On Our Street
Our First Talk About Poverty
by Dr. Jillian Roberts
read by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Part 1 of the World Around Us series
A gentle introduction to the issue of poverty, On Our Street explores the realities of people living with inadequate resources.
Using age-appropriate language, this book addresses mental illness, homelessness and refugee status as they are connected to this issue. Insightful quotes from individuals and organizations such as UNICEF are included throughout to add further perspective on the issue. An invaluable section on how kids can help empowers readers to take what they have learned and use it to make a difference.
On the News
Our First Talk About Tragedy
by Dr. Jillian Roberts
read by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Part 2 of the World Around Us series
Introduces 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 parents to better handle questions that arise when children are exposed to the news.
On the Internet
Our First Talk About Online Safety
by Dr. Jillian Roberts
read by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Part 3 of the World Around Us series
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.
On the Playground
Our First Talk About Prejudice
by Dr. Jillian Roberts
read by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Part 4 of the World Around Us series
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.
Under Our Clothes
Our First Talk About Our Bodies
by Dr. Jillian Roberts
read by Heather Gould
Part 5 of the World Around Us series
This nonfiction audiobook 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.
On Our Nature Walk
Our First Talk About Our Impact on the Environment
by Dr. Jillian Roberts
read by Kirstie Hudson
Part 6 of the World Around Us series
A gentle introduction to the important topic of the environment.
Crafted around a conversation between a grade-school-aged child and an adult, this inquiry-focused book using age-appropriate language and tone will help children shape their understanding of the natural world and how they participate in protecting it. Dr. Roberts starts the discussion with the types of pollution and trash that children might notice on a nature walk or a trip to the beach, how they are caused and how to work to improve things in their own lives and communities.
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues 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.