Here’s my Perfect Picture Book Friday choice:
I Love You All Day Long
Written by Francesca Rusackas
Illustrated by Priscilla Burris
Harper Collins, 2003
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 3-5
Themes: Separation, School
Opening Lines: Owen had an important question: “Do I have to go today, Mommy?”
Synopsis: When a little pig worries about being apart from his mother when he goes off to school, she reassures him.
Link to Resources: There are lots of resources on separation anxiety. Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama Misses Mama really helped process some feelings in the recent week. Here’s a link to a Llama Llama resource. If anyone has an person tricks on getting through this separation, leave a comment. We did a lot of reassurance and focus on routine. We also found that Enzo really wanted to do a craft project after school, so we’ve been working on those as an after school treat.
Why I like this book: I found this book, because I NEEDED IT! We have traveled in recent weeks and Enzo was not feeling the “regular routine” after a wedding in Florida, a trip to Disney World, and all that is Halloween. He was in tears a few days during drop off. Of course, he was fine two minutes after I left.
Find more PPBF at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.
This looks like a great resource. I like The Kissing Hand, too, which is kind of a separation anxiety book. I have no suggestions for Enzo though. I have the distinction of being asked to not bring my child back to “mommy’s morning out” because his separation anxiety was upsetting the other kids. True.
Oh, Sorry Wendy.
This looks like a very sweet and reassuring book. I’m always amazed at what our little ones can endure. I’m glad that you were able to find a book to help. I used to read Owl Babies to my son. Being able to read a picture book about separation anxiety while they’re not feeling anxious is so helpful. Thank you for this review!
Yes Owl Babies is a good one. True. The little ones can endure a lot.
Sounds like a reassuring book. My favorite book is Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs by Susan Bernardo. It is a comforting book for kids dealing with a separation or loss. It’s very affirming. Sound like Enzo got a bit overwhelmed from all the traveling and felt a little insecure. You have him back in his routine now. My daughter suffered separation anxiety at different times during childhood. Didn’t have books then — just hugs and reassurance.
We haven’t read Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs by Susan Bernardo. We’ll have to find it. Things are much better this week, but now we will have the Thanksgiving break.
This sounds like a sweet book! Sorry, I don’t have any tips on the separation anxiety. My daughter had a terrible time when she first started junior kindergarten. It just took time. I let her wear one of my necklaces when she felt upset and that seemed to help her. She would often go and get it to wear when she was feeling anxious about school.
The necklace is a lovely idea Andrea.
Thanks for the review, Stacy. I hadn’t heard of this one. I will be checking it out.
I hope you enjoy it Rosi.
Love this book too. I’ve seen it before, and it’s very reassuring for children…AND parents.
Yes Damon I loved the reassuring to parents part. 🙂
OH I love Priscilla Burris – how did I not know about this book? Will add to my library list ASAP.
We had our tough separation days too. What worked best was slipping a special note or treat into the lunch box so there was a surprise to look forward to IF he/she stayed at school. 🙂 But try lots of things – something will work!
Time apparently was the main magic (along with an assortment of Christmas Crafts – doing an art project speaks to him). We do notes in his pocket, which includes a doodle of our family. It’s something I noticed in a PB illustration. We do the doodle instead of a note, since he can’t read yet.
This looks like a really cute, special book. I can feel Enzo’s worries. But I’m sure getting back into his routine will help. I have spent many a morning helping to calm and soothe tots at school who didn’t want to be there. A hand on my back and a quiet walk around the halls seems to help a lot.
I wish you were in Enzo’s classroom Rhythm.
I, uh, still suffer from separation anxiety at the age of 50, so I should really read this book. :}
Yes read it. I promise to love you always Teresa.
Hang in there, Stacy! Great that you look for solutions and comfort in PBs!!!
It was better this week! I always find comfort in PBs!
I melted at the cover of this book. So, so warm and sweet. Enzo is lucky to have an intuitive mother who is aware of his needs. <3 And hearing about him is wonderful -reminds me to live in the now.
I didn’t feel like I was meeting his needs. It is great when book can help begin a conversation or offer reassurance.
I hope he’s enjoying school again, Stacy. My two are just so excited to see the snow. Have you got any yet? My best friend has daycare and she says the new shy one cries but is totally fine after 2 minutes. It’s just that’s all you remember as you walk away.
Yes. He is. And, I know he’s fine after I leave, but that IS all you remember when you walk away. We also had snow. One night was tricky with driving, but otherwise it was fairly tame.