[(I Don't Want to Talk About it: A Story About Divorce for Young Children )] [Author: Jeanie Franz Ransom] [Sep-2000]

by Jeanie Franz Ransom

When a child's parents tell her that they have decided to divorce, the last thing she wants to do is to talk about it. Instead, she wants to roar like a lion so she can't hear their words. This story reveals a range of feelings a young child might experience when a family is confronting divorce.

Genres: Picture Books, Divorce, Family, Fiction, Childrens, Counselling

Hardcover

About the author

Jeanie Franz Ransom is a children's picture-book author and former elementary school counselor with a penchant for puns and a fondness for fractured fairytales. Her books include the award-winning "What Really Happened to Humpty?" and "The Crown Affair," and her newest title, "Cowboy Car."

Jeanie also writes self-help books for kids and the adults in their lives, including "Don't Squeal Unless It's' a Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales," "Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf: A Story About Bullying," and "There's a Cat in Our Class: A Tale About Getting Along."

Jeanie divides her time between St. Louis, MO, and Northport, MI, and is a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and conferences. To et updates on Jeanie's books and special events, follow her on Facebook.com/JeanieRansomAuthor, or visit www.jeanieransom.com..

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator of this story is a little girl who tells of her parents recent news to divorce, and she describes very vividly how the news makes her feel. Her world seems to be wild, like that of a jungle, with the descriptive language that the author uses. "I remembered the nights I wanted to be an elephant, so that I could crash through my parents' door and stop their mad, bad words," the narrator says. The author, Jeanie Franz Ransom, uses language that validates children's feelings and helps them to easily identify with the story, whether their parents have ever been divorced or not. They have felt the way that this little girl feels at some point...angry, hurt, etc. Along with the descriptive language, the illustrator depicts artwork that appropriately fits the text and gives children a vivid image to help them better see and understand what the author is trying to convey. This story can be used to teach literacy because of its descriptive language that can teach children new vocabulary terms as well as help them to learn how to form their own sentences rather than being prompted to do so. Although this book would be more appropriate to instruct grades first through fourth, it could definitely serve as reading material in a reading center for grades first through fifth.

[Kristen Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator of this story is a little girl who tells of her parents recent news to divorce, and she describes very vividly how the news makes her feel. Her world seems to be wild, like that of a jungle, with the descriptive language that the author uses. "I remembered the nights I wanted to be an elephant, so that I could crash through my parents' door and stop their mad, bad words," the narrator says. The author, Jeanie Franz Ransom, uses language that validates children's feelings and helps them to easily identify with the story, whether their parents have ever been divorced or not. They have felt the way that this little girl feels at some point...angry, hurt, etc. Along with the descriptive language, the illustrator depicts artwork that appropriately fits the text and gives children a vivid image to help them better see and understand what the author is trying to convey. This story can be used to teach literacy because of its descriptive language that can teach children new vocabulary terms as well as help them to learn how to form their own sentences rather than being prompted to do so. Although this book would be more appropriate to instruct grades first through fourth, it could definitely serve as reading material in a reading center for grades first through fifth.

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of the best reads I have done. This narrative tells the story of a child's anger when her parents tell her they are getting divorced. Every time they try to comfort her while talking about the situation, she get upset and says she doesn't want to talk about it. Which is a typical for all children, but this story showed all the emotions she was feeling. After feeling sad and mad, she turns into various animals that match her emotions or feelings. (ex. she wants to roar like a lion so she can't hear their painful words, she wants to be an elephant to storm in her parent's room and stop them from arguing, or a bird to fly away and not deal with it). But just as she is fully enraged her parents tell her everything will be okay ,it's not her fault, and nothing will change (with the exception of having a two homes.) This book can be used to teach describing feelings. The girl transformed into many animals based on her feelings. The students can use similes and metaphors to create poems/quick writes about a certain thing. They will use their descriptive language to form poems.

[Zilha B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story, written from the perspective of a little girl, shows what it is like to be in the middle of a divorce for many young kids. This little girl wants to do anything except “talk about it.” this book uses a lot of descriptive language that helps the reader feel the way the author is feeling-lonely, mad, hurt, etc. I would keep a copy of this book in my classroom library for students to read and show that all families are different. For those students whose families may be going through a divorce, this book could show them that they’re not alone either. This could also be a great book to use when talking about different families, maybe the first few weeks of school.

[DelGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a short, but wonderful story about a child's wide range of emotions when she finds out her parents are divorcing. Her feelings are depicted through lovely drawings of animals, for example, she feels at one point she wants to fly away like a bird because she's so upset and doesn't want to live with her family any more. There's also a section in the back that includes information for parents on how to deal with divorce and children, which is a much needed bit of information for anyone going through this trying time, as any bit of help can be useful.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a young girl's parents tell her that they getting a divorce she experiences a wide range of emotions and doesn't want to talk about it. Her parents offer her reassurance and help her to talk about how she's feelings. Children will certainly be able to relate with this main character and comparing the different emotions to animals allows them to talk about feelings which sometimes feel unexplainable.

The note to parents, written by Dr. Philip Stahl, is a valuable resource that many parents will find beneficial.

[Victoria Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the subject of divorce. A lot of children experience their parents' divorce and they often have a lot of feelings about it. What I like about this book is that it shows children that it is okay to mad or sad or upset about it. I also liked how it stressed that just because one's parents are not together, does not mean that their love for you will change. I would suggest having this book on hand to give to a child who you know is struggling with this. It may allow them to feel more comfortable with talking about it if the need to.

[Armanda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. It's great for students whose parents may be in the nmiddle of a divorce because it gives them a lot to think about. Reading this book, reminded me a lot of "My Mother's House, My Father's House" which also discussses the fact that rather than having a mom and dad in one house, you now have a mom in one house and a dad in another, but you also have two rooms that are both unique. I really liked this bok becuase it teaches kids that although your parents think it's best that they seperate, neither of them will love you any less.

[Alma Loredo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book where parents are breaking the news and telling their young girl that they are getting a divorce. She does not want to hear about it and tries to hide from the unwanted truth. Her parents keep saying that talking about it would make it better. After a while she realizes that her parents will not live together anymore but everything else will be the same as always. This book could really help a child that is having a hard time with a divorce.

[Juso · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Don't Want to Talk about It" is an emotional book about a little girl that is stuck in the middle of a divorce. She is willing to do anything, except talk about the divorce with anyone. This book depicts a lot of emotions that a young girl like her would feel in the middle of divorce. As a teacher, I could use this book to inspire students to feel better. It could be used to discuss about the different families and the many families that the students in the class can come from.

[Isela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a mom and a dad and they are getting a divorce. As a result, the child expresses her feeling using animals. At the end of the book, there is an area for " note to parents", which offers tips in helping children deal with divorce.

[Andrea Retana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives insight that is normal to feel sad or upset when parents get divorce.
The children are able to relate with main characters.
The author of the book uses language that will help students to relate with their emotions.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great real life connection to what is really happening in children's lives. A sad reality!

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to recommend to divorcing parents who want something to read with their children. It shows the range of emotions that children go through. Recommended for grades K-2.

[Elly Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl's struggle with hearing the news of her parents' divorce. Her mom and dad come into her room to talk to her about it, but hence the title of the book, she doesn't "want to talk about it". This picture book truly goes out of its way to show the not-so-pretty parts of family. Many children go through struggles with divorced parents, and this is one of the few books that addresses that.

It seems to me to be aimed towards older children. The words and story is more complex, and I think a really young child would get lost. The pictures are definitely captivating as well. They all follow the same theme of colors, and add to the story in several ways. For example, the pictures portray different emotions that the girl is feeling. Worry, anger, sadness, confusion, etc. The story also follows a pattern of real-life dialogue, and imaginative metaphors/similes.

Overall, this book shows the heartbreak that a child has to deal with following a divorce, but it also portrays the idea that the child is still loved, they can still be happy, and a sense of hope for the future.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Goodreads reviewer finds it fascinating when a therapist, or a writer with the blessings of the American Psychological Association, presents readers with a book that's supposed to bring important psychological insights.

Naturally, this book reads like a transcript of notes from a real-life therapy session for Everyman. For example:

"You're probably going o have lots of different feelings," my mother said.

"Most kids do when this happens to them."

"I don't want to talk about it," I said.

I wanted to be prickly like a porcupine, so that I couldn't be hurt by anything or anybody anymore.

HEY, THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

What, Goodreaders, you've heard this before?

Some people will adore "I Don't Want to Talk About It." For their sake I rate this book at FIVE STARS.

Other people (this reviewer included) will have the opposite reaction. Because we're not terribly impressed at the prospect of receiving one-size-fits-all psychotherapy designed for Everyman.

Look, if any of you are helped by Ms. Ransom's book, good for you!

[Kate P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl is told by her parents that they are getting a divorce. She is hurt and afraid and doesn't want anything to do with that so she describes her feelings and emotions with animal noises and animal embodiments. It is quite a unique story. I do not recall reading anything like this. The art is interesting - paintings. The little girl emotes passionately and it is expressed vividly throughout this book.

Interesting and worth reading. A good bibliotherapy book about divorce for children. Soft enough in the message, yet powerful emotions expressed throughout. I thought it was interesting and worthwhile. The little girl is a strong lead character. Note to parents in the back - which is important!

[Michael Cuevas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that I could say about the book is the illistrations are great. I love how when she's trying to compare all the different ways she wants to get away from her parents with different animals. The plot is about a girl that is given the terrible news that her parents are getting a divorce. Her parents are trying to say the all different reasons that it will not be so bad, but the girl responds with I don't want to talk about it. Until they finally convince her that things will still be the same for both parents just in different homes. She then realizes that it won't be so bad and is met with love from both parents. The voice I heard in this book was an upset child and soft-spoken adult voices talking to her.

[Alicia Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The images in this book did a wonderful job of displaying children's emotions when receiving such heavy news. I liked the way the illustrations were only on one page rather than spanning across both as it gave the reader more of an opportunity to focus on the words and topic of the book.

The plot of this book was very heavy as it dealt with a very heavy topic in a child's household. Allowing the reader to see what the child is feeling can be a great way to show a child reading the book that they are not alone in the feelings they may experience with a similar situation.

The voice I heard as I read the book was one of comfort and care from the parents and anxiety from the child. This book effectively portrayed a very tough situation for a child.

[Kaylin Azevedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a daughter who is being told sad news from her parents. They are getting a divorce and she doesn't want to talk about it. The voice we hear is the daughter. Lastly, the illustrations were very different in the since of they portrayed what the daughter was feeling and what animal she wanted to be. Also, the way they look as if they were painted directly on the page.

[Keann Moncrieffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was significantly written when it comes to showing a child's emotion when it comes to their parents getting a divorce. I have heard my friends say it went through things when they were going through this situation themselves. Overall, it showed a good way of how people feel when it comes to a topic like divorce.

[Beatriz Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about a little girl whose parents are divorcing. The girl uses metaphors to describe how bad feels about the situation. She later accepts her parent’s divorce because she understands her parents will still love and care for her. The voice I heard was a sad and worried little girl.

[skcocnaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

I see what this book is trying to do, but it’s a little disappointing that neither of the parents felt it was appropriate to let the little girl come to them when she felt ready. They insisted and kept pushing that she talk when she wasn’t ready yet. They didn’t respect her autonomy.

[Jenna Hanoian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, introduces topics kids normally feel uncomfortable talking about and makes it comfortable. The pictures help portray the strong message.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at how to approach the subject of divorce with a young child who doesn't want to discuss the subject with their parents when the topic and issues behind it are revealed.

[Hollie Faso]

great book

[PottWab Regional Library]

O

[Hailey Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to show a girl and her feelings through her parents divorce

[Lauren Clendening/Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a little girl that has a mom and dad who are getting divorced. When the mom and dad come to tell her about their decision she tells them that "she doesn't want to talk about it." Throughout the story, she describes how she wished she was a certain type of animal so that she could run far away, fly far away, be prickly like a porcupine so that she couldn't be hurt, be a crocodile so that she could eat her parents bad news up, etc. At the end of the story, the parents explain to her that their love for her will never change and that she will still see both of them every week. They also explain that they will still do the same activities with her that they usually do. The little girl finds happiness in having "two places to live" and she gives her mom a big bear hug when she tells her that she will be loved wherever she is. This book provides a child that is going through or has gone through a divorce with a realistic story that gives a problem with a resolution. This book could help a child realize that no matter what, their parents still love them the same. The pictures go along great with this book. It really emphasizes the text.

[Alsjem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the linking of emotions to animals and the advice to parents at the back of the book.