Bottles Break
Grade 1-4-The deceptively simple format of this picture book belies its serious message. A young narrator, the child of an alcoholic mother, reveals feelings of fear, confusion, and low self-esteem. Bottles, which can be beautiful, are the symbol of the chaos of a household in which the driving force is the desire for alcohol. The alienation and erratic behavior of the parent and the child's hurt are described in simple language. The youngster is encouraged by a caring teacher to see the mother's actions as the manifestation of an illness, and is given coping skills to get through the difficult times. Graphic cut-paper collage illustrations provide strong visual impact; a spread depicting broken bottles and a broken mother figure is particularly effective. From the tiny figure on the first page ("That is what I feel like. I feel very small and like I do not count") to the large, multilayered figure on the last page ("Now I do not feel like that little speck anymore. I am getting bigger and bigger every day"), words and pictures skillfully convey the transition made possible through self-expression, affirmation, and support. The last page provides advice on getting help, including contact information for several support organizations. A useful book, particularly in counseling settings.Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.