fear about going to live with a foster family and anger with the rules there. The counselor helps Nick understand that he and Sarah are not at fault and did not cause their mother to mistreat them. Children can color in this activity book and discuss topics such as rules, feelings about leaving home, good things about foster parents and feelings of guilt they may have about being taken from their birth parents. This is an adaptation of the book A New Beginning for younger children. (Grades K-2)

Susie's friends tell her that Jerry has been talking behind her back. When she confronts Jerry, they wind up in a shouting match. The school counselor teaches them about rumors and the use of "I" statements. This book provides basic communication skills that will benefit everyone and are important in all behavioral issues. Within the story there are "Check It Out" sections that provide appropriate communication guidelines. (Grades 2-4)

KT describes life with her Mom after her parents' divorce. She details how they must work as a team and what she does to help make it easier to live with only one parent. KT examines times when she has felt caught between her parents and has tried to work one against the other. The discussion questions include topics relating to boundaries, fun time with parents, and working together. (Grades K-2)

This straightforward yet gentle book speaks directly to the middle school student about death, a subject they begin to encounter more and more often at this age. Extensive exercises are provided to process the feelings and issues that surround death including sadness, anger, fear, guilt, acceptance, responsibility, depression, funerals, burial or cremation, and what happens after death. This interactive book is used by thousands of hospitals, hospices, mortuaries and schools. (Middle School)

A field trip to the zoo inspires many feelings for an elementary school class. Your children will have fun learning about feelings by sharing the experiences of these children as expressed in a rhyming format. The discussion questions on each page will help children relate the feelings in the story to their own life experiences. This book is an adaptation of the book, Feelings & Faces for younger children. (Grades K-2)