Books in My First Look at series

A visit to the dentist can be a scary experience for younger children. This good-humored story emphasizes the dentist's role as a friend and advisor who ensures that boys and girls have healthy teeth and attractive smiles. This is a new title in the appealing "A First Look At. . ." series. These books encourage preschool and early-grades children, to explore their feelings and talk to parents or other trusted elders about things that bother them. Some problems, like visits to the dentist, are passing and minor and can be solved with relative ease. Others, like dealing with allergies, can range from passing annoyances to something more serious. In all cases, children are encouraged to follow parental and medical advice so that they can engage in normal children's activities. The books feature child-friendly color illustrations on every page. An advice to parents section follows each story.

Psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas puts her gentle, yet straightforward approach to work in this new addition to Barron's highly acclaimed A First Look At...Series. Everyone feels shy at times, even grown-ups and other children who seem very brave. But excessive shyness may leave children feeling lonely and left out. This book will help children take the first steps toward feeling more confident. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them. Full-color illustrations on every page.

This new title in Barron's A First Look At series encourages kids of preschool through early school age to understand and overcome problems that might trouble them in social and family relationships. Written by an experienced psychotherapist and counselor on a level that is always understandable to younger children, this book seeks to promote positive interactions among children, parents, and teachers. Thoughtful text is supplemented with child-friendly color illustrations on every page. A two-page How to Use This Book section for parents and teachers appears at the back of each book. A Parent in the Armed Forces speaks to kids about times when a parent in the military is called to active duty to a faraway place. Children are assured that it's normal for them to feel distress and anxiety because of separation from a parent. This title helps children understand that separation is only temporary, and that their Dad or Mom is being called to perform an important service for which the child should be especially proud.