On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy

Gr 1-5–Language is powerful—this book understands that and provides words with definitions so children can grasp more nuance, more understanding, and thus more power when approaching these trying times. It’s written in question-and-answer format, taking big questions children might ask and distilling them into comforting, straightforward answers. There’s no sugarcoating or obfuscating the point. Yes, there are disasters. Yes, people can be responsible. But Roberts offers facts, without emotion or editorializing, and there are also counterpoints to each real-life photo of terrible events, illustrations of people being there for each other, of connection and community. While it might be difficult to present to small children, especially if they have no immediate tragedy or disaster to spur these questions, it’s still worth having on hand for if/when these questions arise. The book is designed to grow with readers, with layers of meaning for future exploration, despite the simple writing of the questions, with sidebar additions of definitions, quotes, and anecdotes.