Review: Conflict resolution sensitively illustrated in this fine book
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 15, 2013
Shimrit Nothman, with a BA in Psychology and Communication from Haifa University and a MA in Conflict Resolution form Tel Aviv University, has focused on her own history of fear of public speaking and stage fright by becoming an honored debater. She now writes and speaks widely about conflict resolution and here she demonstrates that depth of knowledge in a very well written book with excellent illustrations by Basra Owais.Benny is an adventure-seeking lad who decides to play Kings and Dragons, hops on his toy horse and then realizes he needs a trusty knight to assist him. Lacking such a figure among his own toys he breaks a rule and goes to his sister's room, rummages through her toys, and Voila! There is a Sir Bear - his sister's teddy bear. Out to build castles and adventures his older sister Justine intervenes and demands he give back her teddy bear. Offering to return the bear after his adventures, Benjy becomes frightened when Justine threatens to take the case to their father to decide. Benjy is angry and sad, and in his despondency he chats with his toy blue car, admitting his sadness about Justine's anger about his ploy. The blue car suggests a reconciliation and with that sound advice Benjy's ball further suggests that he ask Justine to play together and his toy guitar suggests Benjy also make a gift for Justine to express his heartfelt regret at causing an argument. Benjy sleeps on the idea and the next morning, prepared to make amends with Justine, he instead finds his sister forgiving and simply requesting to borrow her toys when he wishes to play with them. And the two play with both their toys together.The book is charming, fun to read and act out, and gives children an immediate insight into how to avoid problems of sibling rivalry and instead become a happy household. Grady Harp, September 13